Deepening Public Engagement Through a Two-Channel Strategy of Science Communication

Deepening Public Engagement Through a Two-Channel Strategy of Science Communication. Research investigating “cultural cognition” suggests that ordinary members of the public process science-related information by assessing its coherence with values and commitments that connect them to important affinity groups. This work suggests the potential value of a distinctive two-channel science communication strategy that combines information content (“Channel 1”) with cultural meanings (“Channel 2”) selected to promote open-minded assessment of information across diverse groups. Professor Kahan will present evidence that supports this strategy and discuss how it can be used to widen public engagement with science in avariety of settings.