A STUDY OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS PROBLEMS IN CREATING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY,
Abstract
This study reviews some of the salient causes and effects of what some have called the ''scientific revolution.'' One of these effects has been the development of the technical means to make available vast amounts of information to the masses. Those concerned with the problem of increasing public understanding of science and technology believe that part of the solution is to increase the quantity and quality of science information in the mass media. The links in the communication chain between science and the public are identified along with some of the problems facing each. Some of the limited re search available concerning the level of public understanding of science and public attitudes toward science and scientists is reviewed. The performance of the scientist as a source of public information, the newsman as an interpreter of science, and the media manager as a gatekeeper of science information are analyzed. Special emphasis is placed on the role and responsibility of a comparatively new link in the mass communi cation chain, the public relations practitioner. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0416248
Entities
People
- Robert Hermann
Organizations
- Boston University