Factors affecting the efficacy of short stories as science communication tools

Abstract

People become familiar with stories as sources of information in their childhood, and, while they have recently received interest as potential science communication tools, few studies have considered aspects of story quality on science communication. We postulate that quality is an important, if challenging, facet that should be considered when exploring the potential of short stories in science communication. This essay argues that quality should be a key consideration of those interested in studying or working with short stories for science communication purposes and presents criteria for the `well-made' short story.

Science fiction media representations of exoplanets: portrayals of changing astronomical discoveries

“…Hypotheses about SF's role in the public's exposure to scientific concepts are beginning to be supported by evidence-based research, as in Eichmeier et al [2023] which demonstrates that the consumption of SF influences audience perceptions of human genome editing. SF's potential beyond the communication of information, as a source of communication methods such as storytelling, or scenario-building to explore the societal consequences of scientific advances, are also increasingly noticed [Joubert et al, 2019;Irani & Weitkamp, 2023]. Scholars are considering what role SF might play in science communication, beyond these current examples of use by scientists [Dahlstrom, 2014;Reinsborough, 2017].…”

“…A survey of 239 UK astronomers attending the 2022 UK National Astronomy Meeting provided statistical evidence that the majority were interested in SF and stated that SF influenced their career decisions [Stanway, 2022]. There is growing interest in analysing SF's utility for science communication [Joubert, Davis & Metcalfe, 2019;Irani & Weitkamp, 2023] and the role SF plays in imagining futures for scientists and the public alike [Reinsborough, 2017]. Several studies analyse how SF affects its readership's understanding of science: Eichmeier et al investigated audience understanding of the human genome [2023], Lowe et al similarly investigated audience understanding of environmental science [2006], and Orthia interviewed Doctor Who viewers about how the show impacts their ideas about science [2019].…”