An experimental design, theoretically motivated by cognitive models of text comprehension, investigates effects of structures in complex news on readers (undergraduate non-science majors) who have little or no expertise for the content (science and technology). Text from two New York Times stories were modified for a proposed explanatory structure building (ESB) model to enhance reader interest in and comprehension of the content. Dependent variables include self-reported situational interest and a deeper situational understanding of the text as measured by sorting tasks and inference generating questions. A between-subjects field experiment exposed participants ( N = 235) to text on a Web page in either the traditional inverted pyramid or ESB structure. As predicted, when controlling for pretest levels of scientific literacy, the ESB news text significantly enhanced reader interest and understanding of the content, as compared to the original inverted pyramid news stories. Results are interpreted in the context of enhancing the public understanding of complex news issues.
We present results from a course, "Informal Science Education for Scientists: A Practicum," co-taught to graduate students in STEM-related fields by a scientist/engineer and a social scientist/humanist. This course provides a structured framework and experiential learning about informal science education during a semester-long experience.The data collected across six years of the course (11 ≤ n ≤ 16 for each) provide strong evidence that the course has been effective in encouraging graduate students in STEMrelated fields to feel more skilled at and confident with informal science education. Details are provided as to how manipulation of the course structure (i.e. making it project-based, emphasizing understanding audiences, stressing the iterative nature of design, and increasing evaluation research training) influenced the student outcomes.
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of relationship fundraising and cultivating committed donors for nonprofit news outlets seeking financial sustainability, particularly during a time of major changes in the journalism industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines four nonprofit news organizations and their audiences of financial contributors. Results from a survey of 465 donors and subsequent interviews with donors are discussed.FindingsNonprofit news organizations rely heavily upon individual supporters who typically give often but in small chunks. Donors tend to favor nonprofit journalism organizations that report quality, local news stories not usually found in other news sources. Donors place a premium on developing a relationship with journalists in their communities and are likely to support their local nonprofit news source once the news outlet has earned their trust.Research limitations/implicationsNews organizations were allowed to choose which donors received invitations to take the survey, and donors to one news organization provided the vast majority of responses. Future research should explore how nonprofit journalism donors differ from donors to other types of nonprofit organizations.Practical implicationsThis paper reveals new data about audiences of emerging media organizations. The interests and behaviors of donors help to provide new insights into audience engagement.Originality/valueThe paper profiles donors to four relatively new nonprofit organizations and investigates their motivations for providing financial support. Managers of communication organizations could benefit from new strategies for audience cultivation.
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