An inconvenient source? Attributes of science documentaries and their effects on information-related behavioral intentions

Abstract

We investigate the impact of a science documentary on individuals' intention to engage in information-related behaviors by experimentally testing the effects of source type (scientist, politician, or anonymous source) and communication setting (interview or lecture) using a manipulated clip from the documentary, ‘An Inconvenient Truth’. Our results indicate that, compared to anonymous sources, use of authoritative ones result in greater intention to engage in some information-related behaviors. Additionally, our results suggest that increased intentions to engage in exchanging information can be attributed to negative affect induced by the clip featuring a politician. Implications for documentary films and science communication are discussed.

The science of YouTube: What factors influence user engagement with online science videos?

“…Previous research discovered that user-generated science videos were more popular than professionally produced videos on YouTube and that having consistent science communicators deliver the content might increase video popularity [ 21 ]. Use of authoritative spokespersons (e.g., politicians, scientists) rather than anonymous narrators in presenting controversial scientific topics in documentary films appeared to increase viewer engagement with the content [ 62 ]. In addition, experimental evidence showed that viewers reported greater interest and perceived relevance concerning chemistry when viewing chemistry content that focused on applications of science in people’s everyday life [ 63 ].…”

Effects of opinion statements on laypeople's acceptance of a climate engineering technology. Comparing the source credibility of researchers, politicians and a citizens' jury

“…One explanation for this is that participants might have assessed politicians and researchers to be more influential actors compared to the citizens' jury, as for both groups in both statement conditions the correlation between source credibility and acceptance was significantly positive. Recent research supports this finding, as Yeo, Binder, Dahlstrom and Brossard [2018] found, that authoritative sources like politicians or researchers had a significant impact on behavioural intentions, whereas an anonymous source had not. Though the citizens' jury was perceived as trustworthy, respondents did not adjust their acceptance rating based on its statement.…”

Transformation of the media landscape: Infotainment versus expository narrations for communicating science in online videos

“…The results of our experiment suggest that for the communication of science in online videos, the traditional expository style of narration still carries advantages. It is generally perceived as more authoritative and, therefore, believable (Yeo et al, 2018). This is probably a consequence of our exposure to the style of traditional science documentaries (León, 2007).…”