Definitions of Scientific Terminology in Popular Science Books: An Examination of Definitional Chains

Abstract

This article explores scientific terminology in popular science books. It goes beyond existing approaches to definitions in popularizations to suggest a dual, macro and micro, structure for the majority of definitions. This dual structure manifests as chains of definitions that include prototypical, procedural, and figurative definitions. Analyzing the structure and functions of the chains (macro structure) and their individual components (micro structure), this article does not confirm the phenomenon of substitution observed by Myers yet suggests that even without the replacement of terminology popular science maintains the focus on the specific rather than the general.

Media as a Source of Popular Science Information during COVID-19 Pandemic

“…O. Pilkigton declares that popular science has a majority of definitions. She argues that even without the replacement of terminology popular science maintains the focus on the specific rather than the general (Pilkington, 2019).…”

Position paper: digital engineering and building information modelling in Australia

“…Thus, the definition of DE in this position paper adheres to the norms of popular scientific discourse on DE within the engineering domain, following the definition of DE by Defense Department (2018), and as further explained by Huang et al (2020). The confusion between these definitions is addressed through the use of a definitional chain approach, in which, instead of providing a single definition, a concept is defined in comparison to related terms, through text segments that introduce the term in conjunction with illustration and explanation (G€ ulich, 2003;Pilkington, 2019).…”

“…Note 1. Following the recommendation by Pilkington (2019), this task is pursued here not through a single definition, but through a definitional chain-a combination of several definitions that provide commonly recognised approaches to defining (such as X is Y) and novel ways of presenting scientific terminology (telling the reader what X does).…”

Naming is framing: The framing effect of technology name on public attitude toward automated vehicles

“…The name given to a technology, a central issue for public opinion on and acceptance research on technology, will affect how people perceive the technology (Boersma et al, 2019a; Clarke et al, 2015; Jang and Hart, 2015; Whitmarsh, 2009; Zahry and Besley, 2019) (see section “Framing effect” for more evidence). It has also been identified as one of the key obstacles in science communication (Pilkington, 2019). These common names (e.g.…”