Making Space for the “Nuances of Truth”: Communication and Uncertainty at an Environmental Journalists’ Workshop

Abstract

In 2008, the Society of Environmental Journalists listed nearly 50 science or science immersion workshops for environmental journalists. Yet relatively little is known about the content of these workshops and their impact on participants. This ethnographic study, conducted at a science immersion workshop for environmental journalists, aims to fill this void in our knowledge. Relying on participant observation and depth interviews, the study suggests that such workshops are useful for participating journalists: Reporters feel they leave the workshop better understanding the scientific method and scientific uncertainty. But the findings also reveal that “metacommunication”—communication about communication—is equally as important as science immersion activities. Workshop scientists should be involved in metacommunication activities not just as scientific experts advising journalists on science but as fellow professionals seeking to improve communication between the two groups.

Communicating scientific evidence: scientists’, journalists’ and audiences’ expectations and evaluations regarding the representation of scientific uncertainty

“…Research and knowledge gaps, limitations of existing research, or contradictory findings are factors that contribute to scientific uncertainty (Schneider, 2010). Conversely, scientific certainty is increased upon confirmation of hypotheses and replications of research results (Bromme, Prenzel, and Jäger, 2014).…”

(When) Is Science Reporting Ethical? The Case for Recognizing Shared Epistemic Responsibility in Science Journalism

“…Effective collaboration at the profession and team levels requires journalists to be functionally bilingual between "Sciencese" and "Publicese, " that portion of a natural language in which such terms as "ice floe" and "symmetry" are too technical to be included (Schneider, 2008). In Schneider's (Schneider, 2008) illuminating ethnographic study of a Society of Environmental Journalists' "science immersion" workshop in climate science, the most highly praised exercise involved reading peer-reviewed science papers together.…”

“…In Schneider's (Schneider, 2008) illuminating ethnographic study of a Society of Environmental Journalists' "science immersion" workshop in climate science, the most highly praised exercise involved reading peer-reviewed science papers together. But the groups read the introduction and discussion sections.…”

Addressing the Complexities of Boundary Work in Sustainability Science through Communication

“…Qualitative evaluation of these workshops revealed that participants found them effective and the practical exercises were particularly beneficial for skill development. Similarly, Schneider [57] found that trainings for journalists can be effective, especially when these workshops include time for journalists and scientists to interact directly. Opportunities for open and reflective discussion about key science communication challenges, such as framing the concept of uncertainty, created a space for mutual learning among scientists and journalists.…”

“…We suggested that these factsheets should respond to some of the key communication issues identified in our analysis, such as providing information about relevant scientific studies to support arguments and about the potential impact of the legislation to hunting and fishing. A key next step in this effort is to develop a more extensive training program that, following Schneider's [57] example, brings scientists, journalists, and policy makers into face-to-face discussions about communication.…”