Narrative risks in science writing for the lay public

Abstract

The narrative method of presenting popular science method promises to extend the audience of science, but carries risks related to two broad aspects of story: the power of narrative to impose a compelling and easily interpretable structure on discrete events and the unpredictability and mystique associated with story. AbstractHistory of public communication of science; Science writing Keywords ContextScience writing for the lay public frequently appears to degenerate into so-called 'Just So' stories: narrative…