The Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS) was pleased to welcome Dr. Vanessa Schipani to the University of Cincinnati last week. Dr. Schipani facilitated a hands-on workshop called Communicating About Science Across the Political Divide, led the discussion for PEWS’ R&D (Research and Discussion) Group, and presented a talk on Rethinking Journalistic Objectivity (Or Why Journalists Can Be Activists) for the Philosophy Department.
The workshop engaged participants in discussions about their experience communicating with people who hold different political views. Dr. Schipani then shared best practices and communication tips from the latest research and from her experience as a nonpartisan journalist at FactCheck.org. For example, whereas people tend to want to immediately share facts to counter points made by those on the other side of the political spectrum, research suggests that people tend to double down on their beliefs when presented with fact-based information contrary to their views. Instead, Dr. Schipani described various ways that communicators could first demonstrate responsiveness to their interlocutor before presenting facts, making uptake of those facts more likely later in the conversation. Participants were put into groups to practice these communication skills in a roleplaying activity.
The R&D discussion and Philosophy department presentation both highlighted the interface between journalism, science, and democracy. As Dr. Schipani describes her research project, “I’m trying to bridge a divide between philosophy and social sciences, specifically with the aim of understanding how the communicative practices of scientists, journalists, and technology can foster social and institutional trust and ease political polarization.”
PEWS is excited to bring guest speakers to the University of Cincinnati for public-facing talks and workshops. Stay tuned for our next events!
