From Emotion to Transformation
An Analytical Proposal for the Influence of Public Communication of Science and Technology
Keywords:
public communication of science and technology, scientific culture, social appropriation of science and technology, impact of science communication, non-formal educationAbstract
Since its inception as an academic discipline, the analysis of public communication of science and technology (PCST) has developed various models regarding the relationship established with the public—ranging from an emphasis on the transmission of information to approaches that recognize the public’s contributions and its potential to influence a society’s scientific and technological trajectory. These approaches must be complemented by a clear understanding of the objectives that can guide the practice of PCST, which requires a specific conceptual framework. This article proposes the POWER model, a spectrum of five levels of PCST’s influence on people’s lives: Pleasure, Order, Wisdom (Decision), Enhance action, and Reform. The proposal is based on the concepts of lifelong learning and scientific culture, as well as analytical models of PCST and sociocritical approaches to education. The POWER model describes the progression of impact, from the initial emotional connection with science to collective action aimed at social transformation, with the goal of constructing a conceptual tool for the design, analysis, and evaluation of PCST initiatives.
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