TY - JOUR
T1 - How to communicate science to the public?
T2 - Recommendations for effective written communication derived from a systematic review
AU - König, Laura Maria
AU - Altenmüller, Marlene S.
AU - Fick, Julian
AU - Crusius, Jan
AU - Genschow, Oliver
AU - Sauerland, Melanie
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - Communicating research findings to the public in a clear but engaging manner is challenging, yet central for maximizing their societal impact. This systematic review aimed to derive evidence-based strategies for science communication from experimental studies. Three databases were searched in December 2022. Experimental studies published in English or German were included if they tested the effect of providing written information about science to adults aged 16+ years by assessing the impact on at least one of four domains of science communication aims (understanding and knowledge, attitudes and trust, intention and behavior, engagement). A total of 171 studies were included. Derived strategies include avoiding jargon, carefully structuring texts, including citations and expert sources, being mindful about how and when to indicate conflict or uncertainty in science, using neutral language, and highlighting Open Science principles and replicability. They can be used to communicate science effectively to lay audiences, benefitting society
AB - Communicating research findings to the public in a clear but engaging manner is challenging, yet central for maximizing their societal impact. This systematic review aimed to derive evidence-based strategies for science communication from experimental studies. Three databases were searched in December 2022. Experimental studies published in English or German were included if they tested the effect of providing written information about science to adults aged 16+ years by assessing the impact on at least one of four domains of science communication aims (understanding and knowledge, attitudes and trust, intention and behavior, engagement). A total of 171 studies were included. Derived strategies include avoiding jargon, carefully structuring texts, including citations and expert sources, being mindful about how and when to indicate conflict or uncertainty in science, using neutral language, and highlighting Open Science principles and replicability. They can be used to communicate science effectively to lay audiences, benefitting society
KW - Science communication
KW - scientific communication
KW - trust in science
KW - public engagement
KW - media psychology
U2 - 10.1027/2151-2604/a000572
DO - 10.1027/2151-2604/a000572
M3 - Article
SN - 2190-8370
VL - 233
SP - 40
EP - 51
JO - Zeitschrift für Psychologie
JF - Zeitschrift für Psychologie
IS - 1
ER -