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• Date of publication Mar 17, 2025 Category: Article

  Citizens' perspectives on science communication

  by Ionica Smeets , Charlotte B. C. M. Egger , Sicco de Knecht , Anne M. Land-Zandstra , Aletta Lucia Meinsma , Ward Peeters , Sanne Romp , Julie Schoorl , Winnifred Wijnker , Alex Verkade

  The evolving landscape of science communication highlights a shift from traditional dissemination to participatory engagement. This study explores Dutch citizens' perspectives on science communication, focusing on science capital, public engagement, and communication goals. Using a mixed-methods approach, it combines survey data (“n”=376) with focus group (“n”=66) insights. Findings show increasing public interest in participating in science, though barriers like knowledge gaps persist. Trust-building, engaging adolescents, and integrating science into society were identified as key goals. These insights support the development of the Netherlands' National Centre of Expertise on Science and Society and provide guidance for inclusive, effective science communication practices.

  Volume 24 • Issue 01 • 2025

• Date of publication Dec 19, 2022 Category: Article

  Debunking strategies for misleading bar charts

  by Winnifred Wijnker , Winnifred Wijnker , Ionica Smeets , Peter Burger , Sanne Willems

  Graphs are useful to communicate concisely about complex issues. Although they facilitate intuitive reading of data, trends, and predictions, hasty readers may still come to the wrong conclusions, especially if graphs are misleading due to violated design conventions. To provide evidence about how to prevent misinformation from spreading by misleading graphs, this two-survey experimental study investigates the effectiveness of four correction methods as debunking strategies to correct bar charts with manipulated vertical axes. All four methods showed positive effects. The most effective one is aimed at correcting the initial image by presenting an accurate alternative graph. A reduced effect remained visible after one week.

  Volume 21 • Issue 07 • 2022