ERIC Number: EJ1474823
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2154-8455
EISSN: EISSN-2154-8463
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Theory-Based Science Communication at Comic Cons
International Journal of Science Education, Part B: Communication and Public Engagement, v15 n2 p229-243 2025
The majority of research concerning science communication happens in spaces where people already have a vested interest in or knowledge of science, such as museums and science cafes. Thus, there is a gap in understanding what theory-based science communication looks like in non-science-centered spaces. This qualitative research study, which featured cosplaying science communicators at comic conventions, offers insights into what science communication practices occur within everyday spaces. We conducted observations of and semi-structured interviews with 15 cosplaying scientists, examining how they utilized effective framing and narrative structuring when communicating science at comic cons in cosplay. Across 700 coded utterances, cosplaying scientists most often used effectively framed messaging which allowed for visitors to unite their interests with STEM topics. Alternatively, we rarely witnessed cosplaying scientists using messaging that assuaged or addressed politically polarized scientific topics, such as climate change. While not originally within the scope of data analysis, we also noted that cosplaying scientists indicated that varied aspects of their identities, such as their gender and ethnic backgrounds helped or hindered their science communication practices at comic conventions. Our research provides evidence how science communication changes when it occurs in everyday spaces and indicates avenues for future study in these spaces.
Descriptors: Conferences (Gatherings), Sciences, Communication (Thought Transfer), Cartoons, Communication Strategies, Scientists, Informal Education
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Emma Eccles Jones College of Education, Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA; 2Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, Claremont, CA, USA