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Peer-reviewed article

How does science fiction television shape fans' relationships to science? Results from a survey of 575 ‘Doctor Who’ viewers

September 2, 2019 | Media and Technology

Fiction is often credited with shaping public attitudes to science, but little science communication research has studied fans' deep engagement with a science-themed fiction text. This study used a survey to investigate the impacts of television series ‘Doctor Who’ (1963–89; 2005–present) on its viewers' attitudes to science, including their education and career choices and ideas about science ethics and the science-society relationship. The program's reported impacts ranged from causing participants to fact-check ‘Doctor Who’'s science to inspiring them to pursue a science career, or, more commonly, prompting viewers to think broadly and deeply about science's social position in diverse ways.

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  • Linda Orthia
    Author
    Australian National University
  • Citation

    ISSN : 1824-2049
    DOI : 10.22323/2.18040208
    Publication Name: Journal of Science Communication
    Volume: 18
    Number: 4
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: General STEM
    Audience: General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals | Scientists
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Broadcast Media

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