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COMMUNITY:
Peer-reviewed article

Using a scientific literacy cluster to determine participant attitudes in scientific events in Japan, and potential applications to improving science communication

January 28, 2013 | Public Programs
Various science events including Science Cafés have been held in Japan. However, there is the question whether these are events in which all people in society can participate? In particular, methods for checking whether or not the event attracts the participants targeted by the organizers have not yet been well established. In this paper, the authors have designed a simplified questionnaire to identify the participants’ attitudes toward science, technology and society, which can then be grouped into four clusters. When applied to various science cafés, the results revealed that participants consisted of Cluster 1 “Inquisitive type” and Cluster 2 “Sciencephile” who are interested in science and technology. The cafes studied did not provide sufficient appeal to people of Clusters 3 and 4 who are not interested in science and technology without applying some inventive methods. Our method provides a means of objectivelyevaluating the tendencies of participants in science communication events in order to improve the spread of science communications within society.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Shishin Kawamoto
    Author
    Tokyo Institute of Technology
  • Nakayama Minoru
    Author
    Tokyo Institute of Technology
  • Saijo Miki
    Author
    Tokyo Institute of Technology
  • Citation

    ISSN : 1824-2049
    Publication Name: Journal of Science Communication
    Volume: 12
    Number: 1
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: General STEM
    Audience: General Public | Scientists
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Public Events and Festivals

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