Work

Storytelling in Science Film: Narrative Engagement Relates to Greater Knowledge, Interest, and Identification With Science

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: To explore narrative engagement’s impacts on science communication, we examine a representative sample of U.S. adults randomly assigned to watch one of the four short documentary science films. Our results indicate that narrative engagement—feeling connected to the story world and identifying with characters—predicts a wide range of outcomes relevant to engagement and learning: greater knowledge gain and perceived knowledge and interest, perceiving science in a new way, perceiving science as valuable, and identifying with science. These outcomes typically appeared regardless of viewer demographics. We describe implications and opportunities for research into the impacts of stories and science films for engaging diverse audiences.

Source: Science Communication

DOI: 10.1177/10755470241269885

Authors: Emily L. Howell, Shannon L. Behrman, Elliot Kirschner, Sarah S. Goodwin

Language: English

Topic: Media Influence and Health

Subfield: Literature and Literary Theory

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,700

Funder: Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences

Award: G1144372181