Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study examines Polish citizens’ understanding of the Nature of Science (NoS) (McComas 2020) through public consultations on science communication in four areas: climate change, GMOs, vaccinations, and alternative medicine. Qualitative analysis of group discussions revealed that while all NoS elements were addressed, tools, processes, and products of science were most frequently referenced, with human elements and limitations mentioned less often. NoS principles were most evident among participants with higher education. The authors suggest using these insights as a litmus test for Polish citizens’ scientific literacy and advocate for professional science communication that goes beyond reporting findings to include explanations of scientific processes. This approach, they argue, can effectively support citizens’ lifelong learning.
Institution: University of Łódź
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4417497182