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Comparing the structures of storytelling and magic for science communication with an agent-based model
José Ilić-García, Fernando Izaurieta1, Ignacio Ormazábal
1Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Fundación 42, Chile.
Public Understanding of Science (Bristol, England)
|June 23, 2021
Summary
This study compared storytelling and magic structures for science communication using an agent-based model. Magic structures may be more effective than traditional storytelling for public understanding of science.
Area of Science:
- Science communication
- Computational modeling
- Public understanding of science
Background:
- Storytelling is a common recommendation for scientists communicating research to the public.
- The effectiveness of storytelling compared to other structures in science communication is not well-established.
- Magic and illusionism offer an unexplored structural approach for science communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of various storytelling structures against a magic/illusionism structure in science communication.
- To investigate the potential of magic as a novel framework for public engagement with science.
- To evaluate different story architectures for their impact on public understanding of science.
Main Methods:
- An agent-based computational model was developed to simulate and compare different communication structures.
- The model assessed various storytelling frameworks and a magic/illusionism-based structure.
- This approach allowed for a systematic comparison of structural effectiveness.
Main Results:
- The study's findings suggest that certain magic-based structures may be more effective than traditional storytelling in science communication.
- The agent-based model provided insights into the comparative efficacy of different narrative architectures.
- Results highlight the need for empirical testing of these structures.
Conclusions:
- The effectiveness of story architectures in public understanding of science warrants further investigation.
- Magic and illusionism present a promising, yet under-explored, avenue for science communication strategies.
- Future research should include double-blind control studies to rigorously test these findings and refine agent-based models.
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