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Uncovering common threads across types of science skepticism to show why these controversial narratives stick and how we can more effectively counter them through storytelling
Science v. Story analyzes four scientific controversies—climate change, evolution, vaccination, and COVID-19—through the lens of storytelling. Instead of viewing stories as adversaries to scientific practices, Emma Frances Bloomfield demonstrates how storytelling is integral to science communication. Drawing from narrative theory and rhetorical studies, Science v. Story examines scientific stories and rival stories, including disingenuous rival stories that undermine scientific conclusions and productive rival stories that work to make science more inclusive.
Science v. Story offers two tools to evaluate and build stories: narrative webs and narrative constellations. These visual mapping tools chart the features of a story (i.e., characters, action, sequence, scope, storyteller, and content) to locate opportunities for audience engagement. Bloomfield ultimately argues that we can strengthen science communication by incorporating storytelling in critical ways that are attentive to audience and context.
Science v. Story analyzes four scientific controversies—climate change, evolution, vaccination, and COVID-19—through the lens of storytelling. Instead of viewing stories as adversaries to scientific practices, Emma Frances Bloomfield demonstrates how storytelling is integral to science communication. Drawing from narrative theory and rhetorical studies, Science v. Story examines scientific stories and rival stories, including disingenuous rival stories that undermine scientific conclusions and productive rival stories that work to make science more inclusive.
Science v. Story offers two tools to evaluate and build stories: narrative webs and narrative constellations. These visual mapping tools chart the features of a story (i.e., characters, action, sequence, scope, storyteller, and content) to locate opportunities for audience engagement. Bloomfield ultimately argues that we can strengthen science communication by incorporating storytelling in critical ways that are attentive to audience and context.
Price: $29.95
Pages: 288
Publisher: University of California Press
Imprint: University of California Press
Publication Date:
27 February 2024
Trim Size: 9.00 X 6.00 in
ISBN: 9780520380820
Format: Paperback
"Prof. Bloomfield’s new book Science v. Story examines four very pertinent present-day challenges to science communicators – climate change, evolution, vaccination, and COVID-19 – from the perspectives of their narratives and their counter narratives, to demonstrate how effective story-telling is essential to effective science communication in the modern world."
“To read Science v. Story is to encounter innovative science communication theory that will contribute to the wisdom of the rhetoric of science and invigorate the communication field.”
"Each of Bloomfield’s core chapters ends with a series of thought-provoking questions that science communicators can use to inform their practices."
"For Bloomfield, the rewards of storytelling in science communication outweigh the risks – as long as the story is told well. Which explains her book’s ultimate aim: to provide science communicators with tools for creating and evaluating stories."
"Science v. Story is original, well argued, and well worth consideration, not just for scientists, but for anyone who participates in helping science hold up its end of the discourse that shapes our lives."
“To read Science v. Story is to encounter innovative science communication theory that will contribute to the wisdom of the rhetoric of science and invigorate the communication field.”
"Each of Bloomfield’s core chapters ends with a series of thought-provoking questions that science communicators can use to inform their practices."
"For Bloomfield, the rewards of storytelling in science communication outweigh the risks – as long as the story is told well. Which explains her book’s ultimate aim: to provide science communicators with tools for creating and evaluating stories."
"Science v. Story is original, well argued, and well worth consideration, not just for scientists, but for anyone who participates in helping science hold up its end of the discourse that shapes our lives."
Emma Frances Bloomfield is Associate Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and author of Communication Strategies for Engaging Climate Skeptics: Religion and the Environment.
List of Illustrations and Table
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Rewriting the Narrative of Science Communication
1. Case Studies and Rival Stories
2. Character and Action Wedges
3. Sequence and Scope Wedges
4. Storyteller and Content Wedges
5. Constellation Practices
Conclusion: Science and Story
Notes
Index
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Rewriting the Narrative of Science Communication
1. Case Studies and Rival Stories
2. Character and Action Wedges
3. Sequence and Scope Wedges
4. Storyteller and Content Wedges
5. Constellation Practices
Conclusion: Science and Story
Notes
Index