Cognitive, affective, and behavioral engagement with science news predicted by the use of accessibility strategies in science-minded and general audiences

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Numerous studies have explored internal factors such as cultural values and acquired knowledge accounting for how people engage with science. However, it remains unclear how external factors embedded in science texts relate to audience engagement. A content analysis of 298 text-based popular science news articles and their following 5852 reader comments was conducted in two Israeli audiences, science-minded and general readers, to explore how the accessibility strategies embedded in these articles relate to cognitive, affective, and behavioral engagement. Findings indicated similar patterns of relationship between accessibility strategies and engagement expressions for both audiences; however, the relationships were more pronounced for general readers compared to science-minded readers. Using jargon and a narrative writing style increased the odds of positive emotions in reader comments, whereas addressing socio-scientific issues increased the odds of cognitive expressions. These results may contribute to a fuller understanding of ways to drive meaningful public engagement.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)92-113
Number of pages22
JournalPublic Understanding of Science
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2025

Keywords

  • accessibility strategies
  • affective engagement
  • behavioral engagement
  • cognitive engagement
  • online engagement
  • popular science news

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Communication
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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