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First published online May 6, 2015

“Knowledge Is Power”: A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Adult Audience Preferences for Engagement and Learning Formats Over 3 Years of a Health Science Festival

Laura Fogg-Rogers, Jacquie L. Bay, Hannah Burgess, and Suzanne C. PurdyView all authors and affiliations
Volume 37, Issue 4
https://doi.org/10.1177/1075547015585006

Abstract

Science festivals enable scientists to engage with publics, but format design reflecting different engagement models is contested. This study gathered mixed-methods data over 3 years (2011-2013) from on-site surveys (N = 661) of a health science festival, exploring audience preferences for dissemination or dialogue formats (lectures, discussions, community expo, lab experiments, and day out). Irrespective of time, age–group, or gender, lectures were significantly ranked the main attraction (76.8%), most highly attended (89.1%), and most useful format (83.8%). Thematic analysis revealed five themes exploring nonformal learning motivations for audiences, highlighting that knowledge/understanding acquisition is perceived as empowering greater health literacy.

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Biographies

Laura Fogg-Rogers is a research fellow in science communication at the University of the West of England, Bristol. Her research brings together engagement, involvement and learning through evaluating outreach and communication interventions. She previously worked as a journalist in the BBC and later as the Communications and Liaison Manager for the Centre for Brain Research, a neuroscience research centre at The University of Auckland in New Zealand.
Jacquie L. Bay is founding director of LENScience, an innovative science education program that creates opportunities for schools and scientists to work together. She is part of the Liggins Institute in The University of Auckland in New Zealand, leading research into the role of science and science education collaborations in the translation of health concepts to enable reduction in noncommunicable disease risk in current and future generations.
Hannah Burgess is studying a bachelor’s in health sciences (honors) at The University of Auckland. As a Maori student she has worked in diverse engagement and education programs with the Liggins Institute, with a particular interest in promoting health communication with Maori and Pacific communities in New Zealand.
Suzanne C. Purdy is a professor and head of Speech Science in the School of Psychology at The University of Auckland in New Zealand. She is the chair of the Community Relations Committee for the Centre for Brain Research, focused on improving public engagement and involvement with neuroscience. Her research explores auditory processing in children along with choral singing therapy for people with stroke and Parkinson’s disease.

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Published In

Volume 37, Issue 4
Pages: 419 - 451
Article first published online: May 6, 2015
Issue published: August 2015

Keywords

  1. science festival
  2. informal science education
  3. public engagement
  4. lectures
  5. health literacy

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Authors

Affiliations

Laura Fogg-Rogers
University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Jacquie L. Bay
The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Gravida, National Centre for Growth and Development, Auckland, New Zealand
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Hannah Burgess
The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Suzanne C. Purdy
The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Notes

Laura Fogg-Rogers, Science Communication Unit, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Frenchay, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK. Email: [email protected]

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