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The Different Worlds of Science and Mass Communication:
Implications for Information Flow From the Former to
E.L. QUARANTELLI Prediction and Perception of Natural Hazards, ed. by J. Nemec, Joanne M. Nigg and F. Siccardi (Boston, MA: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1993): 175-182
Abstract: This paper presents a perspective on a problem. While research observations are used to support my argument, there is no systematic setting forth of findings or summaries of studies on the topic. Instead, I mostly indicate the implications of my view. The research base from which my remarks are drawn has recently been growing (for other than sources indicated later see Nelkin, 1987). Most of it deals with the physical sciences and engineering and primarily refers to the American scene. But I think my remarks are generally applicable in Europe and elsewhere where the social sciences exist and there is a modem mass media system. My thesis is that the world of mass communication and the world of science are two different social worlds. The members of these worlds have different values and beliefs. This makes interaction between journalists and scientists difficult. The result is poor information flow between them, especially from the latter to the former. There is no easy solution to the problem but there are possibilities for improvement if those in science change some of their behavior in communicating with those in journalism.
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