Framing the Gene. A science communication study of how newspapers frame different meanings of the gene concept, with applications for science education

摘要

Having some understanding about genes and genetics can be important in many aspects of life, from taking part in political debates on scientific matters, to making personal choices about genetically modified foods, personalized medicines, genetic testing or gene therapy. Knowing about genes can also help us understand why we might get diseases like cancer or diabetes. We know that the mass media play an important role in shaping and reflecting our perceptions of science. The media communicate science by organizing concepts and stories into meaningful frames. But we do not know what types of gene frames are currently present in the media, or how these may be affecting public perceptions of gene-related information. The major aim of this thesis has been to investigate the different ways the media frame the gene concept. Further, in relation to increasing demands for a scientifically literate public, who are able to understand, and respond critically, to science in the media, this thesis addresses another important question: Can awareness of media framing help people become more critical readers of gene-related information in the news, and thereby enrich their understanding of genetics?List of papersI. Carver, R., Waldahl, R. and Breivik, J. (2008) Frame that gene: A tool for analysing and classifying the communication of genetics to the public. EMBO reports 9(10): 943-947. (removed from thesis due to publisher restrictions) II. Carver, R. B., Rødland, E. A. and Breivik, J. (2012) Quantitative frame analysis of how the gene concept is presented in tabloid and elite newspapers. Accepted for publication in Science Communication.Quantitative Frame Analysis of How the Gene Concept Is Presented in Tabloid and Elite Newspapers Carver, Rebecca Bruu ; Rødland, Einar Andreas ; Breivik, Jarle. Science Communication, 2013, Vol.35(4), pp.449-475. III. Carver, R. B., Wiese, E. F. and Breivik, J. (2012) Frame analysis in genetics class: A model for teaching media literacy in science education. Submitted to International Journal of Science Education Part B: Communication and Public Engagement. Frame Analysis in Science Education: A Classroom Activity for Promoting Media Literacy and Learning about Genetic Causation. Carver, Rebecca Bruu ; Wiese, Eline Fatima ; Breivik, Jarle. International Journal of Science Education, Part B, 2013, p.1-29 DOI: 10.1080/21548455.2013.797128