The earliest perception of a scientist that I was exposed to by the media was Dexter from Dexter's Laboratory, a cartoon on Cartoon Network. This initial impression of a scientist pretty much lasted with me to this day. The key stereotype that I always think of when I think of a scientist is that they are workaholics and often antisocial as a result. The nerdy scientist stereotypes continued in my childhood with shows like Big Bang Theory. Stereotypes of scientists matter because scientists are people too. Scientists are often separated from the rest of society because of stereotypes but scientists are normal people. If society can relate more to scientists maybe there can be more trust in science. Scientists can use social media platforms like twitter to gain a following and communicate directly with the public to help combat stereotypes.
One key takeaway from Nisbet and Dudo is that heavier viewers of science fiction programs tend to be more positive in their views of biomedical research, agricultural biotechnology and science in general. This is important for the public to be made aware of because it shows that even science fiction can help support in science. Another key takeaway from Nisbet and Dudo is that negative stereotypes of scientists seem to be dying with time. This is important for publics to know because it shows society is perhaps slowly diminishing any negative stereotypes towards scientists.
After reading Thomson et al. one key takeaway was from their most recent study of students depicting scientists. Of the 210 participants, 108 were female and 100 were male. 48 female participants depicted a female scientist when they were asked to draw a scientist, and only 1 male participant drew a female participant. I think the public should be made aware of this because it was a very interesting result from this particular study. This can maybe indicate stereotyping can be stronger/ more prevalent in male populations. Another key takeaway from Thomson et al is that in their most recent study, students that indicated that they have visited science museums scored significantly higher in stereotype indicators vs students who responded they have not visited science museums. I think the public should be made aware of this interesting finding because maybe this indicates some science museums are outdated/reflect stereotypes.
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