Science v. Story
Narrative Strategies for Science Communicators
Emma Frances Bloomfield author
Format:Paperback
Publisher:University of California Press
Published:26th Mar '24
Should be back in stock very soon
Uncovering common threads across types of science skepticism to show why these controversial narratives stick and how we can more effectively counter them through storytelling
Science v. Story analyzes four scientific controversies—climate change, evolution, vaccination, and COVID-19—through the lens of storytelling. Instead of viewing stories as adversaries to scientific practices, Emma Frances Bloomfield demonstrates how storytelling is integral to science communication. Drawing from narrative theory and rhetorical studies, Science v. Story examines scientific stories and rival stories, including disingenuous rival stories that undermine scientific conclusions and productive rival stories that work to make science more inclusive.
Science v. Story offers two tools to evaluate and build stories: narrative webs and narrative constellations. These visual mapping tools chart the features of a story (i.e., characters, action, sequence, scope, storyteller, and content) to locate opportunities for audience engagement. Bloomfield ultimately argues that we can strengthen science communication by incorporating storytelling in critical ways that are attentive to audience and context.
"Prof. Bloomfield’s new book Science v. Story examines four very pertinent present-day challenges to science communicators – climate change, evolution, vaccination, and COVID-19 – from the perspectives of their narratives and their counter narratives, to demonstrate how effective story-telling is essential to effective science communication in the modern world." * The Well Read Naturalist *
“To read Science v. Story is to encounter innovative science communication theory that will contribute to the wisdom of the rhetoric of science and invigorate the communication field.” * Environmental Communication *
"Each of Bloomfield’s core chapters ends with a series of thought-provoking questions that science communicators can use to inform their practices." * Medium *
"For Bloomfield, the rewards of storytelling in science communication outweigh the risks – as long as the story is told well. Which explains her book’s ultimate aim: to provide science communicators with tools for creating and evaluating stories." * The LSE Review of Books *
"Science v. Story is original, well argued, and well worth consideration, not just for scientists, but for anyone who participates in helping science hold up its end of the discourse that shapes our lives." * Technical Communication *
ISBN: 9780520380820
Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 30mm
Weight: 408g
288 pages