TY - JOUR
T1 - Stop avoiding the inevitable
T2 - The effects of anthropomorphism in science writing for non-experts
AU - McGellin, Rockwell Tomson Lyon
AU - Grand, Ann
AU - Sullivan, Miriam
PY - 2021/7/1
Y1 - 2021/7/1
N2 - While anthropomorphism – the attribution of human characteristics to non-human things or events – is a fundamental part of human psychology and language, some scientists regard it as a source of misconceptions. This creates tension for those writing about science. Taking an experimental approach to diagnosing misconceptions, we compared the effects of anthropomorphic and non-anthropomorphic writing on 174 adult readers’ knowledge, understanding, confidence in and connection with the material. Reading any text at all improves readers’ knowledge and ability to answer questions. There was no difference in understanding, enjoyment or frequency of anthropomorphic thinking between anthropomorphic and non-anthropomorphic texts. Those who read anthropomorphic text tended to use more vivid examples and fewer generalisations. This suggests that anthropomorphism acts as an evocative, albeit potentially distracting, technique but does not cause significant misconceptions. Writers should feel free to use anthropomorphic techniques if they are appropriate for their topic and their audience.
AB - While anthropomorphism – the attribution of human characteristics to non-human things or events – is a fundamental part of human psychology and language, some scientists regard it as a source of misconceptions. This creates tension for those writing about science. Taking an experimental approach to diagnosing misconceptions, we compared the effects of anthropomorphic and non-anthropomorphic writing on 174 adult readers’ knowledge, understanding, confidence in and connection with the material. Reading any text at all improves readers’ knowledge and ability to answer questions. There was no difference in understanding, enjoyment or frequency of anthropomorphic thinking between anthropomorphic and non-anthropomorphic texts. Those who read anthropomorphic text tended to use more vivid examples and fewer generalisations. This suggests that anthropomorphism acts as an evocative, albeit potentially distracting, technique but does not cause significant misconceptions. Writers should feel free to use anthropomorphic techniques if they are appropriate for their topic and their audience.
KW - anthropomorphism
KW - journalistic practice
KW - objectivity
KW - popular writing
KW - science communication
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85101014113&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/0963662521991732
DO - 10.1177/0963662521991732
M3 - Article
C2 - 33570004
AN - SCOPUS:85101014113
SN - 0963-6625
VL - 30
SP - 621
EP - 640
JO - Public Understanding of Science
JF - Public Understanding of Science
IS - 5
ER -