Moving towards an evidence based approach to science filmmaking : using social science to communicate controversial science topics more effectively

Abstract

As science continues to dive into subjects that may conflict with the ideology and moral values of American citizens, it is critical that science filmmakers begin to engage with these topics as social issues, rather than as purely scientific topics. Some science filmmakers have taken this approach, and address cultural and moral values in their film, however, this is typically done through an intuitive approach, which often leaves the filmmaker "preaching to the choir" and maybe even escalating the political polarization of the science topic. In order to create more effective science films about "controversial" topics, filmmakers need to inform their film through the social science field called science of science communication. Doing so will give the filmmaker a better chance of lessening the controversy over the science, thereby allowing our country a better chance of coming together to solve tough social issues, by seeing science as an ally to guide our decisions rather than as an enemy.