Transfer Entails Communication: The Public Understanding of (Social) Science as a Stage and a Play for Implementing Evidence-Based Prevention Knowledge and Programs

Prev Sci. 2018 Apr;19(3):347-357. doi: 10.1007/s11121-016-0686-8.

Abstract

Many social science-based interventions entail the transfer of evidence-based knowledge to the "target population," because the acquisition and the acceptance of that knowledge are necessary for the intended improvement of behavior or development. Furthermore, the application of a certain prevention program is often legitimated by a reference to science-based reasons such as an evaluation according to scientific standards. Hence, any implementation of evidence-based knowledge and programs is embedded in the public understanding of (social) science. Based on recent research on such public understanding of science, we shall discuss transfer as a process of science communication.

Keywords: Implementation; Naïve theories; Prevention; Public understanding of science.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Communication*
  • Comprehension*
  • Evidence-Based Practice*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Social Sciences*
  • Translational Research, Biomedical*