Improving Science CommunicationThrough Scenario-Based Role-Plays

Preparing students and professionals

L’Aquila, Italy, 2009 earthquake

• “Not science on trail, it was communication on trial” (Giuseppe Pellegrini)

• The role of science in society has evolved – From generator of knowledge to implicit duty to ensure

that knowledge is understood and used effectively– Integration of science into society– Expectation of science communication

New Zealand situation

• Communication not embedded systematically or explicitly in tertiary science / engineering curricula

• Unique window of opportunity for change

• Creation of a stand-alone, off-the-shelf modular Scenario-Based Role-Play exercise for communication to internal and external stakeholders– Evidence based, rigorous design and evaluation framework

Scenario-Based Role-Plays

• Real-time, authentic, active• Flexible, pace and difficulty can be adjusted on the fly– Complexity and cognitive load under the control of

facilitators

• Established method in other fields (e.g. business, nursing, military)

Disaster Simulation

Responding to an event

Seismologists and GeologistsWill this lead to a

future Alpine Fault EQ?

Civil Defence Emergency

ManagementHow can we

prepare/prime society?

MediaWhat does this

mean? PublicWhat should I do to be ‘safe’

BusinessWhat should we

do to survive, and thrive?

Time

RETURN TO QUIET

Decision Window

Major EarthquakeN

umbe

r of E

arth

quak

esMajor

Earthquake…eventually

RETURN TO QUIET

Our magic bag of earthquakes scenarios…

Sustained period of earthquakes

(swarm)

Scenario Tasks

• Communication of operational decisions, probability and uncertainty to various internal and external stakeholders– Other experts, general public, local and national

government officials and emergency managers

• For more targeted communication SBRP exercises, specific stakeholders can be added in

Expansion Opportunity

• Traditionally poor integration of hazard management, Civil Defence and emergency management with Iwi

• Research team aware of lack of expertise in this area, but vision is to create meaningful partnerships– Advisor Dr Dan Hikuroa (Nga Pae o te Maramatanga)

• Involved in Geothermal Exploration Exercise through Frontiers Abroad (resource consenting)

– Consultation with the UC Ngāi Tahu Research Centre in the near future

Research project team

Project Team

UC

Massey

UoA

GNS Science

Frontiers Abroad

Emergency Managers

• Diverse, experienced academic / operational team• Track record of working collaboratively

Measuring change for learners

• Participants will have a higher self-efficacy about science communication– Self-efficacy (PCRA-24)– Confidence in communication (SPCC)– Perception about communication instrument available, but

not yet validated• Quality of communication increases

– Appropriate to stakeholders information needs– Appropriate to stakeholders’ backgrounds

• Concepts of uncertainty and probability– Transparency of decision making

What we will produce?

• Modular design adaptable to the needs of various different parties– EQ scenario is core focus during development, but

emphasis is on producing a framework applicable to e.g.• Tsunami hazards in the Pacific• Biosecurity• Meteorological (e.g. Drought)• Corporate sector, business continuity planning and team

building

Project’s impact and contributions

• Students better prepared for the workforce– Experience importance of communication as a

transferrable skill

• Upskilled professional community• Off-the-shelf product available to the community,

including development and evaluation tools

Aim is for SBRP to become the standard practice in the field