Graduate Speaker Series

About the Talk

Fostering Concrete Cognition with Strategic Communication to Improve Public Engagement with Science and Technology 

Knowing what scientific information or technical detail to present to help people make informed decisions is both crucial and challenging. Building on the theoretical foundation of abstract-concrete cognition, this talk presents evidence across multiple contexts and audiences that shows that more concrete messaging fosters greater support for proposed novel technologies and practices. Results from two USDA-funded studies demonstrate how making benefits more tangible and communicating the scientific process can increase support for sustainable practices and emerging technologies. Together, the findings highlight the power of concreteness in fostering informed public engagement with emerging science and technology.

About the Speaker

Meghnaa Tallapragada is an assistant professor in the department of advertising and public relations. Her research focuses on fostering a better relationship between the public and STEM while cultivating a sense of public engagement as an integral part of the identity of STEM professionals, all through strategic communication. Her work has been published in journals such as Environmental Communication, Public Relations Review, Public Relations Journal, Public Understanding of Science, Risk Analysis, and Science Communication. She has also received funding for her research from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture.