“Framing” in the social construction of a sense of risk and uncertainty in science

Abstract

The concept of "framing" has been widely applied and shown to be very useful in the analysis of cognitive processes in several fields of the human and social sciences, such as the area of public understanding of science and technology. According to some studies, the strategic use of framing has proven efficient in the communication of scientific issues that involve risk and uncertainty, as well as on public engagement with the discussion of some of the most controversial scientific matters. This essay focuses on the importance of framing in the social construction of meaning and examines its impact on how the public perceives risk and uncertainty found in science, on public perceptions of scientific controversies and on public participation in the discussion of those issues. It also discusses the challenges – and the possible limitations – of the strategic employment of framing in science communication.