Epigenetic metaphors: an interdisciplinary translation of encoding and decoding
Looking at the new and often disputed science of epigenetics, we examined the challenges faced by scientists when they communicate scientific research to the public. We focused on the use of metaphors to illustrate notions of epigenetics and genetics. We studied the “encoding” by epigeneticists and...
| Published in: | New Genetics and Society |
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| Main Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2019-07-01
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14636778.2019.1601009 |
| Summary: | Looking at the new and often disputed science of epigenetics, we examined the challenges faced by scientists when they communicate scientific research to the public. We focused on the use of metaphors to illustrate notions of epigenetics and genetics. We studied the “encoding” by epigeneticists and “decoding” in focus groups with diverse backgrounds. We observed considerable overlap in the dominant metaphors favored by both researchers and the lay public. However, the groups differed markedly in their interpretations of which metaphors aided understanding or not. We conclude by discussing the role of metaphors and their interpretations in the context of a shift from pre-deterministic genomic metaphors to more active, dynamic and nuanced epigenetic metaphors. These reflections on the choice of metaphors and differences in encoding/decoding are important for science communication and scientific boundary-maintenance. |
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| ISSN: | 1463-6778 1469-9915 |