The BIAS FREE Framework: A Tool for Science/Technology and Society Education to Increase Science and Risk Literacy

Abstract

AbstractMany academic and non-academic educational efforts are positioned at the intersection between science and/or technology and society with the purpose of increasing the literacy of students and others on the societal impact of science and technology and the ability of students to contribute to the academic and non-academic discussions around the societal impact of science and technology. To become risk literate of the social and other consequences of scientific and technological advancements is a critical aspect of scientific literacy. To be risk literate and to be able to identify biases in risk narratives is important for risk governance and risk communication, especially as it relates to marginalized groups. This chapter introduces the reader to the BIAS FREE Framework (Building an Integrative Analytical System for Recognizing and Eliminating InEquities, BFF) a tool developed for identifying and avoiding biases that derive from social hierarchies by posing 20 analytical questions. The premise of the chapter is that the BFF is a useful tool for educational efforts to enhance risk literacy of scientific and technological advancements including their risk narratives.