Science Information in Fictional Movies: Effects of Context and Gender

Abstract

The National Science Board and others are concerned that movies often miscommunicate science to the public with negative effects on science literacy and attitudes toward science. However, very little is known about the specific impact of movie science on audiences. This experiment examines the influence of narrative transportation, role of science within the movie, and gender of the viewer on evaluation of incorrect scientific information in fiction. Results show that incorrect science facts accepted as true after seeing identical segments from movies depend on the gender of the participant and a manipulation of the perceived centrality of science to the plot. Men tended to detect more inaccurate science facts when they thought science was central to the plot. Women detected more inaccurate science facts when they thought science was peripheral to the plot, which was presented as a relational story. The results may have implications for research on media effects, public understanding of science, and gender differences in learning.