Hi,
I have a research-in-progress topic that I would like to get feedback on during a panel at ILA 2013. Would anybody like to join a panel just to discuss various projects?
Mine is pasted in here:
Listening for More Than Tomorrow’s Weather Forecast
ILA Submission for Presentation
Montreal Canada
June, 2013
Helen Meldrum
Associate Professor of Psychology
Bentley University
Program in Health Sciences and Industry
175 Forrest St.
Waltham, MA 02452
Telephone: 781 891 3493
E-mail Address: hmeldrum@bentley.edu
When we take the time to listen to the broadcast meteorologists that appear in the morning on our local television channels, we usually are paying just enough attention to decide if we need to put on a warmer jacket or carry an umbrella. And yet these broadcast meteorologists are sometimes the only scientist that school children can identify or name apart from the faculty members that teach chemistry and biology at their school. Their words might carry a great impact. Prior research has shown that many broadcast meteorologists have no training in the environmental sciences and in fact, many believe that global warming is simply untrue; a hoax perpetuated by left-leaning politicians. News sources such as National Public Radio and the New York Times have reported that over 50% of TV meteorologists and newsroom directors are skeptical about the realities of climate change.
At Bentley University, my colleagues and I have been awarded a National Science Foundation grant to interview broadcast meteorologists. We want to know such things as whether or not they feel pressure to speak out or stay silent on the issue. Do they feel prepared as scientists to add to the dialogue in a meaningful way? If they felt that they had credible information, would they share it in any public forums? Would the camera always have to be off for them to speak frankly? Many broadcast meteorologists give talks at elementary schools, community events and senior centers as part of their public service appearances. If they get a question on climate change, do they constantly feel the need to parse their words very carefully on the topic?
My initial informal research indicates that the broadcasters’ attempt to walk a very fine line when phrasing any comments on the issue. As part of this project, I will be interviewing broadcast meteorologists and recording their responses. I would like this session to serve as a forum for sharing research-in-progress and solicit the ideas of other ILA researchers on approaching this subject population.