Science and the Press in Taiwan--an Analysis of the Relationship Between Scientists and Science Journalists (Science News, Newspapers)

340 p.Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1984.This study investigates the relationship between scientists and science journalists in Taiwan. It argues that the relationship between the two is poor and needs to be improved in light of the increasing importance of accurate science news communication. A research model states that science news communication is a function of scientists, science journalists, the newspapers, and other factors. Ten hypotheses were stated, based on previous studies and developed from this research model.The investigation of the relationship between scientists and science journalists was based on the responses of science journalists, active scientists, less-active scientists, and decision makers to mail questionnaires and personal interviews, which were analyzed through qualitative and quantitative methods.Results show that contact between scientists and science journalists, and experience, the educational background and the newspaper organization of science journalists are important factors contributing to the nature and quality of science news in Taiwan's newspapers.This study suggests that cooperation among the scientific establishment (including the National Science Council), the scientific community, the journalistic community (including science journalists and the newspaper management) and universities and colleges would improve the present state of science news communication. Further studies are also recommended for a better understanding of the communication of science information via mass media.U of I OnlyRestricted to the U of I community idenfinitely during batch ingest of legacy ETD