Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

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Measuring Public Understanding of Particle
Physics and its Applications
The University of Chicago Survey Lab
Fermilab Office of Communication
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Communication

• More critical than ever for particle physics.
• What is particle physics?
• Why does it matter to the nation?

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Fermilabs special role

• As the nations only dedicated particle physics
  laboratory, Fermilab leads the communication
  effort for US particle physics.
• We collaborate closely with other labs around the
  world, with universities, with funding agencies.

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Communication tools

• symmetry magazine, Fermilab Web site,
  Interactions.org, US LHC, Fermilab Today,
  brochures, press releases, community
  presentations, media interviews..

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To make the tools more effective

• We need data.
• Beyond anecdotes.

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Wed like to know

• What do Americans know of particle physics?
• What do they think they know?
• How do they value the discovery of the physical
  nature
• of the universe? Its applications? Scientific
  leadership?

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P5 saw the need for systematic data.

• At this time there exist few quantitative
  analyses of the economic benefits of particle
  physics applications. A systematic professional
  study would have value for assessing and
  predicting the impact of particle physics
  technology applications on the nations economy.

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Data are hard to get.

• Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, federal
  agencies cannot undertake or fund public surveys
  without prior approval from the Office of
  Management and Budget (a complicated process).

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Plan of action

• Collaboration of the Fermilab Office of
  Communication
• and the University of Chicago Survey Lab
• to carry out a comprehensive national opinion
  survey.

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Benefits

• A more informed communication strategy
• More effective communication
• More support for particle physics

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Results will benefit

• Fermilab University of Chicagonational labs
  with basic science programsuniversities funding
  agencies (already expressed interest)HEPAP
  policy makersopinion leaders

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Benefits to the University

• Data will be useful to University science
  communicators
• Unique opportunity for cross-section of students
  Harris School of Public Policy, Social Sciences
  graduate students and undergraduates
• Real world study results have real
  implications
• Broadens the horizons of public policy students
  beyond social policy a goal of the University
• Unifies divisions Social Sciences, Public
  Policy and Physical Sciences around a shared
  goal and project
• Puts the university at the forefront of an
  important policy issue

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The approach

• Five stages
• Focus group research for questionnaire design
• Laboratory testing of survey instrument
• National pilot telephone survey
• Post-survey focus group discussions
• 5. Summary analysis and planning

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The team

• Judy Jackson, Communication Director, Fermilab
• Martha Van Haitsma, Director, University of
  Chicago Survey Lab
• Colm OMuircheartaigh, Professor of Public
  Policy, Harris School of Public Policy,
  University of Chicago

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Questions?

• Thanks for your consideration!