ERIC Number: EJ1162844
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2154-8455
EISSN: N/A
Analysing the Multiplicity of Voices in the Agora: Using Actor-Network Theory to Unravel a Complex Issue
France, Bev; Birdsall, Sally; Simonneaux, Laurence
International Journal of Science Education, Part B: Communication and Public Engagement, v7 n4 p323-340 2017
There is a need to develop an understanding of how science knowledge is interpreted and used when a Socially Acute Question (SAQ) is discussed on the "agora" of the Internet. A case is made for using Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to unravel the diversity of participants taking part, their stance, source and expression of their justifications. This interaction can be visually expressed as a Cartography of Controversy. The SAQ of possum ("Trichosurus vulpecula") control using aerial dispersal of 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) was the context in which the participants (actants), their performative actions and affiliations (nodes) were mapped. Actants were identified via a Google search for groups' websites with an opinion about 1080. Twenty-three groups were identified and their webpages analysed in terms how they perceived the issue. The construction of a cartography from these data showed the complexity of the group interactions. An analysis of justifications illustrated the range of stabilising mechanisms used. This research demonstrates the educational potential of ANT to develop a pedagogy that enables students to explore an SAQ and appreciate the multiplicity of perspectives.
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A