As Matt Nisbet has already noted, the flagship journal of the American Institute of Biological Sciences has a very important editorial in its latest issue about the importance of scientists learning framing devices. The piece appears to have been inspired by a joint presentation that Nisbet and I did before the AIBS a few months back. Here's a snippet:
The frames concept recognizes that facts are not enough to win popularity; emotional responses need to be excited as well. Scientists may find that notion alarming, because scholarly communications must be forthright about the uncertainties of scientific analysis and recognize its always provisional nature. That is a crucial part of science, but it does not yield enthusiasts. And since not everyone can be an expert, enthusiasts who believe science is important in big decisions are needed to spread science's influence.
Amen to that....
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Oh, my goodness! A post about Imposter Syndrome over at Effect Measure may be related to this. Mr. Hank said that a study found the top quarter in general intelligence and communication skills underestimated their competence about as badly as those in the bottom quarter overestimated themselves. The challenge is how to get those with Imposter Syndrome "out of the closet" and on the lecture circuit and those in the bottom sector off of it. [Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart--Anne Frank]