Research Assistantship: Science Communication & Social Media

Project Overview:

The NSF-funded project, Assessing Science Engagement Through Social Media: NOVA Wonders, seeks two social science research-experienced,  social media savvy (or interested) graduate or undergraduate students to join the research team. The research is in collaboration with the NOVA Science Unit / WGBH Educational Foundation (Boston, MA).

This project seeks to understand what happens on social media in terms of learning and engagement with science, and is looking to answer the following research questions:

1.  How do we define informal science learning on social media?

2.  What does learning look like on social media and how does it differ from other forms of engagement and across social media platforms?

3.  Can science media outlets influence informal STEM  learning on social media through a diversity of outreach approaches across different social media platforms?

These questions allow for exploration into four key science social media variables: platform type, style of moderation, event, and content or topic.

For the 2017 fall quarter:

Research assistants will work on two key elements of the project, the “network profile” and the “informal science engagement index.” This includes using quantitative and qualitative methodologies to help understand and characterize the social media network of NOVA  and similar science media outlets, as well as explore how and why social media users interact with science content online (software: Crimson Hexagon, Sprinklr, NVivo). This includes, but is not limited to:

   Summary of NOVA’s  quantitative social media measures for sharing & engagement

•   Identification  and summary of top users and their social media behavior

•   Characterization of the larger social media network that NOVA  is found within

•   Comparative analysis to other science social media outlets

•   Literature review of common measures of social media and online learning

•   Typology of social media contributions/posts

•   Coding scheme for social media posts; assessment of potential for science learning online

 Preferred Experience:

 A background in communication, political science, psychology, or education is preferred, with evidence of strong qualitative or quantitative research skills (experience with both is a plus). The position also demands good time management and respect for deadlines, excellent writing abilities, experience working independently and in a team environment, and comfort  and/or professional experience with social media. Applicants must also have an interest in science communication or broadcast media, online learning or education, and/or social media.