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Emerson College Consumer Awareness Project 2013-2014

Emerson College Consumer Awareness Project 2013-2014. Claims are everywhere. Evidence is not. Consumers encounter a variety of claims from advertisements and the media about what is good and bad for our health, the environment, and society Some are based on evidence. Others are not.

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Emerson College Consumer Awareness Project 2013-2014

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  1. Emerson College Consumer Awareness Project 2013-2014

  2. Claims are everywhere. Evidence is not. • Consumers encounter a variety of claims • from advertisements and the media • about what is good and bad for our health, the environment, and society • Some are based on evidence. Others are not.

  3. Political, environmental, and health-related media claims abound. Paying a price for loving red meat

  4. Beauty products claim to restore skin’s youth with “DNA Advantage” & “the Science of Genes.”

  5. Numerous products claim antibacterial properties.

  6. “the Zapper” claims to kill microbes, cure cancer, herpes, and mortal sins.

  7. Evidence matters. • Specious claims can cause harm to consumers. • Wasted money • Injury or death • Drain on public resources • Evidence leads to informed and safe consumers.

  8. Evidence matters. • Surprisingly, not everyone knows this. • 15% of adults surveyed in the UK see evidence as important in government, politics, or media. • Only 6% perceive evidence as important “everywhere” Public Views on Scientific Evidence Study conducted by Ipsos MORI For Sense About Science Results published in Sept 2011.

  9. ? What is • The Ask for Evidence campaign encourages the public to • ask companies, advertisers and journalists for evidence behind commercial, media, and policy claims • evaluate data from these inquiries • communicate and disseminate findings from these investigations www.askforevidence.com #askforevidence #A4Eemerson

  10. Modeled after the successful efforts of Sense about Science • Scientists, commentators, public figures championed a call to ask for evidence Dara O’Briain, Performer Nick Ross, Journalist & Broadcaster Professor Robin Weiss, UCL

  11. Modeled after the successful efforts of Sense about Science • Efforts were publicized in the mainstream media and over 40 special interest magazines and websites

  12. Modeled after the successful efforts of Sense about Science • Evidence of the impact of asking for evidence was observed. • A major department store changes unsubstantiated claims on sportswear.

  13. Modeled after the successful efforts of Sense about Science • Evidence of the impact of asking for evidence was observed • A major food manufacturer revokes false claims about the effectiveness of wheatgrass on product

  14. Modeled after the successful efforts of Sense about Science • Evidence of the impact of asking for evidence was observed • Food Standards Agency bans a dangerous “miracle cure” for Crohn’s Disease

  15. Who is Involved? • . • UK non-profit • . • Early career researchers playing an active roll in public debates about science • You. • Consumer Awareness Project (CAP)

  16. Emerson’s Ask For Evidence CAP • Utilizes funding from an external donor to advance consumer awareness and education • Involves 10 EC faculty and their students • Generally aims to 1) Participate in the Ask for Evidence initiative 2) Promote the Ask for Evidence campaign

  17. How is EmersonParticipating & Promoting? • Evaluating the public relationship with evidence • Public survey • Providing tools and support for A4E • Promotional strategy, print materials, community workshop, networking local experts, communication tool kit • Engaging students in A4E activities

  18. Campus-Wide Student Engagement • Participation: • Asking for evidence, producing case studies • Communicating findings broadly (podcasts, written media, video PSAs, artwork) • Promotion: • Populating the website and twitter feed (with case examples from above work) • Web promotion (celebrity endorsements, visual archiving) • Web design and management • Designing marketing strategies and print materials • Coordinating faculty and community participants www.askforevidence.com #askforevidence #A4Eemerson

  19. Campus-Wide Student Engagement We are currently seeking student talent to take a lead in these roles!! competitive funding for co-curricular efforts and work study positions available Contact Amy: a_vashlishan_murray@emerson.edu • Participation: • Asking for evidence, producing case studies • Communicating findings broadly (podcasts, written media, video PSAs, artwork) • Promotion: • Populating the website (examples from above) and twitter feed • Web promotion (celebrity endorsements, visual archiving) • Web design and management • Designing marketing strategies and print materials • Coordinating faculty and community participants www.askforevidence.com #askforevidence #A4Eemerson

  20. Potential Impact for a Cultural Shift • The public better understands what constitutes good evidence. • Citizens demand it from public figures and companies. • Special interests expect to be asked for evidence. • This contributes to a more rational and equitable society.

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