News Story Writing Sample
Hosts of KUT radio show explore importance of teaching science By Meagan Meeks AUSTIN, Texas—The honors program at University of Texas at Austin Moody College of Communication, Senior Fellows, hosted a panel discussion with the three faces behind the KUT radio show “Two Guys on Your Head,” Art Markman, Professor of Psychology; Bob Duke, Professor of Music and Human Learning; and Rebecca McInroy, KUT radio host and producer. The event, which took place Wednesday, Sept. 17 at the Belo Center for New Media, was open to the public. The discussion sought to bring to light the importance of bringing an understanding of science to the public, which is a task that both Art and Bob actively invest time in. Rebecca hosts the weekly KUT show where Bob and Art make regular guest appearances. The two cover a range of topics, but their main focus is on the human brain and how it affects behavior. Bob and Art share an interest in bringing about a clearer understanding of science to the public, which is a topic they both enthusiastically focused on a lot throughout the panel discussion. “What is missing is an understanding of how we evaluate evidence and test hypotheses…an understanding of how we came to know things,” said Professor Markman in regards to the disconnect between science and society. Both professors agree that there is a major disconnect between science and the general public’s understanding of science. Many professionals lack experience and practice in explaining what they do and what their research means to non-scientists. Their belief is that this disconnect begins at the elementary level, when students are taught the steps and facts about science, but not given a clear understanding of how we have come to find these facts and steps. “We are trying to change societies’ perceptions of science and the brain and its regard to people’s daily life,” said Duke. Members of the audience presented their questions to the professors, who eagerly gave answers that provided clearer understanding about the topic at hand. Art explained that although there are very little professional rewards that result from scientists taking the time to build an understanding of science to the public, it should be important to all professionals in the field because it helps give more credit, respect and interest to the research and work they do. Throughout this discussion, it was obvious that their interest in presenting data and
research to the general public in a way that they can understand is something both Art and Bob are very passionate about.