Is it scientific? Viewer perceptions of storm surge visualizations

Peter J. Stempel; Austin Becker

doi:10.3138/cart-2020-0004

Is it scientific? Viewer perceptions of storm surge visualizations

Peter J. Stempel, Austin Becker

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Scientists and coastal risk managers use semi-realistic visualizations of storm surge connected to hydrodynamic models to make projected impacts engaging and accessible. Such visualizations do not fit within established frameworks for visualizing risk because they add representational detail and may imply more certainty than exists regarding outcomes. This study explores how audiences regard these visualizations in relation to perceived representational norms for scientific graphics and visualizations. Online survey respondents (735 experts and members of the general public, primarily in Rhode Island and the northeastern United States) were asked about characteristics that make a representation “scientific.” Results demonstrate differences in norms emphasized by experts and the public, and that the persons and institutions creating the visualization may influence perceptions of legitimacy more than the style of the visualization. This may increase the potential of visualizations to be misleading and may foster perceptions that scientists are engaged in advocacy.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	120-136
Number of pages	17
Journal	Cartographica
Volume	56
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3138/cart-2020-0004
State	Published - 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Earth-Surface Processes

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10.3138/cart-2020-0004

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title = "Is it scientific? Viewer perceptions of storm surge visualizations",

abstract = "Scientists and coastal risk managers use semi-realistic visualizations of storm surge connected to hydrodynamic models to make projected impacts engaging and accessible. Such visualizations do not fit within established frameworks for visualizing risk because they add representational detail and may imply more certainty than exists regarding outcomes. This study explores how audiences regard these visualizations in relation to perceived representational norms for scientific graphics and visualizations. Online survey respondents (735 experts and members of the general public, primarily in Rhode Island and the northeastern United States) were asked about characteristics that make a representation “scientific.” Results demonstrate differences in norms emphasized by experts and the public, and that the persons and institutions creating the visualization may influence perceptions of legitimacy more than the style of the visualization. This may increase the potential of visualizations to be misleading and may foster perceptions that scientists are engaged in advocacy.",

author = "Stempel, {Peter J.} and Austin Becker",

note = "Funding Information: This work has been supported by a Rhode Island Sea Grant; The Coastal Institute – University of Rhode Island; and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch Project 1014166. Visualization work depicting Providence, RI in Figures 1 and 2 was supported by the US Department of Homeland Security under Grant Award 2015-ST-061-ND0001-01. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the US Department of Homeland Security. The authors wish to thank the following collaborators: University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center, Rhode Island Shoreline Change Special Area Management Plan, University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, and University of Rhode Island Department of Ocean Engineering. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} University of Toronto Press",

year = "2021",

doi = "10.3138/cart-2020-0004",

language = "English (US)",

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T1 - Is it scientific? Viewer perceptions of storm surge visualizations

AU - Stempel, Peter J.

AU - Becker, Austin

N1 - Funding Information: This work has been supported by a Rhode Island Sea Grant; The Coastal Institute – University of Rhode Island; and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch Project 1014166. Visualization work depicting Providence, RI in Figures 1 and 2 was supported by the US Department of Homeland Security under Grant Award 2015-ST-061-ND0001-01. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the US Department of Homeland Security. The authors wish to thank the following collaborators: University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center, Rhode Island Shoreline Change Special Area Management Plan, University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, and University of Rhode Island Department of Ocean Engineering. Publisher Copyright: © University of Toronto Press

PY - 2021

Y1 - 2021

N2 - Scientists and coastal risk managers use semi-realistic visualizations of storm surge connected to hydrodynamic models to make projected impacts engaging and accessible. Such visualizations do not fit within established frameworks for visualizing risk because they add representational detail and may imply more certainty than exists regarding outcomes. This study explores how audiences regard these visualizations in relation to perceived representational norms for scientific graphics and visualizations. Online survey respondents (735 experts and members of the general public, primarily in Rhode Island and the northeastern United States) were asked about characteristics that make a representation “scientific.” Results demonstrate differences in norms emphasized by experts and the public, and that the persons and institutions creating the visualization may influence perceptions of legitimacy more than the style of the visualization. This may increase the potential of visualizations to be misleading and may foster perceptions that scientists are engaged in advocacy.

AB - Scientists and coastal risk managers use semi-realistic visualizations of storm surge connected to hydrodynamic models to make projected impacts engaging and accessible. Such visualizations do not fit within established frameworks for visualizing risk because they add representational detail and may imply more certainty than exists regarding outcomes. This study explores how audiences regard these visualizations in relation to perceived representational norms for scientific graphics and visualizations. Online survey respondents (735 experts and members of the general public, primarily in Rhode Island and the northeastern United States) were asked about characteristics that make a representation “scientific.” Results demonstrate differences in norms emphasized by experts and the public, and that the persons and institutions creating the visualization may influence perceptions of legitimacy more than the style of the visualization. This may increase the potential of visualizations to be misleading and may foster perceptions that scientists are engaged in advocacy.

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Is it scientific? Viewer perceptions of storm surge visualizations

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