A Comparison of the Two Methods of Disseminating Research Findings in the Field of Health: The Arts and the Science Café
A growing numbers of researchers in the health sector are opting for innovative research approaches that combine methodologies from the social sciences and the performing, literary and visual arts. This article compares and contrasts two methods for disseminating research findings related to health : science cafés and artistic performance (visual arts, song, poetry, theatre). An analysis of questionnaires and interviews completed by 78 respondents shows that artistic performance is more effective in communicating research results based on three of the four evaluation criteria used : it triggers more emotions among audience members, generates more questions on the topic concerned, and influences a greater number of people to alter their viewpoints and change their practices. Science cafés and artistic performance both help participants to better understand the issues examined. The arts, however, shine a different light on these issues.