Table 1 Nisbet's [19] framing typology
Nisbet frame | Nisbet’s description of this framea |
|---|---|
Social progress | “A means of improving quality of life or solving problems; alternative interpretation as a way to be in harmony with nature instead of mastering it” |
Economic development | “An economic investment; market benefit or risk; or a point of local, national, or global competitiveness” |
Conflict and strategy | “A game among elites, such as who is winning or losing the debate; or a battle of personalities or groups (usually a journalist-driven interpretation)” |
Morality and Ethics | “A matter of right or wrong; or of respect or disrespect for limits, thresholds, or boundaries” |
Scientific and technical uncertainty | “A matter of expert understanding or consensus; a debate over what is known versus unknown; or peer-reviewed, confirmed knowledge versus hype or alarmism” |
Pandora’s box/Frankenstein’s monster/runaway science | “A need for precaution or action in face of possible catastrophe and out-of-control consequences; or alternatively as fatalism, where there is no way to avoid the consequences or chosen path” |
public accountability and governance | “Research or policy either in the public interest or serving special interests, emphasizing issues of control, transparency, participation, responsiveness, or ownership; or debate over proper use of science and expertise in decision-making (“politicization”)” |
Middle way | “A third way between conflicting or polarized views or options” |