Community Perspectives on Communicating in Plain Language
Plain Language is communication that people can easily understand. Community Perspectives on Communicating in Plain Language primer is designed to help researchers connect with individuals and communities using Plain Language.
Executive Summary
Hypothesis: Communication in Plain Language between researchers and community members/community-based organizations can improve comprehension, community engagement and build trust among diverse communities.
Aim: Community Perspectives on Communicating in Plain Language is a primer that aims to serve as a resource for researchers when creating materials for the public by providing tips on how to use Plain Language in academic and scientific research. Plain Language, defined as clear and straightforward communication, is accessible language that enables readers of varied literacy levels to access and understand the information provided. This primer and related research study seek to overcome barriers to comprehension by promoting communication in Plain Language. The primer emphasizes that by presenting scientific information in Plain Language, research becomes more approachable and stronger connections can be fostered between researchers and the public. Stronger connections encourage broader participation in studies ultimately leading to more representation and inclusiveness in research.
Methods: A qualitative study was implemented between February 2023 through August 2024. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 50 community partners and their community engagement staff from the Western New York region including underrepresented groups such as rural communities and individuals with disabilities. The participants' general views on communication and how they communicate within their communities were explored. Additional questions aimed to understand participants' preferences and collected ideas for improving communication between their communities and research.
Results: Rapid analysis of the interview transcripts identified key barriers to research communication such as use of technical language, lack of relevance to communities, and inaccessible materials. The findings emphasized the need for clear and visually appealing communication. A primer was created for researchers to showcase community preferences and provide tips on design and graphics for creating materials such as recruitment flyers.
Conclusion: The primer highlights the benefits of communicating in Plain Language. Communication in Plain Language not only makes research more accessible but also cultivates trust and engagement with communities that have been historically mistreated and underrepresented in the research field.
Interested in receiving a copy of Community Perspectives on Communicating in Plain Language? See excerpts below and contact us for your copy. Watch a CTSI Open Research Office session to learn more about the primer.
Community Perspectives on Communicating in Plain Language is comprised of five chapters and appendices excerpted below.
Chapter 4: Communication in Plain Language in Research
Interest and engagement from the community in your study are weakened by existing barriers to communicating about research, limiting the number of potential research participants. In this chapter, we focus on researching specific communication challenges, providing an opportunity for reflection on how to perfect your communication in Plain Language. This includes the importance of word usage, methods and presentation style that people are most receptive to receiving, and which elements of research most interest the community. Proper delivery of research materials establishes transparency and opens the door to more opportunities for building trust with the communities you are working with.
Challenges in Communicating Research
Plain Language encompasses not only print materials used for study recruitment, but all points of contact including enrollment, the consent process, all study contacts, and dissemination of findings. Participants were asked, “What are the challenges in communicating research or science?” Overall, participants defined these challenges as barriers to research being received in a positive way in the community. Plain Language does not work unless you use it as part of your plan to overcome barriers.
What Makes People Interested in Research
There are different ways to pique interest in research, so that people are attracted to your study. The participants were asked, “What would make people more interested in hearing about research?” This question was asked after the participants critiqued the example study flyer, so that they can take impressions from that experience and offer general statements or tips for engagement and communication. Some communities were more interested in research than others.
Importance of Words in Communicating Research
Word choice is very important when communicating with specific communities and can help you make a strong first impression. When planning to communicate with a community, consider words to stress and words to avoid for print materials like flyers, or other communications like presentations. Key words can make a great first impression. Participants were asked, “How important are the words we use to communicate research or science?” Participants shared their perspective on the importance of words and also elaborated on the types of words that engage their community and Western New York.