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 2: Community Perspectives
Whether it be our co-workers, neighbors, or someone who has similar views, what we define as our community is a unique definition bound by similar characteristics that unite one another. When trying to reach other communities, two essential elements of the target community must be known to facilitate effective communication: How does the community define itself, and how do members of the community communicate amongst members? Understanding how the community interacts ensures that you can engage with members in a respectful and clear way.
We asked our participants how they defined their community and how they communicated with that community. Under each of these domains, we refined a set of themes that were defined by common characteristics gathered from participants. Accounting for the diverse communities represented, we identified community specific traits that are separate from the general themes under each domain with quotes included.
Definition of Community
The most important question we asked participants in this study was to provide a personal definition of community. Community cannot be assessed if it is not defined. We quickly learned that community is a very personal concept, unique to each participant. Some definitions had common themes, and some definitions were completely unique. Knowing what community means helps to inform how to relate to the community and understand nuances between communities to make it easier to approach communities and plan for research.
Communication in Community
Understanding how diverse communities define communication will enhance the use of Plain Language in community engagement, and the ability to approach communities respectfully, thus building relationships and trust. For communication to be collaborative, we have to understand and respect one another. There needs to be a line of communication where everyone understands one another. Knowing your style of communication and how it may vary from others is the first step in developing a communication plan with a community. Understanding and applying preferred communication approaches will lead to better reception in the specific community.