Synthesis Essay

STS researchers have discredited the deficit model – a suggestion that public skepticism towards
techno-science emerges primarily because the public lacks or is ignorant of scientific knowledge.
The deficit model suggests that, in better communicating scientific findings to non-experts,
public distrust in science will be minimized.
In this essay, you will demonstrate why the deficit model is an inadequate concept for explaining
public skepticism and/or hostility towards science in the context of a social movement:
https://www.aljazeera.com/archive/2005/09/20084101256138403.html
Introduction
In your introduction you should 1) explain the deficit model, 2) introduce the reader to your
social movement, and 3) summarize the argument of your essay into a thesis statement.
Body
Your essay should clearly describe three factors the deficit model fails to account for when
trying to explain the reasons for public distrust in technoscience. For each factor you have
selected, you should curate evidence from your selected social movement to demonstrate why
the deficit model fails to account for this factor when explaining public distrust in science.
Conclusion
In your conclusion, you should 1) restate your thesis, 2) summarize each of the main points of
your essay, and 3) briefly suggest an alternative to the deficit model for explaining public distrust
in science.
Please be sure to cite all sources with a standard citation format, and list the citation format
that you will be using at the top of your essay before submission.
As asked in the rubric that you integrate 4 concepts from the class, I have provided pdf of 6
readings from the class. Pick 4 that would work will with this essay. Please read and follow
the rubric carefully. Thank you!!!
Rubric: