In the fields of public health and biomedical science, many of the most prestigious journals now require graphical abstracts. But even if your publisher does not require one, producing a graphical abstract is still a worthwhile investment. Studies suggest that they can increase the amount of exposure your publication receives, which in turn can lead to more citations.
But many public health researchers are faced with the challenge of representing human diversity in their graphical abstracts. Some face the further challenge of visually representing at-risk or vulnerable populations. Failing to carefully consider how you visually represent the subject of your research, and without seeking input from diverse perspectives, you run the risk of allowing unconscious biases to inform the way you represent the target population. This reflects poorly on the research skills of the author, and can even be reputation-damaging.
Graphical abstracts by necessity reduce or simplify complex concepts and processes, and yet it is crucial to avoid reductionism when we represent gender, race/ethnicity, size, and ability. The authors of a recent content analysis concluded that “the characteristics that make graphical abstracts useful dissemination tools also create potential pitfalls by oversimplifying results, focusing on positive findings, or flattening conceptual nuances that limit accuracy. Furthermore, graphical abstracts, such as all forms of scientific translation and representation, illuminate many tacit cultural assumptions in science and society.”
By way of example, the authors describe a graphical abstract for a study on obesity among African Americans that received widespread backlash after it was published online. The abstract included a visual representation of an African American woman that closely resembled a still from the 2009 film Precious. As a result of the outcry against the graphical abstract, the publisher was forced to formally retract it and issue a public apology.
The results of the content analysis also revealed that overwhelmingly, human figures were light skinned and male; genetics or genetic risk factors for disease were often emphasized at the expense of other themes; and healthy individuals were disproportionately depicted with “light skin, well-defined musculature, thin abdomens, and breast-less torsos.”
Although reinforcing stereotypes is a common pitfall, visual representations that are vague or devoid of visual cues relating to race, ethnicity, or gender can be equally problematic. Failing to provide any context prompts readers to fill in the blanks with their own assumptions about ethnicity, race, gender, etc. in the context of a health condition–assumptions that may not be consistent with the conclusions of the study.
Beyond representing your research and your institution in the best possible light, creating visual communications that represent diverse populations respectfully and accurately is one way of rebuilding the public’s trust in scientific institutions. If you choose to hire a professional to create your next graphical abstract, it’s always a good idea to ask how they approach issues of representation in their work. Don’t be afraid to give your input or ask for revisions.
We believe diversity adds value to scientific research, and we are equally committed to representing diversity in our products. Our team is ready to collaborate with you to produce a graphical abstract that represents your research accurately and thoughtfully. Contact us today for a consultation.
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