An Evaluation of a Narrative-Based Communication Product among Undergraduate Students in Taraba State, Nigeria

This study evaluated an audio storytelling product as a narrative-based approach to communicating science and stimulating undergraduate students' interest in science and technology. The study adopted a descriptive survey design alongside a practical communication design approach. A nine-minute audio story titled The Invisible War: A Story of Antibiotic Resistance was developed and evaluated by 40 purposively selected 200-level undergraduate students of Taraba State University, drawn from 16 departments across different academic disciplines. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire comprising a demographic section, a 10-item five-point Likert scale measuring interest, perceived clarity and engagement, and two open-ended questions. The questionnaire was subjected to formal expert review for clarity and relevance, while its reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha, which yielded a coefficient of 0.76. The audio story was distributed to participants through WhatsApp, and participants completed the questionnaire through Google Forms after listening to the full recording. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations, while responses to the open-ended questions were grouped into recurring themes.

audio storytelling, science communication, science interest, podcasting, narrative, university students

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