The web has enabled us to get information in a flash. Everything is within our fingertips with the help of our phones and search engines. However, there are plenty of noise as well. Some of the things we see online might not be entirely true. Others might be blatant lies. Knowing how to evaluate what we read is important especially when it comes to science news. We should know which ones to believe in and which ones to discard. It can be confusing given all of the headlines that come at us from all angles. Filter them through the following criteria:
Cited Sources
Before believing a news article, make sure to look for the sources cited in it. Where did the information come from? Is there a peer-reviewed study behind the claims? If it linked to these sources, then you can click on those and analyze the methodologies and conclusions. See if there was enough samples to get good data and if the procedures make sense for the experiments. Did they conduct double blind tests? How did they eliminate biases? Are their conclusions in line with the data they presented or are they grasping at straws?
Site Reputation
Next is to gauge the site’s reputation. Always get your science news from a well-known site that is considered as a leading name in science. At the very least, it should be a respected media organization with a good track record in providing factual news. Even then, reporters and writers are human so they may commit errors. Be sure to check if the conclusion in the studies and the headline actually match up. Some might be prone to sensationalize the news just to get more clicks. Get your news from sites that presents a balanced view without any exaggerations.
Consensus
Whenever you find a science news article that piques your interest, make sure that you check other news sources to see if others are carrying the headline. See how they angle their articles. You might also want to look for other studies that confirm or refute what the latest news is saying. What were the differences in the methodologies that led to the differences in conclusions? Perhaps one is more reliable than the other due to bigger sample size, length of observations, and accuracy of processes. Eventually, a consensus should emerge as long as everyone is relying on facts.
Science news can be incredibly fascinating and helpful in understanding the world but make sure that you are reading trustworthy articles.
