Who’s Putting the Spin on Your Science?

Miller, Gregory D.; Krautheim, Ann Marie; Quagliani, Diane

doi:10.1097/00017285-200209000-00003

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 5 publications

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“…For instance, some special interest groups promote their own agendas by citing statistics out of context or touting inaccurate and alarming data. The media present this information because of its shock value and audience appeal (Miller et al, 2002).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The quality of nutrition research reporting by leading daily newspapers in India

Maheshwar¹,

Gavaravarapu²,

Venkaiah³

et al. 2014

J. Media Commun. Stud.

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Background: Newspapers are an important form of Mass media which plays significant role in health promotion, and is crucial for social development. Studies revealed that newspaper reports lacked consistency in presenting nutrition research results to the readers. A study was conducted with a hypothesis "Newspapers often highlight nutrition research findings disproportionately in order to draw reader's attention". Objective: To assess presentation of nutrition research findings/ outcomes by newspapers as compared to the original research papers on which they are based. Method: The top six popular newspapers in India were selected for the study. A scale was evolved based on 10 parameters for gauging accuracy of the reports. Results: A total of 214 reports were identified as based or claimed on nutrition research in all the above six newspapers. One-fourth of the newspaper reports did not conveyed nutrition research results properly. Few reports were found as contrary to the original findings on which they were based on. Almost one-fifth of the reports have no mention of the source, which denies access to the reader for the original report. Usually, any research or scientific study has its own limitations. But, this vital aspect is missing in the newspapers reports on nutrition research. Conclusions: With emphasis on short, "newsworthy" pieces, the media often only report the results of single studies, and many stories are chosen simply because the results run contrary to current health recommendations. Scientists need to help translate their research for consumers.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The quality of nutrition research reporting by leading daily newspapers in India

Maheshwar¹,

Gavaravarapu²,

Venkaiah³

et al. 2014

J. Media Commun. Stud.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

From nutrition scientist to nutrition communicator: why you should take the leap1,2

Miller

Cohen

Fulgoni

et al. 2006

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

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Media reports about new nutrition research are abundant, but they may confuse the public when unqualified sources are quoted, findings are reported out of context, or results appear to contradict previous studies. The nutrition scientist who conducts the research is best qualified to communicate the findings accurately and within context. Yet, some nutrition scientists hesitate to speak out in the media because of barriers such as a lack of time, media skills, and support from administrators or fear that their results will be miscommunicated or sensationalized. Scientists who do grant media interviews enjoy benefits such as positively affecting the public's eating habits, influencing health and nutrition policy, and receiving heightened attention to their work, which can lead to future research funding. Scientists who want to improve their media skills can seek support from their institution's public relations professionals and can learn from continuing education opportunities at conferences and self-study through articles and other resources.

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Who’s Putting the Spin on Your Science?

Cited by 2 publications

References 5 publications

The quality of nutrition research reporting by leading daily newspapers in India

The quality of nutrition research reporting by leading daily newspapers in India

From nutrition scientist to nutrition communicator: why you should take the leap1,2

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