Problem
You learned to identify, define, and apply concepts of research methodology and statistics. You can also use these skills to become an educated and responsible consumer of research when reading reports from popular news sources. In such instances, knowing how to evaluate the information you have been given as well as locating more information about the study will help you assess a researcher's claims.
Before completing this week's discussion, watch "Science Journalism"
Your friend is interested in learning how to conduct their own research when reading or watching news reports about research studies, and has reached out to you for suggestions.
1) Based on what you've learned thus far, what are some fundamental research elements your friend should look for when reading a media report about a study?
2) Your friend emails you a story about a research study from their favorite online news source (e.g., Google News, Reddit®, Yahoo!®). You notice the media report succinctly summarizes the study's findings, but several details about the researcher's methods and data analysis have been omitted.
3) What can your friend do to obtain more information or corroborate the research?
4) Is it appropriate for your friend to know who funded the study? Why or why not?