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11 tips for journalists: How to avoid blunders when reporting on science

Have a critical approach to the world’s best subject: Science.

01 januar 2023

Avoid uncritically reusing the same, media-accustomed expert sources. Find an expert who has researched your specific angle on a topic.

01 januar 2023

Peer review and scientific journals are the best indicators of credible knowledge

Science Journalism Guide

Tip number 2: Check if the research has been published in a scientific journal

When research is printed in a scientific journal, you as a journalist can better trust that the result is solid.

01 januar 2023

Always ask your sources if the study you are reporting on is consistent with prior research.

Science Journalism Guide

Tip number 3: A single study is not the ultimate truth

The latest research is by no means always the best. Therefore, before you choose a sharp angle based on a new result, you should always check what...

01 januar 2023

Science Journalism Guide

Tip number 4: Always talk to at least one independent scientist

When reporting that 'new research shows ...', you should always talk to at least one researcher who was not involved in the study.

01 januar 2023

Science Journalism Guide

Tip number 5: Be aware of conflicts of interest

Scientific research is the most reliable source of knowledge, but research can also be affected by conflicts of interest. Check where the money comes...

01 januar 2023

The journalistic principle of balance is not always equally relevant to science reporting.

Science Journalism Guide

Tip number 6: Avoid false balance

When scientists disagree, it is the journalist's job to investigate who has the most scientific support.

01 januar 2023

Always ask the scientists or your independent source how likely it is that their study has found a causal connection.

Science Journalism Guide

Tip number 7: Beware of common mistakes when using statistics

A frequent roar among journalists is to get the terms 'correlation and causality' wrong.

01 januar 2023

Many journalists confuse relative numbers with absolute numbers.

Science Journalism Guide

Tip number 8: Don’t exaggerate

Be careful not to exaggerate when reporting on research that finds negligible risks or effects.

01 januar 2023

Ask the scientists what reservations should be included and what they mean for the conclusion.

Science Journalism Guide

Tip number 9: Be honest about uncertainty – also in the headline

Openness about reservations makes your story more accurate and credible - so don't hide reservations at the bottom of your article.

01 januar 2023

If you want to avoid misinformation and misunderstandings, it is a good idea to select case studies for your reporting that are in accord with the research.

Science Journalism Guide

Tip number 10: Choose your cases carefully

A case is a powerful tool and can make a far greater impression than decades of research, which speak against the case.

01 januar 2023

Not all scientific methods are equally strong.

Science Journalism Guide

Tip number 11: Mice or humans? Ask about the research method

Not all research is of equal quality. Here you will get advice on distinguishing good from bad.

01 januar 2023