Tip number 9: Be honest about uncertainty – also in the headline
01 januar 2023
Key points
Many people see only the lead – do not hide reservations at the bottom of your article or the end of your feature.
Ask scientists for important reservations.
Being transparent about uncertainty makes your story more accurate and credible.
Headlines, subheadings and introductions have a huge impact on the recipient.
Failure to note important reservations clearly and early can lead to misinformation and, in the worst case, dangerous instructions.
Download the guide
This article is part of the guide 11 tips for journalists: How to avoid blunders when reporting on science. The guide is accessible in three formats:
Online articles regarding each of the 11 tips.
The full guide of 11 tips as a PDF-file.
The 11 tips as a checklist, a one-pager.
An international study during the COVID-19 pandemic actually indicates that people find science journalism more credible if the reservations are included.
Therefore, ask the scientists — both those behind the study and your independent source — what reservations should be included and what they mean for the conclusion.
Beware of conclusions and expressions that are too solid, such as ‘science has spoken’. Use phrasing such as ‘suggests’ or write the lead as a question.
Do your best to ensure that the headline conveys the correct idea. Don’t assume that the reader will see reservations discussed far down in the article.
Read more tips by clicking the blinking icons at the left in the graphic below.
