Sources
Whom Do You Trust?
References
Basic Stories
Complexity
100
University and College science departments are full of one invaluable resource. What is it?
Experts
100
Would you trust a scientist who says that tobacco does not lead to lung cancer but instead it is healthy for good blood flow? This scientist is well respected in his field but his research is completely funded by big tobacco.
No, Look where his funding is coming from.
100
Which of these is a well-respected science reference site? A) Wikihealth.com B) SciCentral.com C) HouseMd.com
SciCentral.com
100
When dealing with discoveries "firsts always make news". True or False?
True
100
Why do many writers fear writing "science beats"?
They fear the complexity of science.
200
True or False? Conferences are a great source because they are full of top experts in a certain field.
True
200
Would you trust a scientist who claims that eating ice cream can cause strokes? His work has been published in a reputable journal but he is not well known.
Yes, if his work has been published by a reputable journal than it is a valid study.
200
Should writers use traditional reference books such as "McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms"?
Yes, these can be very helpful in translating scientific jargon into plain English.
200
Should advances in knowledge be considered "news worthy" even if they have little use or application?
No, they must have some practical application or people will not care.
200
What is the key to writing and reporting science? A) Breaking the language codes B) Getting the message out there
A
300
Should the words of Trade Organizations be accepted without question?
No, their views must be attributed and the other side must be contacted.
300
Would you trust a scientist that claimed that alien life has existed on Mars? This scientist is very well respected in his field and he has accomplished many great things in his field. But many are skeptical of his theory.
Yes, He/She is well respected and has great accomplishments. Their claims should be noted as relevant.
300
Is WebMD a trusted medical site?
Yes, WebMD can be trusted.
300
Should journalist write about threats in their articles?
Yes, but a fine line must be walked between causing panic and informing their public.
300
What would make the information in a science speech easier to grasp?
Specific examples and simple language.
400
Why are Public Interest Groups important? A) They are full of experts B) They act as watchdogs of Government and Industry C) They know the backgrounds of many of the top scientist
B
400
Would you trust a scientist who says that gravity does not exist and instead it is little bugs us down to the ground? This scientist is well respected, his work has been published in a reputable journal, and the funding is independent.
Yes, Even though an idea is unpopular that does not mean that it is wrong. It only means that it must have more evidence to support it.
400
Is Dr. Bob's Health Page a trusted web site?
No, Who the heck is Dr. Bob?
400
Should government reports be written about?
Yes
400
True/False Is science news certain?
False
500
If something comes up in the news and you are unsure where to start, where would a good place to start be? A) A University B) The Hastings Center C) Media Resource Service
C
500
Would you trust a scientist who claims that drinking milk can improve vision? The scientist funding has come from Dairy Farmers of America but other scientist have approved of this theory. This has been accepted at a reputable journal and been presented at a reputable conference.
Yes, The fact that it is been funded by the Dairy Farmers is suspicious but the fact that other scientist are behind it is more important.
500
Should Wikipedia be trusted on health issues?
No, as tempting as it is.
500
Which category would this beat fall under? The "National Academy of Sciences" last month issued a report linking coal-burning boilers to acid rain in the Northeast and Canada. Government Reports, Discoveries, Threats
Government Reports
500
Should a reporter reporting a science beat be informed and ready with questions or should they assume ignorance on the subject?
They should be informed.
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