Entering the Conversation

Liberman begins his blog discussing an issue with a newspaper article that falsely claims that omega-3 fish oil supplements helps increase children’s focus and concentration.  He talks about the science writer and how he careless towards what the actual scientific study concluded.  The problem being addressed is the quality of scientific writing in the media today. 

            There are many things that can be learned from Liberman’s post.  After reading his article it made me think more about the validity of the articles that I have read in newspapers in the past. What if the information has been misrepresented like that of the Omega-3 article?  Liberman’s article makes the reader think more about what they see in the media and what they hear on a daily basis. Personally, I think I learned to not trust what you see in the media, even if it seems like it comes from a trusted source such as a popular newspaper.  The importance on researching a topic is also something hat can be taken away from this article.  It is crucial that one uses correct citation of sources, and represents the data correctly in a piece of writing. This article teaches the public to be weary of science articles and to do their own research on the material before coming to any conclusions.

             Liberman uses many pieces of evidence to support his argument against “bad science writers”.  He first uses an article that is promoting the use of Omega-3 fish oil supplements as a means to boost concentration.  Liberman discusses that the science writer for that popular newspaper had completely misused the scientific study.  Liberman states that the study said nothing about omega-3 fish oil supplements increasing focus. In fact the study showed no difference in the use of supplements or not. The evidence he uses is helpful in supporting his argument against bad science writers.  If we can’t trust what a professional writer for a popular newspaper, how do I know I can trust the evidence that Liberman presents? …just a thought.

            The problem of “bad science writers” can be fixed if the authors changed the way the approached their articles.  First they should perform more thorough research on their topic and make sure they get their facts straight.  Another way to fix the problem would to make sure that the newspaper hires trustworthy people with experience in science writing. Another way to prevent this type of false information from reaching the public is by having articles like the omega-3 article checked by an editor.  Either have an editor or another writer review the article for accuracy.  The editor should check the sources and make sure that the material written is in agreement with the study being observed. In addition to an editor checking it before it is published, the public can do their own research on the subject to insure the information they are receiving is true.  Having stricter policies regarding the citation of sources could also help remedy the problem of incorrect information getting to the public.