Here's a good rule of thumb for interpreting science news
You've probably seen it before: a headline that goes something like "Study: caffeine gives you brain cancer." And you think, What, really? Such results are often followed by a similar headline a few months later with the exact opposite result. How do we sort through this endless stream of science?
Aaron Carroll's most recent video suggests some useful tools for this purpose. He tells us about meta-analyses, which are studies built on previously done studies. By combining data, one can increase statistical power and perhaps uncover new results. Many of the most counterintuitive studies — and therefore most widely reported — are meta-analyses. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
