Comprehension and Interpretation of News Stories (fall 2018)
Additional information for study participants
Thanks again to all participants for helping us with this study.
The general goal of this research is to learn more about how people interpret news articles. Much scientific information is presented in the news media, and it is important to understand if that information is being correctly interpreted by the general public.
In this study we are looking at how people interpret statistical results of scientific studies presented in news articles. In our study, participants read one of several articles. For example, one of the articles described a single study that found evidence for the drug's effectiveness. Another article stated that three studies all had the same result (that the new drug was effective). All participants rated the probability that the drug works. We are looking to see if people's ratings depend on the article they read. We are also taking into account the amount of statistical training and experience people reported, because that should also influence their interpretation of the articles.
If you have comments or questions related to this study, please contact Dr. W. B. Thompson ([email protected]).
The general goal of this research is to learn more about how people interpret news articles. Much scientific information is presented in the news media, and it is important to understand if that information is being correctly interpreted by the general public.
In this study we are looking at how people interpret statistical results of scientific studies presented in news articles. In our study, participants read one of several articles. For example, one of the articles described a single study that found evidence for the drug's effectiveness. Another article stated that three studies all had the same result (that the new drug was effective). All participants rated the probability that the drug works. We are looking to see if people's ratings depend on the article they read. We are also taking into account the amount of statistical training and experience people reported, because that should also influence their interpretation of the articles.
If you have comments or questions related to this study, please contact Dr. W. B. Thompson ([email protected]).