How to identify reliable scientific information
Whether you are working on a research project or you just want to base your decision on solid facts, it helps to know how to tell reliable science from more shaky facts. In this guide, I share how I, as a research scientist, gather facts to inform my research, teaching, and decision-making.
Question the source
You are probably well aware that not all science on the internet is created equal. You probably know that self-published blogs and websites are far less reliable than information from official sources like the websites of government agencies or scientific publishers. However, you may not be aware that there is a difference between published science from official sources as well.
The power of peers
The first marker of quality is to check if the article has been peer-reviewed. Peer review is a cornerstone of scientific publishing to ensure that the published science adheres to the standards of scientific inquiry. Typically, this means that independent scientists comment on the paper and ask for additional information or clarifications. The reviewers can also recommend rejecting the article if…