Understanding Research Studies

The mainstream media is often the source of health information for today's consumer. Nothing can be more confusing than attempting to keep up to date with research news on health and diet. There are research reports each day in print and on-line. The consumer needs to distinguish accurate and balanced reporting from sensational reports.

Research papers are not intended for public reading

Media reports on health and diet are often based on studies published in scientific journals that were never intended for public consumption (1).

A researcher will conduct a study, write a manuscript describing the study and conclusions and submit it to a scientific journal for publication. Most journals require "peer review" of the article by fellow scientists in the field to evaluate the paper for publication acceptance. These published papers are intended for the use of other scientists. They are not intended to be the last word on a topic but to add to the body of knowledge for future studies and add to the intellectual development of the topic within the research community.

Using short, "newsworthy" articles, the media often only report the results of single studies. Many stories are chosen simply because the results are contrary to current health recommendations. Such reports provide little information about how the new results fit in with other evidence on the topic(2). This often leaves the consumer with information that they can't use or understand.

Tips to better understand research studies and results