So what s so great about covering science Sharon Dunwoody School of Journalism and Mass Communication University of Wisconsin Madison You get to cover important and fascinating topics Endurance running as an evolutionary force Face transplants Deep space But even better You learn to evaluate evidence In lieu of evaluating evidence Objectivity Balance The downside An objective balanced account can be untrue How does science writing training help Develop healthy skepticism Become familiar with ways of systematically answering questions An example The Milorganite controversy in Milwaukee Milwaukee Sentinel 2 linked to Milorganite plant died of Lou Gehrig s disease County ALS death rate high in 79 84 Heavy metal discharges over limits Milwaukee Journal From viruses to heavy metals pneumatic tools to household pets more than a dozen possible causes of Lou Gehrig s disease have been investigated by the world s scientists To date they have been unable to pin down a definitive cause What gave Journal reporters an advantage They understood the difference between systematic and anecdotal data They understood probability theory They knew how to find credible experts who could offer the best evidence The take home message You don t have to be a science writer to think like one Thinking like one may serve your audience well
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