Statistical Biases in Science Communication

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P. A. Ioannidis
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Statistical Tools ◽  
P Values ◽  
Good Science ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
Distinguishing Features

Misuse and misinterpretation of statistics result in statistical biases that affect the quality, clarity, relevance, and implications of communicated scientific information. Statistical tools are often suboptimally used in scientific papers, even in the best journals. The vast majority of published results are statistically significant, and even nonsignificant results are often spun as being important. Inferences based on P-values generate additional misconceptions. It is also common to focus on metrics that are more prone to exaggerated interpretation. Most of these problems are possible to solve or at least improve on. The prevalence of statistical biases has been used in attacks designed to discredit science’s validity. However, the use of rigorous statistical methods and their careful interpretation can be one of the strongest distinguishing features of good science and a powerful tool to sustain science’s integrity.

Statistical Tools and Methods Used in Works Published in “Folia Turistica” between 1990-2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 6-6
Author(s):  
Stanisław Matusik
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Numerical Data ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Statistical Tools ◽  
Graphic Presentation ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
Tools And Methods

Purpose. The aim of the study was to discuss the use of tools and methods of statistical analysis, as well as forms of graphic presentation of results obtained in articles published in “Folia Turistica” during the last 30 years of its history. Method. The basic method was a review of all articles in terms of the use of statistical methods applied in scientific papers published in “Folia Turistica” in the years 1990 - 2018 (volumes 1- 49). Findings. Out of 486 articles published in 49 volumes of “Folia Turistica” from 1990-2018, 31% used statistical tools and methods. The graphic presentation of analysis of results can be found in 78 articles (including 12 publications with prepared maps), the use of statistical tests in 35 articles, and the use of multi-dimensional statistical methods in 28 articles. An important part of the works are methodological publications. The authors used statistical parametric and non-parametric tests, linear and non-linear regression models, taxonomic and factor analysis and (in individual cases) relatively rare tests, including those related to spatial analyses (I-Moran and Isard coefficient). Research and conclusions limitations. The work concerns the use of statistical tools and methods in scientific articles in “Folia Turistica” issue No. 1-49. In some works, there was no verification of the applicability assumptions of selected statistical tools or justification for their selection, or the purposes of the research were too general. Practical implications. The indicated tools and methods of statistical analysis may be inspiration for authors and readers of scientific papers in the preparation of numerical data and forms of their presentation. Originality. Meta-analysis was prepared on the occasion of the anniversary edition of the 50th issue of “Folia Turistica”. Type of paper. The article is a review.

STATISTICAL TOOLS AND METHODS USED IN WORKS PUBLISHED IN "FOLIA TURISTICA" BETWEEN 1990-2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 ◽  
pp. 11-12
Author(s):  
Stanisław Matusik
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Numerical Data ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Statistical Tools ◽  
Graphic Presentation ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
Tools And Methods

Purpose. The aim of the study was to discuss the use of tools and methods of statistical analysis, as well as forms of graphic presentation of results obtained in articles published in "Folia Turistica" during the last 30 years of its history. Method. The basic method was a review of all articles in terms of the use of statistical methods applied in scientific papers published in "Folia Turistica" in the years 1990 - 2018 (volumes 1- 49). Findings. Out of 486 articles published in 49 volumes of "Folia Turistica" from 1990-2018, 31% used statistical tools and methods. The graphic presentation of analysis of results can be found in 78 articles (including 12 publications with prepared maps), the use of statistical tests in 35 articles, and the use of multi-dimensional statistical methods in 28 articles. An important part of the works are methodological publications. The authors used statistical parametric and non-parametric tests, linear and non-linear regression models, taxonomic and factor analysis and (in individual cases) relatively rare tests, including those related to spatial analyses (I-Moran and Isard coefficient). Research and conclusions limitations. The work concerns the use of statistical tools and methods in scientific articles in "Folia Turistica" issue No. 1-49. In some works, there was no verification of the applicability assumptions of selected statistical tools or justification for their selection, or the purposes of the research were too general. Practical implications. The indicated tools and methods of statistical analysis may be inspiration for authors and readers of scientific papers in the preparation of numerical data and forms of their presentation. Originality. Meta-analysis was prepared on the occasion of the anniversary edition of the 50th issue of "Folia Turistica". Type of paper. The article is a review.

scholarly journals Analyzing Ordinal Scales in Studies of Virtual Environments: Likert or Lump It!

2007 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry J. Gardner ◽  
Michael A. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Nonparametric Statistics ◽  
Continuous Data ◽  
Statistical Tools ◽  
Great Caution ◽  
Statistical Procedures ◽  
Survey Questions ◽  
Ordinal Scales

Likert scaled data, which are frequently collected in studies of interaction in virtual environments, demand specialized statistical tools for analysis. The routine use of statistical methods appropriate for continuous data in this context can lead to significant inferential flaws. Likert scaled data are ordinal rather than interval scaled and need to be analyzed using rank based statistical procedures that are widely available. Likert scores are “lumpy” in the sense that they cluster around a small number of fixed values. This lumpiness is made worse by the tendency for subjects to cluster towards either the middle or the extremes of the scale. We suggest an ad hoc method to deal with such data which can involve a further lumping of the results followed by the application of nonparametric statistics. Averaging Likert scores over several different survey questions, which is sometimes done in studies of interaction in virtual environments, results in a different sort of lumpiness. The lumped variables which are obtained in this manner can be quite murky and should be used with great caution, if at all, particularly if the number of questions over which such averaging is carried out is small.

scholarly journals Why Should Scientists be on YouTube? It’s all About Bamboo, Oil and Ice Cream

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric B. Brennan
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literacy ◽  
Visual Communication ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Ice Cream ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
The Public ◽  
Communications Skills ◽  
Do It Yourself ◽  
Diverse Groups

Scientific information is a key ingredient needed to tackle global challenges like climate change, but to do this it must be communicated in ways that are accessible to diverse groups, and that go beyond traditional methods (peer-reviewed publications). For decades there have been calls for scientists to improve their communication skills—with each other and the public—but, this problem persists. During this time there have been astonishing changes in the visual communication tools available to scientists. I see video as the next step in this evolution. In this paper I highlight three major changes in the visual communication tools over the past 100 years, and use three memorable items—bamboo, oil and ice cream—and analogies and metaphors to explain why and how Do-it-Yourself (DIY) videos made by scientists, and shared on YouTube, can radically improve science communication and engagement. I also address practical questions for scientists to consider as they learn to make videos, and organize and manage them on YouTube. DIY videos are not a silver bullet that will automatically improve science communication, but they can help scientists to 1) reflect on and improve their communications skills, 2) tell stories about their research with interesting visuals that augment their peer-reviewed papers, 3) efficiently connect with and inspire broad audiences including future scientists, 4) increase scientific literacy, and 5) reduce misinformation. Becoming a scientist videographer or scientist DIY YouTuber can be an enjoyable, creative, worthwhile and fulfilling activity that can enhance many aspects of a scientist’s career.

scholarly journals Credibility of Scientific Information on Social Media: Variation by Platform and Presence of Formal Credibility Cues

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara Boothby ◽  
Dakota Murray ◽  
Anna Polovick Waggy ◽  
Andrew Tsou ◽  
Cassidy R. Sugimoto
Keyword(s):  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Scientific Article ◽  
Perceived Credibility ◽  
Online Platforms ◽  
Similar Information ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Amazon's Mechanical Turk ◽  
Science Information

Responding to calls to take a more active role in communicating their research findings, scientists are increasingly using open online platforms, such as Twitter, to engage in science communication or to publicize their work. Given the ease at which misinformation spreads on these platforms it is important for scientists to present their findings in a manner that appears credible. To examine the extent to which the online presentation of science information relates to its perceived credibility, we designed and conducted two surveys on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. In the first survey, participants rated the credibility of science information on Twitter compared with the same information other platforms, and in the second, participants rated the credibility of tweets with modified characteristics: presence of an image, text sentiment, and the number of likes/retweets. We find that similar information about scientific findings is perceived as less credible when presented on Twitter compared to other platforms, and that perceived credibility increases when presented with recognizable features of a scientific article. On a platform as widely distrusted as Twitter, use of these features may allow researchers who regularly use Twitter for research-related networking and communication to present their findings in the most credible formats.

scholarly journals Statistical Methods for Solving Transportation Problems

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 10-13
Author(s):  
Alina Baboş
Keyword(s):  
Linear Programming ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Approximation Method ◽  
Transportation Problem ◽  
Feasible Solution ◽  
Basic Feasible Solution ◽  
Statistical Tools ◽  
Numerical Examples ◽  
North West ◽  
Shipping Cost

Abstract Transportation problem is one of the models of Linear Programming problem. It deals with the situation in which a commodity from several sources is shipped to different destinations with the main objective to minimize the total shipping cost. There are three well-known methods namely, North West Corner Method Least Cost Method, Vogel’s Approximation Method to find the initial basic feasible solution of a transportation problem. In this paper, we present some statistical methods for finding the initial basic feasible solution. We use three statistical tools: arithmetic and harmonic mean and median. We present numerical examples, and we compare these results with other classical methods.

A Recap

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Hilgard ◽  
Nan Li
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
The Public ◽  
Science Of Science ◽  
Cultural Implications ◽  
Science Media

This synthesis chapter recapitulates the major themes of Part I. The chapter proposes that science communication is challenging because science is complex, because humans interpret evidence in biased ways, and because the science–media landscape is shifting. Consequently, the mere supply of scientific information alone is not likely to guide audiences to science-consistent beliefs. Instead, science communicators must learn to navigate both the cultural implications of their work and the heuristics audiences use when deciding whom to trust. Consideration must be given to scientific knowledge and the audience’s values alike. A science of science communication provides an understanding of these multiple considerations and promotes effective dialogue between scientists and the public.

scholarly journals Communicating Science through Comics: A Method

Publications ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Friesen ◽  
John Van Stan ◽  
Skander Elleuche
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Scientific Publication ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Flexible Framework ◽  
Scientific Results

Scientists are trained to tell stories, scientific stories. Training is also needed to comprehend and contextualize these highly nuanced and technical stories because they are designed to explicitly convey scientific results, delineate their limitations, and describe a reproducible “plot” so that any thorough reenactment can achieve a similar conclusion. Although a carefully constructed scientific story may be crystal clear to other scientists in the same discipline, they are often inaccessible to broader audiences. This is problematic as scientists are increasingly expected to communicate their work to broader audiences that range from specialists in other disciplines to the general public. In fact, science communication is of increasing importance to acquire funding and generate effective outreach, as well as introduce, and sometimes even justify, research to society. This paper suggests a simple and flexible framework to translate a complex scientific publication into a broadly-accessible comic format. Examples are given for embedding scientific details into an easy-to-understand storyline. A background story is developed and panels are generated that convey scientific information via plain language coupled with recurring comic elements to maximize comprehension and memorability. This methodology is an attempt to alleviate the inherent limitations of interdisciplinary and public comprehension that result from standard scientific publication and dissemination practices. We also hope that this methodology will help colleagues enter into the field of science comics.

When Scientists Tweet for Social Changes: Dialogic Communication and Collective Mobilization Strategies by Flint Water Study Scientists on Twitter

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi Rosie Jahng ◽  
Namyeon Lee
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Virginia Tech ◽  
Social Changes ◽  
Collective Actions ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Dialogic Communication ◽  
The Public ◽  
Study Team

Guided by the literature in social media and science activism, this exploratory study examined how scientists from Virginia Tech, known as the Flint Water Study team, utilized Twitter to communicate and mobilize the public in response to the contamination of water with lead in Flint, Michigan. Results from the content analysis indicated that the scientists utilized Twitter mainly to provide scientific information to the public and that public education was their main advocacy tactic. This study offers insights into how this particular group of science activists utilized social media for collective actions and suggests future directions for science communication on social media.

Engaging Audiences - new tools and innovative methods for polar education, engagement and communication

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inga Beck ◽  
Sophie Weeks ◽  
Pia Cassarini ◽  
Julia Dooley ◽  
Betsy Wilkening ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
International Workshop ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Research Process ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Collaborative Group ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Polar Science ◽  
Education And Outreach

<p>PEI is the leading international professional network for polar educators and scientists, formed in 2012 as an outcome of the Education and Outreach activities of the IPY, connecting polar education, research and the global community.  The organisation encourages collaboration, networking and dialogue between teachers and researchers developing science communication and engagement tools and methodologies, integrating and evaluating learning and engagement at all stages of the research process. Three opportunities to be involved in this work are highlighted.   </p><p>  </p><p>International Collaboration</p><p>PEI, collaborating with IASC, SCAR and APECS is working with researchers and polar educators to review and update Polar Science and Global Change - An International Resource for Education and Outreach (IPY2010), a comprehensive book of teaching and communication resources including scientific information, research material, methods and hands-on activities to bring polar research into classrooms and the community. The updated online version will provide existing and new resources, in multiple languages, downloadable as chapters and activities including: </p><p>Current science and future research questions</p><p>Emerging topics - 3rd pole, remote sensing and microplastics</p><p>Activities/Labs for teaching polar science</p><p>Communication techniques for different audiences</p><p>Public outreach initiatives</p><p>Capacity building and careers</p><p>Indigenous knowledge</p><p>Opportunities are available to join the collaborative group of educators and scientists to evaluate the existing resource and contribute to developing a new online resource.</p><p> </p><p>Professional Networking in Bits and Bytes</p><p>PEI members have been connecting, collaborating, and creating in an online environment since 2012. PEI members also get together at the PEI biennial international workshop to share and evaluate current polar education, outreach and science communication initiatives with international peers and experts. In preparation for the 2022 PEI Iceland workshop, members will present a programme of online professional development experiences for polar educators, science communicators and community members beginning in Spring 2021, highlighting strengths and challenges of engaging audiences . These will be shared freely and evaluated through discussion. </p><p> </p><p>Global Dialogue</p><p>PEI welcomes participation in a global cafe, connecting interdisciplinary and diverse communities, encouraging ongoing dialogue about effective polar education and action.</p><p>There are many networks and partnerships who engage in polar education, science communication, community learning and research but there are few opportunities to collect together this experience and expertise on a global scale. The first global conversation - Connecting Education, Indigenous Knowledge & Arctic Research, will contribute material for a report to the Arctic Science Ministerial. It Aims to connect dialogues about polar education and outreach, particularly concerning the Arctic, which is changing faster than any other environment on the planet.This is a unique opportunity for science, education and community partners with an interest in the Arctic to weave networks, lead dialogue and participate in a global conversation.</p>

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