White papers, working papers, preprints, journal articles: What’s the difference?
In this updated piece, we explain the most common types of research papers journalists will encounter, noting their strengths and weaknesses.
Tip Sheets
Expert Commentary
Being receptive to opposing views — why it matters (plus 3 tips to help journalists build rapport with distrustful sources)
A new paper offers insights into how to be more receptive to different opinions and the role it plays in building relationships and solving problems.
Expert Commentary
Communicating complexity in an age of polarization: 3 tips from the UN’s Melissa Fleming
Tell stories about real people, reach for the ‘conflicted middle’ and give voice to trusted messengers: Three tips to help journalists and other public communicators relay complex information in an age of political polarization.
Expert Commentary
When public officials spread health misinformation, be quick to point it out: A tip sheet
Some politicians, public officials and a handful of physicians are spreading misinformation. It’s important for journalists to debunk falsehoods high up in their stories, avoid false balance, and dig into the motives.
Expert Commentary
Covering scientific consensus: What to avoid and how to get it right
Three researchers explain how journalists can use scientific consensus to bolster their coverage and battle misinformation about public policy topics.
Expert Commentary
6 tips for reporting on supply chain disruptions during Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the holiday shopping season
Three supply chain management researchers offer advice for how journalists can add context to their reporting. Plus: A reference guide with the links and sources cited here.
Expert Commentary
7 tips for finding local stories in The Lancet’s 2021 health and climate change report
Even for journalists who don’t typically cover climate change, the Lancet Countdown reports are a treasure trove of story ideas that can help explain how extreme weather events affect personal health.
Expert Commentary
5 tips for avoiding mistakes in news headlines about health and medical research
Prominent science journalists Deborah Blum, Cristine Russell and Brooke Borel offer advice to help newsrooms avoid common mistakes in writing headlines about health and medical research.
Expert Commentary
4 tips for covering COVID-19 vaccine boosters
Confusion and controversy surrounding COVID-19 vaccine boosters underscore the importance of journalists’ role in clearly explaining the scientific process to the public. Here are four tips to help you with your reporting.
Expert Commentary
4 tips for covering religious exemptions to vaccine mandates
Law professor Dorit Reiss, whose research focuses on vaccine mandates and religious exemptions, offers advice on how journalists should think about and cover these issues amid COVID-19.
Expert Commentary