# Enhancing Critical Thinking in Health News Consumption
Written on
Chapter 1: The Importance of Critical Analysis
Engaging with the news is an effective way to stay informed about global events, but it’s crucial to recognize that news stories may not always be impartial or accurate. Developing the ability to critically analyze news is a skill that can be nurtured through practice. This is the focus of my course, Critiquing Health News.
Throughout this spring semester, 30 students at Emory College engaged in discussions about media articles related to scientific studies on health and disease, examining one article each week. They investigated the underlying science and juxtaposed it with the news coverage. Each discussion brought forth new perspectives and insights.
As a capstone project, students crafted letters to their families and friends, offering ten suggestions on how to consume news more critically. Below are the top ten recommendations I selected from their submissions, shared with permission.
Section 1.1: Embrace Skepticism
1. Be a Skeptic
“The most vital aspect of consuming health-related news is to adopt a skeptical mindset. The following principles can easily mislead news consumers if they aren’t cautious. Being skeptical doesn’t mean rejecting every article; rather, it involves questioning ideas while remaining open to being proven right or wrong. When encountering information that seems dubious, scrutinize the data and seek out other sources for validation.” — Pia Phillips (Sophomore)
Section 1.2: The Power of Visuals
2. Do Not Let Appealing Illustrations Deceive You
“While infographics and creative articles may be visually engaging, they can also be used misleadingly to sway public opinion. The way information is visually represented can distort logical thinking, leading to misinterpretation. Infographics that present data accurately tend to have less emotional weight. If you find yourself strongly drawn to a visual, question whether the author is attempting to manipulate your perspective.” — Alexia Bernhardt-Lanier (Freshman)
Subsection 1.2.1: Understanding Expertise
3. Identify the Limits of Expertise
“Seeing a renowned expert on a topic can lead us to assume they are well-informed. However, experts may comment on areas outside their expertise, which can render their prestige irrelevant. As we consume media, it's essential to evaluate the credibility of the expertise being presented.” — Robel Betre (Junior)
Section 1.3: Evaluating Claims
4. Check the Plausibility of Claims
“Our first line of defense against dubious claims is our common sense. Ask yourself, ‘Does this make sense?’ Are the statistics consistent with what we know? Often, people accept statistics as truth, so posing these questions helps maintain critical scrutiny.” — Justin Burnett (Freshman)
5. Check for Bias in Claims
“When reading quotes from authors, consider whether they have any incentives to exaggerate their findings. Bias exists everywhere, and researchers may feel pressured to present their findings in a certain light. Look for potential exaggerations to avoid falling for misinformation.” — Katya Taylor (Senior)
Section 1.4: Understanding Statistics
6. Statistics Are Interpretations Too
“Statistics are gathered by individuals who can introduce biases. When statisticians process raw data, they decide how to present it, which can lead to skewed interpretations. Don’t accept statistics at face value; they may not represent the whole truth.” — Leelt Ermias (Sophomore)
7. Consider Alternative Explanations
“Just because a news outlet presents a particular narrative doesn’t mean it’s complete. Authors often select data that supports their conclusions. When claims suggest causal relationships, consider other possible explanations that may have been overlooked.” — Michelle Tan (Senior)
Section 1.5: Bayesian Thinking
8. Use Bayesian Thinking
“With the constant influx of ‘breaking news,’ it’s vital to analyze claims critically. Evaluate the prior evidence before accepting something as groundbreaking. This mindset is useful when assessing sensational claims, such as those related to COVID-19 treatments.” — Ducci Montana (Junior)
9. Remember How Science Works
“Understanding the scientific method is crucial. Science relies on repetition and critical analysis. No single study should be immediately trusted. Grasping how science operates can enhance your ability to critically read health news.” — Muhammad Mukarram (Junior)
Section 1.6: Staying Informed
10. Keep Reading
“Information is continually evolving, so stay engaged! Our understanding of scientific knowledge is fluid. Remaining an active learner allows us to question our beliefs and adapt to new information, ultimately enriching our understanding of health news.” — Justin Kalish (Senior)
Chapter 2: Further Learning
This video, How to Critique a Research Article - for Healthcare Students and Researchers, provides practical guidance on evaluating research articles effectively, enhancing your critical thinking skills in health-related contexts.
Additionally, the video 10 Tips to Guarantee Academic Success (from a Top 1% Med Student) offers valuable insights that can help students excel in their academic pursuits, including effective strategies for approaching health news critically.