Wild west science reporting : pitfalls and ethical issues in the reporting of frontier sciences

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: When reporting on new research or claims by scientists, the science journalist faces anumber of pitfalls. For a number of reasons the journalist might produce a story which isinaccurate or misleading. Thus, when a scientist claims to have found a cure for cancer,the journalist needs to check himself before delivering the story.In this paper I will examme a number of issues concerning the reporting of frontierscience, or new research. In this realm it is particularly difficult to distinguish morereliable science from less reliable science. The problem is compounded by the vestedinterests of scientists, pharmaceutical companies and other interest groups. What thescience journalist writes, influences public opinion, conceptions about science, and oftenaffects people's decision-making regarding medical issues. There is thus a clear ethicalaspect to science reporting.I will try to show that an understanding of how science works is crucial to reportingscience responsibly. In this regard the distinction between frontier and textbook science isof particular importance. Theoretical distinctions such as these provide useful tools forthe interpretation of claims from the frontier.The first chapter, then, will deal with theoretical concepts pertaining to how SCIenceworks. In the second we will examine a number of examples of how reporting from thefrontiers can go wrong. We will argue that a better understanding of science might haveprevented many of the inaccuracies and misleading claims examined.In chapter three we will attempt to list what can go wrong, and examine some of thepossible consequences, thus outlining the ethical aspect of science reporting. Finally wewill make a few suggestions and outline some guidelines which might contribute to moreaccurate and responsible reporting from the frontiers.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University