Observational studies, rather than randomized control trial counterparts, are most likely to receive coverage in major news outlets, according to research in PLOS One.
Observational studies more often show correlation, rather than causation, while randomized control trials are more likely to show causation, rather than correlation. Newspaper outlets, however, often treat evidence showing correlation as if it presents causation, according to the article.
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Another feature of scientific coverage in the media is the tendency to select articles outside of journals with the highest impacts in their respective fields, inadvertently choosing studies with weaker quality and experimental design, on average.
The researchers concluded better understanding of how the media covers science may lead to changes in coverage beneficial to the public and public health.
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