Question

Describe the process that you typically go through to determine if something is trustworthy and reliable. What are the best ways to determine if scientific information is trustworthy and reliable? Explain.

Answer 1

To analyze where was the research was published:

Health care providers trust and use research published in credible, peer-reviewed scientific journals. Some examples popular journals are JAMA, the New England Journal of Medicine, Nature and Science.

To analyze how does the new information fit with what is already known:

Each research study adds to an existing body of knowledge. One study alone is never enough to make a case - it can provide direction about what new research is needed.

How the funding influence research?

The source of funding for a research project can bias the results. The funding source is normally included in the journal article. When reading an article from a funded research project, we must consider whether the funders of this research had anything to gain by the results. If the funder does not have an interest in the results then we can conclude that the results are not influenced by the funders.

Information from television, magazines, or brochures:

When we see a report on television, in a magazine, or in a brochure, we should consider where this information came from, who provided the information, whether the source is credible or not, who did the study, and whether it is consistent with other research. If we are unsure, we have to ask our health care provider.

Information from the internet:

Web sites and newsletters are available to people with Internet access. We have to use the preceding guidelines to think about the credibility, expertise, bias, and funding of the source of information. The most credible Internet sites come from recognized experts, like health agencies and reputable health and medical organizations. If we are unsure, we have to ask our health care provider for credible web sites.