Separating Truth from Myth: A Health Writer's Guide to Research
By: Abby McCoy, RN BSN
As a health writer, you have to make sure you write accurate and current content. Researching can feel onerous and digging through dense studies a bit mind-numbing at times. But once you learn how to spot a good study from a (ahem) not-so-hot one, you’ll pick up speed .
How can you be sure that the studies you reference are credible and worth citing? Here are some tips to help you distinguish between high-quality and subpar research.
Understand the Study's Conclusions
Make sure to read the study's conclusion and verify that it supports the claim mentioned in the title. Sometimes, the title can be misleading or exaggerated, so it's crucial to confirm that the main findings of the study align with your understanding.
The abstract at the beginning is a great place to get a big picture of the scope, methods, and results. The discussion and conclusion at the end will describe what they found.
Consider Sample Size and Subjects
Take note of the number of test subjects involved in the study. If the research only included a very small group of people or if it was done on animals, it's important to mention this in your writing.
Smaller samples may not provide conclusive evidence and can limit the generalizability of the results. They can still be a great start, and you can mention the results, but stay transparent with your readers about the sample size.
Check Publication Dates
Older research may not be relevant today, so keep an eye on dates. Most style guides and publishers specify the minimum acceptable age of the studies you can reference, and if not, ask your client or editor.
As a general rule, try to use the most recent research available to ensure your content is up-to-date. Sometimes, you can use what’s called a “landmark study.” This is a study that all the big publications use regardless of date because it was groundbreaking and hasn’t been refuted by other research.
If you’re unsure, see if any other major names—like Mayo Clinic—have published the study. They provide a good guidepost on a study’s efficacy today.
Investigate Funding Sources
Be aware of potential conflicts of interest when assessing a study. If a company with a vested interest in the research outcomes funded the study, it's possible that the results may be biased.
Just because the 𝘑𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘶𝘤𝘩 publishes a study that says "Drinking 8oz of Apple Juice Per Day Lowers Bad Cholesterol" doesn't mean that is now a fact. Always disclose conflicts of interest in your writing to stay transparent and credible.
Analyze the Study Design
Look under “Methods” and find out how the study was conducted. Did it include a control group? Look for phrases like "randomized controlled trial," which indicate that the study employed rigorous design measures.
Well-designed studies are more likely to yield reliable and valid results. Some research involves a case study of one or a few patients. These can be valuable sources of information, but make sure to mention the design in your writing.
Confirm the Peer-Review Process
Make sure the study has undergone a peer-review process. This means that other experts in the field have assessed the research and confirmed its validity.
Peer-reviewed studies have a leg up on others, because their results have been duplicated by independent researchers. The more peer reviews, the better!
Always approach your research with a critical eye. As a health writer, you have an ethical responsibility to offer accurate and reliable information to your readers. By carefully vetting the studies you reference, you can help ensure that your content is based on sound, evidence-based research.
