Essay: Does the News Media Report Science Accurately?

The difference between showing correlation and showing a causal connection is that a correlational relationship simply says that two variables are positively or negatively related, while a causal relationship says that one variable causes the other. As Trochim (2022) states, all relationships tell about the correspondence between two variables, but knowing that two variables are in a correlational relationship does not tell us whether one causes the other. This leads to consideration of the so-called third variable problem, which occurs when a correlation between two variables can be explained by a third variable that has not been accounted for. This third variable is called a confounding variable, one that the researcher failed to eliminate or to control (Yu & Li, 2020). When the third variable, or confounding variable, is not considered, the observed correlation between two variables can be confusing or misleading.

Correlation vs. Causation: Key Differences Explained
To demonstrate the difference between correlation and causal relationships, the following situations can be used. For example, the more time students spend using social media networks, the higher the percentage of those who struggle with depression and anxiety is. This relationship is correlational, because we can see the correspondence between the two variables, but we do not believe that the relationship is actually a causal one: the social media networks cause depression and anxiety. In this case, the third variable might be social isolation – the less time students spend communicating with people in real world, the more miserable and lonely they tend to feel. On the other hand, the following example – the less students study, the lower their grades tend to be – is an example of causation, because we can see that the actual time spent on studying affects academic achievement. In other words, there is a cause-and-effect relationship, meaning one variable is dependent on the other.
Get expert help here
"*" indicates required fields
The Value of Scientific Studies in a Misinformation Era
Overall, I think that most results of scientific studies are valuable for guiding our lives, because they foster critical thinking and analytical skills; expand knowledge and understanding of various concepts and phenomena; and provide numerous benefits such as promotion of public health, insights into previously poorly researched areas, and many others. However, I believe that this relates only to the results published in scientific, peer-reviewed journals and other credible sources. As evident from the evidence shared by the PEW Research Report, much of the news published on social media is advice-oriented and self-help tips, or promotions for programs and events rather than scientific discoveries (Hitlin & Olmstead, 2018). I must admit that I agree with these findings, as I personally encountered the “science-related” pages that posted mostly the “news you can use” content instead of scientific data. Still, I found most surprising that platforms such as National Geographic, Discovery, or New Scientist had millions of followers, as I was convinced that people nowadays have no interest in such content. Yet, I was absolutely not surprised that higher engagement is seen on posts focused on visuals with little additional information. Unfortunately, people nowadays demonstrate little to no interest to reading, a phenomenon that is noted worldwide.
References
Hitlin, P., & Olmstead, K. (2018). The science people see on social media. PEW Research Center.
https://www.research.org/science/2018/03/21/the-science-people-see-on-social-media/
Trochim, W. M. K. (2022). Types of relationships.
Conjoint.ly.conjointly.com/kb/types-of-relationships/
Yu, Q., & Li, B. (2020). Third-variable effect analysis with multilevel additive models. PLOS One.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241072
Your questions answered
What’s the difference between correlation and causation?
Correlation shows a relationship between two variables, but causation means one variable directly influences the other.
What is a confounding variable?
It’s a hidden third variable that can explain the correlation between two other variables, often leading to misleading conclusions.
Why is social media science reporting often misleading?
Many posts prioritize visuals and “news you can use” content over real, peer-reviewed research, making it hard to separate fact from fiction.
How can I identify accurate science news?
Look for credible sources like peer-reviewed journals or platforms such as National Geographic. Avoid headlines that seem overly sensational.
Are people still interested in real science?
Yes! Platforms like National Geographic have millions of followers, proving that visually engaging, credible science still attracts attention.
Get Expert Help Here

People Say About AllEssay

Isabella W.
1937 completed ordersGreat quality!

Clara Bowman
937 completed ordersThank you so much!

Josh
543 completed ordersExcellent work!

Henry H.
214 completed ordersOutstanding work!

Alice T.
37 completed ordersHigh-quality work!
