Sign In
Not register? Register Now!
Essay Available:
Pages:
3 pages/β‰ˆ825 words
Sources:
Check Instructions
Style:
APA
Subject:
Health, Medicine, Nursing
Type:
Coursework
Language:
English (U.S.)
Document:
MS Word
Date:
Total cost:
$ 15.55
Topic:

Is Press Release a Good Source of Scientific Data?

Coursework Instructions:

Press releases are a summary of some event at an institution (such as a university, medical center, political campaign, etc.) that are directed at the media to increase the chances of that event being reported. I won’t accept press releases as sources for the article analyses, and you will probably wonder why, especially since they are often many of the first hits you get when searching. This assignment is intended to clear that up.
First, read these (in any order, the numbers are for referencing):
https://www(dot)theguardian(dot)com/commentisfree/2009/may/30/bad-science-goldacre-medical-research
https://psmag(dot)com/social-justice/scientists-contribute-bad-science-reporting-96801
https://www(dot)badscience(dot)net/2009/01/drink-coffee-see-dead-people/
Based on the readings, decide whether press releases are or aren't a good way to learn about the newest discoveries in biology. Provide at least 3 pieces of supporting evidence for your position. Write as if your reader disagrees with you and attempt to convince them your position is valid.
Additionally, explain the value of press releases--since they are so common, they must be doing something useful for someone.
Address the following:
What is the goal of a press release?
What is the goal of an article in (for example) the science section of the New York Times?
Who is writing a press release, and who is writing a popular science article?
Which is more likely to be biased toward a particular outcome? Why?
You can, of course, discuss other issues, but support your positions with information from the readings. Tell me if you are using the readings by putting the reading number in parenthesis at the end of the sentence when you do. Like this (reading 99). You can also include your own opinions and experience.
This must be written in your own words, without directly quoting parts of the readings. I am primarily interested in understanding your line of reasoning, so there isn’t a particular “right” answer. Since I am trying to see how you come to your conclusions, it is important that you write clearly. That requires paying attention to things like word choice, spelling, grammar and syntax. There is no minimum length requirement, but limit yourself to 1000 words (or fewer).

Coursework Sample Content Preview:

Press Releases
Student’s Name
University
Course
Professor
Date
Press Releases
Press releases are an important part of modern-day research and internet searches. This is true because they form a significantly greater amount of search results in many search engines. Though they are readily available for use, press releases are more often considered unreliable for several reasons. I agree that press releases are a part of the information sector, but in my opinion, they are not a good way to learn about new biological discoveries.
According to Goldacre (2009), press releases are essentially published by institutions or media houses to explain or announce significant events, discoveries, research, and information. The main goal of a press release is to create awareness and enhance media presence. Also, press releases are a very effective way of improving search engine visibility. Ideally, elements reported in press releases are easily discoverable and passed over greater distances. A press release is different from an article in that the latter focuses on many topics or subjects that are considered important. In that sense, articles may write about a topic in detail and include other information; they are part of a bigger newspaper. Many newspaper platforms and magazines often have articles focusing on specific subjects that affect modern-day society. These subjects range from political, economic, cultural, and health sections. Ideally, newspaper articles inform the masses about specific information to enhance social welfare or make a difference. On the other hand, press releases focus entirely on one particular subject and may be sent to newspaper outlets or journalists who subsequently write articles.
As indicated, press releases are mostly published by research institutions, and in many cases, they can be biased. More often, an institution may deliberately exaggerate conclusions of scientific research in an attempt to monetize their findings, earn revenue or increase traffic to their sites (White, 2014). That said, most press releases are often biased and are not a reliable source of information. Speaking from experience, I have often read about some biological discoveries that later turned out to be false, even after circulated media houses for months. In most cases, they are a result of deliberate misrepresentation of information on press releases by organizations. Biological and other scientific data should be sourced from reliable sources, not biased releases intended to dupe the masses.
Articles, on the other hand, have a better chance of carrying some truth. Essentially, these publications are written by journalists with no rela...
Updated on
Get the Whole Paper!
Not exactly what you need?
Do you need a custom essay? Order right now:
Order

πŸ‘€ Other Visitors are Viewing These APA Coursework Samples:

HIRE A WRITER FROM $11.95 / PAGE
ORDER WITH 15% DISCOUNT!
Order Now