Through a prospective study of the news-making process, this project proposes to explore what scientists and journalists think is important to communicate compared to what they actually do communicate about scientific discoveries. The investigators will assess the accuracy, balance, and context of mass-media coverage of such discoveries. They will analyze the impact of particular reporting practices on consumers' and health care providers' responses (not just interpretations); and make recommendations about reporting practices that are grounded in an empirical understanding of their real consequences.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01HG001871-03S1
Application #
6658884
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG2 (02))
Program Officer
Boyer, Joy
Project Start
1998-09-30
Project End
2002-10-31
Budget Start
2002-09-20
Budget End
2002-10-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$2,126
Indirect Cost
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Pediatrics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
001910777
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21218
Geller, Gail; Bernhardt, Barbara A; Gardner, Mary et al. (2005) Scientists' and science writers' experiences reporting genetic discoveries: toward an ethic of trust in science journalism. Genet Med 7:198-205
Holtzman, Neil A; Bernhardt, Barbara A; Mountcastle-Shah, Eliza et al. (2005) The quality of media reports on discoveries related to human genetic diseases. Community Genet 8:133-44
Geller, Gail; Tambor, Ellen S; Bernhardt, Barbara A et al. (2003) Houseofficers' reactions to media coverage about the sequencing of the human genome. Soc Sci Med 56:2211-20
Tambor, Ellen S; Bernhardt, Barbara A; Rodgers, Joann et al. (2002) Mapping the human genome: an assessment of media coverage and public reaction. Genet Med 4:31-6