Sample interview questions: How do you approach reporting on scientific studies that have not yet been peer-reviewed?
Sample answer:
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Transparency: Acknowledge the study’s preliminary status and emphasize that it has not undergone peer review. This sets realistic expectations for readers and highlights the importance of subsequent peer review.
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Contextualization: Provide background information on the scientific field, the research question being addressed, and the significance of the findings. This helps readers understand the study’s relevance and potential impact.
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Expert Opinions: Seek comments from independent experts who are familiar with the research area. Their insights can provide valuable context and help readers assess the study’s validity and potential significance.
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Methods and Limitations: Highlight the study’s methodology, including the sample size, data collection methods, and statistical analyses. Discuss any limitations or caveats mentioned by the researchers, as these can influence the study’s conclusions.
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Transparency: Emphasize the provisional nature of the findings, mentioning that they may change or be refined through the peer-review process. Encourage readers to await peer-reviewed publications for more conclusive results.