Journalists, Cognition, and the Presentation of an Epidemiologic Study

Authors

Craig W. Trumbo, Cornell University
Sharon Dunwoody, University of Wisconsin - MadisonFollow
Robert Griffin, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

28 p.

Publication Date

3-1998

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Source Publication

Science Communication

Source ISSN

1075-5470

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1177/1075547098019003005

Abstract

Cognitive processes can inform an understanding of newswork. In this case study, the authors examine a growing literature relating cognitive theories to newsmaking and then apply some of the principles in that literature to media coverage of EPA-mandated reformulated gasoline in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In an analysis of how local Milwaukee television news presented an epidemiologic study answering health complaints associated with the gasoline additive, the authors find a number of cognitive processes at work, especially those involving bias and error. Finally, the authors consider implications of such processes for newsmaking.

Comments

Science Communication, Vol. 19, No. 3 (March 1998): 238-265. DOI.

Recommended Citation

Trumbo, Craig W.; Dunwoody, Sharon; and Griffin, Robert, "Journalists, Cognition, and the Presentation of an Epidemiologic Study" (1998). College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications. 239.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/comm_fac/239