Science in motion: A qualitative analysis of journalists' use and perception of preprints.

ABSTRACT: This qualitative study explores how and why journalists use preprints-unreviewed research papers-in their reporting. Through thematic analysis of interviews conducted with 19 health and science journalists in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it applies a theoretical framework that conceptualizes COVID-19 preprint research as a form of post-normal science, characterized by high scientific uncertainty and societal relevance, urgent need for political decision-making, and value-related policy considerations. Findings suggest that journalists approach the decision to cover preprints as a careful calculation, in which the potential public benefits and the ease of access preprints provided were weighed against risks of spreading misinformation. Journalists described viewing unreviewed s

SUBMITTER: Fleerackers A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9678308 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature