Sometimes while researching for an answer to a health question, you’ll come across an article on a scientific study which seems like it might help in answering your question. You may even find multiple studies with differing findings. In fact, with powerful search engines granting us access to so much online, there’s a good chance you’ll be shown hundreds upon thousands of articles. So, how do you know if the article you’re reading is scientifically accurate?

Here are some quick questions to consider while you read through scientific articles. 

What website did you find the article on? 

There are reliable databases that house archives of published scientific articles. These websites may have selection procedures in place to filter out papers that may not be reputable. Some of these websites are Pubmed, Science Direct, and NARIC. This is not to say that every article found on a database is scientifically accurate, but your chances of finding accurate, evidence-based research is much higher searching a health or medical database than the broader internet. 

Reliable digital publications that summarize scientific research and answer common questions include government-funded websites like the CDC and MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine, and commercial publishers like Healthline, WebMD, and Prevention magazine. These sites feature articles that are written, edited, or reviewed by health professionals. The NARIC website has a weekly Research in Focus series that summarizes the latest research for the disability community. Your local health department may also have a website sharing relevant health information. 

Now that you’ve found an article, either through a database or through an online health magazine, does that mean the article or research it covers is reliable?

Well, there are a few more things to consider. 

Where is the article published? 

If you’re reading a scientific article or a summary of an article, where it is published can be an important factor when considering its reliability. Unfortunately, fake journals do exist, and they are more likely to publish scientific articles that include weak or incorrect data. As a general rule of thumb, legitimate publications have a clear field of study. For example, the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry or the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. Remember, even articles that summarize research should always cite the original source. So, keep an eye out for where the article was published. 

If you’re not sure whether a journal is legitimate or not, there are some things you can look out for. Look at the formatting and the actual language present in the article. Typos and awkward sentence structures could be red flags for scam sites. 

Who are the authors of the study? 

A quick glance at the study authors and their credentials can give you a good idea of the quality of research to expect in the article. Some general things to consider, is that the author’s background should match the subject area of the article. An article on mental illness should at least have an author who specializes in studying mental health. Not finding the names of the authors or the institutions that approved the research could be a possible red flag that the research is shoddy and unreliable. 

Access to reliable scientific and health research is important when seeking answers to health questions. But not everything you find on the internet is scientifically based or accurate. Be vigilant in seeking accurate health information and don’t be shy to do some digging into the publications and authors featured in an article before accepting their findings.

To Learn More

These resources can help in finding reliable articles, spotting fake or predatory journals, and reading and understanding scientific studies:

• Spotting Science Lies from Ask a Biologist at Arizona State University guides readers through spotting fake news, finding trusted sources, and peeking at peer review.
• Warning Signs of Predatory Journals from University of Massachusetts Lowell Library offers tips for spotting fake journals and predatory publishers.
• How to Dissect a Journal Article from NARIC’s Ask a Librarian series walks readers through how to tackle a peer reviewed article, from understanding an abstract to digesting the conclusions.
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Google Scholar from New Jersey Institute of Technology Library includes a handy chart comparing the pros and cons of Google, Google Scholar, and library databases.

Hafsa Abdirahman MPH is a public health scientist and freelance medical writer and editor. She believes that access to evidence-based, quality health information can save lives and she’s worked throughout her career to put this belief into practice.