We’re back! This season, we’re diving into the newly published research about the impacts of COVID-19 on children, parents, and families. Along the way, we’ll talk with the researchers who conducted these studies and identify key insights we can incorporate into our lives right now.

But before we review the research, we want to set the stage. How do we, as parents, understand the science behind articles, videos, and social media posts where we find this information?

Join Dr. Amanda Zelechoski as she discusses the scientific process, understanding research jargon, and how to vet news sources with Dr. Eric Youngstrom, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UNC-Chapel Hill and Co-Founder of Helping Give Away Psychological Science (HGAPS), and Melinda Wenner Moyer, a science journalist, author, and faculty member at NYU’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute.

Included in this episode about science literacy:

What does “good science” look like?

Why does it take so long for scientific findings to be published?

What does it mean when something is said to be “research-based” or “science-based”?

What tools can parents use to identify and access science reporting that they trust?

Additional Resources for Understanding Research

Explaining How Research Works + Infographic available in English and Spanish (National Institutes of Health - NIH)

Why Do Researchers Do Different Kinds of Clinical Studies + Infographic available in English and Spanish (National Institutes of Health - NIH)

Resources from Our Guests

How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes: Science-based Strategies for Better Parenting—From Tots to Teens by Melinda Wenner Moyer

“Schoolkids Are Falling Victim to Disinformation and Conspiracy Fantasies” by Melinda Wenner Moyer (Scientific American)

Helping Give Away Psychological Science (HGAPS)

Free Assessment Center - (HGAPS)

Helping Give Away Psychological Science - Wikiversity

Learn More About Our Guests:

Eric Youngstrom , PhD

Melinda Wenner Moyer