Improving Media Coverage of Psychological Science
To help overcome these misconceptions, the Science Directorate established the Science Writers Fellowship program and has just selected three fellows for the coming year. The program, part of the Special Science Initiative funded by APA to promote scientific psychology, provides experienced science writers and reporters the opportunity to visit onsite with psychological scientists at some of the nation's preeminent research labs. By viewing firsthand the state-of-the-art research of distinguished psychologists, the new fellows, Bruce Bower, Marilyn Elias, and Beth Livermore, will be able to develop a more comprehensive and balanced view of psychological science. Their contributions and media influence should help to improve the general level of psychological science coverage and, in turn, the public appreciation for the field.
Chosen for his insightful and thorough coverage of psychology, Bruce Bower, Behavioral Sciences Editor for Science News, will have the opportunity to deepen his knowledge in specific areas of psychology. 'Although Bower is no stranger to psychology, without this fellowship, he would not have the time or the resources to become so fully versed in so many areas of psychological research. Bower is an excellent science reporter who can aptly convey to the public the importance of psychology,' said Rhea Farberman, APA Executive Director for Public Communications.
Marilyn Elias, a veteran reporter for USA Today, will also be a fellow. Covering breaking news and developing in-depth stories on a variety of issues for USA Today, Elias has specialized in health and psychology. She has also written freelance articles for the Harvard Health Letter, American Health, Longevity, Town and Country, and Working Mother. 'Her notable experience, skill as a journalist, and interest in delving further into psychology make Elias an ideal fellow,' said William Howell, PhD, APA Executive Director for Science.
Having completed a science writing fellowship at the Marine Biological Laboratory, freelnce writer Beth Livermore plans to use the APA Science Writers Fellowship to refocus on psychological research. Her work has appeared in Smithsonian, Psychology Today, Popular Science, and Newsweek, to name but a few publications.
'Livermore is just the sort of writer weþre looking for...a writer who has covered many different scientific disciplines and now wants to expand her scientific base in psychology,' Dr. Howell commented.
The fellows are now busy planning their itineraries and making travel arrangements to visit as many as 10 research sites. They will begin their travels as early as January 1996 and should have completed their tours by December 1996. A fourth fellow will be chosen at a later date.
'The Science Writers Fellowship program promises to bring comprehensive coverage of cutting-edge psychological research to the attention of the public, and of equal importance, to the attention of other members of the press,' Dr. Howell said.