Making Sense of Science: Separating Substance from Spin

‘This engaging book offers non-scientists the tools to connect with and evaluate science, and for scientists it is a timely call to action for effective communication.’—Laura Bowater, Times Higher Education

‘FascinatingÂ… Its mission is to help nonscientists evaluate scientific claims, with much attention paid to studies related to health.’—Froma Harrop, The Seattle Times

‘Dean explains how, despite living in an ‘age of science,’ the American public is largely ignorant about what science is and how it worksÂ… Dean offers a step-by-step guide for evaluating science. In a few simple steps, she explains how to decide who is an expert, how to understand data, what you need to do to read science and figure out whether someone is lying to youÂ… If science leaves you with a headache trying to figure out what’s true, what it all means and who to trust, Dean’s book is a great place to start.’—Koby Michaels, The Casper Star-Tribune

‘This book is an accessible-by-all description of modern science and the societal gap of understanding.’—C. Sokolik, Choice

‘[An] engagingly written guidebookÂ… Not only are we irrational, but we are mostly ignorant about science, and Dean explores both the reasons and the effects, including our erroneous ideas about probability and riskÂ… Dean’s long and varied experience in the world of science reporting makes for an articulate, well-structured, and easily understood account filled with good stories and sound advice.’—Kirkus Reviews

‘Current and future scientists and journalists, as well as advocates for science, will appreciate Dean’s effort to combat scientific illiteracy.’—Nancy R. Curtis, Library Journal

‘Dean’s excellent primer will be welcomed by those who find themselves lost in the fog of rival claims about scientific issues that affect us all.’—Publishers Weekly