P.T. Barnum, the legendary American showman, is often credited with saying, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” However, the truth of this attribution is murky. This question of veracity is emblematic of a larger issue recently highlighted by the MAHA children’s health report, which has come under scrutiny for its citation practices. The report, intended to influence health policy affecting millions, has been criticized for citing non-existent or incorrect sources.
The controversy erupted when journalists contacted two medical academics, Dr. Steven Woloshin and Dr. Richard L. Kravitz, about their work being referenced in the report. Both scholars discovered significant inaccuracies in how their research was cited, casting doubt on the report’s reliability. These errors are not just minor oversights but indicative of a deeper problem in maintaining academic integrity.
Unraveling the Citation Controversy
Dr. Kravitz was surprised to find a citation in the MAHA report, supposedly supporting a claim about television advertisements, attributed to a non-existent paper. The journalist who investigated the citation traced it back to a real paper by Kravitz, but the citation was incorrectly attributed to another author and did not substantiate the claim it was meant to support.
Similarly, Dr. Woloshin was contacted about a citation in the report that inaccurately referenced his work. The cited article, allegedly from the New England Journal of Medicine, was actually published in a different journal and addressed a different topic altogether. These errors were part of a pattern identified by the nonprofit outlet NOTUS, which found multiple instances of incorrect or fabricated citations in the report.
“The MAHA report cited a study about Texas children covered by Medicaid but used it to support a claim about all 50 states,” noted NOTUS.
Implications for Scientific Integrity
The White House, through press secretary Karoline Leavitt, downplayed these issues as “minor formatting errors.” However, the academics and journalists involved argue that such inaccuracies undermine the credibility of the entire report. A government document intended to shape public health policy should be based on the most reliable sources, thoroughly vetted for accuracy.
The errors in the MAHA report are particularly concerning against the backdrop of recent actions by the Trump administration, including agency closures and layoffs of technical experts, which have raised questions about its commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry.
Expert Opinions and Historical Context
Dr. Woloshin and Dr. Kravitz, both seasoned academics, emphasize the importance of accurate citations in maintaining scientific integrity. Citations provide context and allow for verification, ensuring that research builds on a solid foundation of established knowledge.
“Citations are the backbone of academic integrity—without them, science wouldn’t progress in a structured, credible way,” stated an AI tool consulted by the authors.
Historically, scientific progress has been bolstered by a culture that respects prior work and strives for accuracy. Despite challenges like predatory journals and poor reproducibility, journals have made strides in improving standards, such as conflict of interest disclosures and pre-registration of trial protocols.
Moving Forward: Ensuring Accuracy in Research
The MAHA report’s citation errors highlight the need for rigorous standards in research and reporting. Dr. Woloshin and Dr. Kravitz suggest prioritizing studies from reputable journals, directly referencing original studies, and selecting literature that directly applies to the subject at hand to avoid misrepresentation.
“Prioritize studies from reputable journals to ensure accuracy and credibility in your report,” advised AI when asked about best practices for citing research.
As the government reissues the MAHA report, it remains crucial to address these citation issues comprehensively to restore public trust. The stakes are high, as the report’s findings could influence health policies affecting millions of children across the United States.
Dr. Steven Woloshin and Dr. Richard L. Kravitz continue to advocate for integrity in scientific reporting, underscoring the importance of getting the facts right in any research endeavor. Their experiences serve as a cautionary tale for researchers and policymakers alike, reminding them of the critical role that accurate citations play in the advancement of science.