Quiz of the day

Can you read what a health claim really proves?

Eight short news and social-media situations test the questions that matter before a claim changes your mind.

21 August · 8 questions · 5 min

You do not need a medical degree to slow down a persuasive headline. Look for the study type, the people studied, the size of the effect, the source and the financial purpose. Choose the strongest answer in each situation.

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1. An observational study finds that people who drink a certain tea live longer. What is the most accurate conclusion?

The tea has been proved to extend life Tea drinking is associated with longer life, but other differences may explain it The study proves the tea has no effect

2. A headline says a product cuts risk by 50%. Which missing number would most help you judge the practical size of the benefit?

The starting risk in the comparison group The colour of the product package The number of times the headline was shared

3. A story says a treatment 'worked in a study' but does not say who or what was studied. What should you check first?

Whether the study involved people, animals, cells or a computer model Whether the story has a dramatic photograph Whether a celebrity mentioned it

4. A seller's page contains dozens of personal success stories but no controlled evidence. What do the stories establish?

That every buyer will get the same result That the product is safe because users sound sincere Very little about cause, average benefit or safety

5. A polished health website sells the only product it recommends. Which response is best?

Trust it because professional design proves expertise Check who runs and funds it, its sources and independent reliable confirmation Reject every commercial source without reading it

6. A generally reputable page gives health advice but shows no publication or review date. What is the honest conclusion?

It must still be current because the organisation is reputable The missing date creates uncertainty that should be checked against current sources Undated advice is always fraudulent

7. Which phrase is the clearest health-fraud warning sign?

Evidence is limited and results vary Guaranteed natural cure for many unrelated diseases Ask a pharmacist about possible interactions

8. After finding credible general information online, what is the safest next step before changing treatment?

Change it immediately while the information is fresh Ask strangers to vote in a social-media poll Discuss how the information applies to you with an appropriate qualified professional

Can you read what a health claim really proves?

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