Worrying Scientist Interviews
Worrying Scientist Interviews
[A chart consisting of a line with double arrows that has 12 dots progressing from left to right. Each dot has a line going to a label above or below the line. Above the labels is another label belonging to an arrow to its right that points right. Above this is a larger caption:] How worried you should be if you see local reporters interviewing scientists about a breaking news story, by field: More worried --->
[The chart shows the following titles left to right (least to most worrisome), some above and some below the line however that doesn't affect their relative positions.  They are listed here in ascending worrisomeness for ease of viewing.] Archeologist Economist Nutritionist Criminologist Ornithologist Botanist Marine biologist Entomologist Astronomer Virologist Vulcanologist Astronomer who studies the sun

When a new development occurs, news channels will often interview an expert in the field to educate laymen in what, exactly, is happening. Thus, when you turn on the local news and see a scientist being interviewed, it is likely that something new has come up regarding their field of study that could affect you. How much it affects you could range from an interesting bit of information about your local area, to the complete annihilation of the human race. So, to help identify how serious the issue likely is, Randall has made this chart showing how worried you should be depending on the field of the scientist. A table has been arranged to explain the amount of worry needed for each field below.
To the far left, the least worrying are archaeologist and economist . An archaeologist studies ancient human civilizations, which would be unlikely to harm any modern person. Economists study and explain the trends of finances and resources, which are also unlikely to pose an immediate threat. [ citation needed ]
Following this, it shows nutritionists and eventually criminologists . A nutritionist studies nutrition in the human body, and is likely discussing which food options are healthy or unhealthy. While this may be important, it is not a cause for immediate concern. A criminologist, however, studies criminal behaviour. If a criminologist is being interviewed on the news, there is likely a change in criminal actions within the neighbourhood, be it more or less. It is also possible there may be a serial criminal working in the area. However, because crime is a relatively rare occurrence, and one for which precautions can be taken, it is still unlikely to be an immediate threat to the viewer.
It then moves past researchers studying different types of organisms, before reaching astronomers. Still only very few events would be local regarding astronomy, but it could of course be regarding a pending meteor strike.
A virologist studies viral infections and their spread, and a vulcanologist studies volcanoes . Viruses spread quickly, and can be fatal, meaning a breaking news development in one's locale regarding viruses is likely to mean imminent danger. Volcanoes, depending on their size, can potentially demolish entire countries, thus having one making headlines nearby is also very concerning.
The last point to the right (most worried) "Astronomer who studies the Sun", also called a " solar physicist " (mentioned in the title text), could be really troublesome, but not especially locally. If there are serious problems with the Sun it will be a world-wide problem. But you should still be worried.
The title text mentions that the reason they are not called solar physicists, is that before they can tell the reporter this, they are interrupted by the anxious reporter who wishes to know what's wrong with the Sun. This is not really something that happens so often [ citation needed ] that the title texts "They always try" has any real meaning. And this is also why no one knows or uses the term solar physicists...
[A chart consisting of a line with double arrows that has 12 dots progressing from left to right. Each dot has a line going to a label above or below the line. Above the labels is another label belonging to an arrow to its right that points right. Above this is a larger caption:] How worried you should be if you see local reporters interviewing scientists about a breaking news story, by field: More worried --->
[The chart shows the following titles left to right (least to most worrisome), some above and some below the line however that doesn't affect their relative positions.  They are listed here in ascending worrisomeness for ease of viewing.] Archeologist Economist Nutritionist Criminologist Ornithologist Botanist Marine biologist Entomologist Astronomer Virologist Vulcanologist Astronomer who studies the sun
