Media and headline framing
Extrapolation
Applying a finding beyond the population, setting, dose, or outcome actually studied.
What it means
Definition
Extrapolation: Extrapolation is sometimes reasonable but often risky. Health headlines commonly extrapolate from cells, animals, biomarkers, or narrow populations to broad public advice.
What it can tell you
It can help clarify what sort of evidence or claim is being discussed.
What it cannot tell you
It cannot, by itself, prove that the headline is accurate or clinically important.
Headline trap
Why this matters in headlines
A study in mice is extrapolated when described as if the same effect is proven in humans.