Chun Ju Chang, a Taiwan-based cancer researcher and educator with U.S. academic experience, introduces a practical guide to help individuals think more clearly about science, data, and evidence in daily life.
NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / Professor Chun Ju Chang has released a free, easy-to-use resource designed to help everyday individuals build stronger science thinking skills. The new tool, The Clear Thinking Science Checklist, is a short self-audit that helps people evaluate information, ask better questions, and avoid common reasoning mistakes when reading about health, science, or research.
The checklist reflects Chang's long-standing belief that good science starts with simple habits.
"I was never interested in shortcuts," Chang said. "I wanted to understand problems properly, even if it took longer. This checklist encourages that same mindset."
Why This Resource Matters
Many people consume science-related information daily, yet few are trained to evaluate it critically. The consequences are real and measurable:
60% of adults struggle to distinguish reliable health information from misleading claims (OECD).
Individuals who misunderstand medical or scientific information are twice as likely to make poor health-related decisions (Journal of Health Communication).
Misinformation contributes to billions in avoidable healthcare costs globally each year, driven by unnecessary tests and delayed care (WHO).
Surveys show that over 50% of people do not check the original source of a scientific claim before sharing it.
Chang has seen the impact of this gap firsthand in classrooms and research settings.
"I've watched people jump to conclusions because they skipped one step," she said. "Most mistakes come from rushing, not from lack of intelligence."
What the Checklist Helps People Do
The Clear Thinking Science Checklist guides users through a short set of questions, including:
What is being claimed, and what is actually shown?
Is this based on data, opinion, or assumption?
What information might be missing?
Has the conclusion moved faster than the evidence?
Chang explains that these are the same questions she asks her students.
"I always ask people to show me the raw information," she said. "That's where real understanding begins."
Use This in 15 Minutes
The checklist is designed to be simple and fast. Chang recommends this approach:
Pick one article, post, or claim you recently read.
Spend five minutes identifying the main claim.
Spend five minutes checking the source and evidence.
Spend five minutes asking what questions remain unanswered.
"You don't need hours," Chang said. "You just need to slow down to think clearly."
Common Mistakes People Make
Chang says most people fall into predictable traps:
Confusing confidence with accuracy
Skipping original sources
Accepting summaries without checking data
Assuming one study proves a broad conclusion
"Good thinking often means resisting the first explanation that sounds neat," she noted. "Science is usually messier than headlines suggest."
Designed for Everyday Use
The checklist is not for specialists. It is for parents, students, professionals, and anyone who wants to make sense of scientific information without technical training.
How to Use the Resource Today
Readers are encouraged to:
Download the checklist
Apply it to one piece of science or health content today
Share it with a friend or family member
Use it weekly to build stronger thinking habits
"Small habits create long-term clarity," Chang said. "That's how understanding grows."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Chun Ju Chang
Chun Ju Chang is a Professor of cancer biology at China Medical University in Taiwan. She earned her PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles, completed postdoctoral training at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and previously served as an Associate Professor at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York. Her work focuses on cancer research, education, and mentoring the next generation of scientists through clear thinking and disciplined practice.
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SOURCE: Chun Ju Chang
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