Our Mission
In science, promotional language ("hype") is increasing and can undermine objective evaluation of evidence, impede research development, and erode trust in science. We introduce the task of automatic detection of hype, defined as hyperbolic or subjective language that authors use to glamorize, promote, embellish, or exaggerate aspects of their research.
Our research combines linguistics and artificial intelligence to identify and analyze promotional language in biomedical research. We develop formalized annotation guidelines and machine learning models to automatically detect hype in scientific texts, contributing to greater transparency and objectivity in scientific communication.
What We Do
Track Trends
Monitor how promotional language in research has increased over time (1985-2020)
AI Detection
Build machine learning tools to automatically identify hype in scientific texts
Promote Trust
Help make scientific communication more transparent and trustworthy
Our Goal: Using linguistics and AI to detect promotional language and improve scientific integrity.
Selected Publications
2024
- Millar, N., Mathis, B., Batalo, B., & Budgell, B. (2024). Trends in the Expression of Epistemic Stance in NIH Research Funding Applications: 1985–2020. Applied Linguistics, 45(4), 658-675.
- Millar, N. & Batalo, B. (2024). Comparative analysis of epistemic stance in abstracts of published biomedical research and associated National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding applications (1985-2020). Applied Linguistics.
2023
- Millar, N., Mathis, B., Batalo, B., & Budgell, B. (2023). Promotional Language (Hype) in Abstracts of Publications of National Institutes of Health–Funded Research, 1985-2020. JAMA Network Open, 6(12).
- Millar, N. & Budgell, B. (2023). Impact of hype on clinicians' evaluation of trials. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association.
2022
- Millar, N., Batalo, B., & Budgell, B. (2022). Trends in the Use of Promotional Language (Hype) in National Institutes of Health Funding Opportunity Announcements, 1992-2020. JAMA Network Open, 5(11).
- Millar, N., Batalo, B., & Budgell, B. (2022). Trends in the Use of Promotional Language (Hype) in Abstracts of Successful National Institutes of Health Grant Applications, 1985-2020. JAMA Network Open, 5(8).
2020
- Millar, N., Budgell, B., & Salager-Meyer, F. (2020). Hype in reports of clinical research: The authors' perspectives. English for Specific Purposes. 60, 53-64.
2019
- Millar, N., Salager-Meyer, F, & Budgell, B. (2019). 'It is important to reinforce the importance of ...': Hype in reports of randomized controlled trials. English for Specific Purposes. 54, 139-151.