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>
>
>to what degree, then, is "gold standard" research the same thing as  science?
>  (that is: replicable, double-blind, peer reviewed research  studies that
>take into account the possibility of placebo effect)
>
>do simple observations of change -- measured with idiosyncratic benchmarks 
>-- have any validity at all?

Well, yes I think so. Historically observations by scientists in the 
18 and 19 centuries (and earlier) certainly were not "gold standard" 
but did advance our understanding and laid a basis for further 
understanding of the natural world.

Martin

>
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-- 
Martin Weiss, Ph.D
Vice President, Science
New York Hall of Science
47-01 111 th Street
Corona, New York 11368
718 699 0005 x 356

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message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
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