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Date: | Fri, 29 Oct 2021 10:24:36 -0400 |
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I think this article offers some excellent guidance for evaluating if what you are reading is objective enough to be considered an attempt at real science. The scientists must be clear that they are open to full examination of their work and have considered alternatives and criticisms. Not many of us are capable of evaluating the nuances of their data and that’s why your evaluation should include asking for help from those that can. Also understanding the methods, unless they are simple, may require a background in the use of sophisticated lab equipment, and not many plain folk know anything about that. Before dismissing a paper, take the time to evaluate and learn what you need to know to understand what the scientists are saying and that usually requires a lot of work.
The author suggests you look for the following in any scientific paper.
> Here's my hypothesis.
Here's what you'd expect to observe if the hypothesis is true.
Here, on the other hand, is what you'd expect to observe if the hypothesis is false.
Here's what we actually observed (and here are the steps we took to control the other variables).
Here's what we can say (and with what degree of certainty) about the hypothesis in the light of these results.
Here's the next study we'd like to do to be even more sure.
Here are the results of which we're aware (published and unpublished) that might undermine our findings.
Here's how we have taken their criticisms (or implied criticisms) seriously in evaluating our own results.
> https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/doing-good-science/evaluating-scientific-claims-or-do-we-have-to-take-the-scientists-word-for-it/
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