There is much to be said regarding the merits of scientific studies—some argue on their behalf, others argue that the word ‘scientific’ should be replaced with the word ‘pseudo-scientific.’ Andy Kessler, in his article “Studies Are Usually Bunk, Study Shows,” argues the ladder—that behavioral science is, according to Andrew Ferguson’s observations from his study on studies, “‘the study of college kids in psych labs.’” Although Kessler and Ferguson make a valid point, that certain studies—depending on their specified criteria and principles—fall short when it comes to creating sample statistics that truly represent the population parameter. However, what these two men fail to identify is that there are a great many of baseline factors that must be met for a study’s data to be considered valuable and valid information. This research can truly be characterized as scientific data and ought to be used as applicable, real-world evidence.
Regarding research for the paradigm shift paper and TED talk, it is important to find studies, research, articles, etc. that have been published by credible sources. Further research should be done on our part to make sure that the compiled data that we will be using are all from valid sources what have used the standard validation techniques to create legitimate statistical data.
Over and Out.
-Courtney