Suitable Sources?
“These studies show whatever someone wants them to. So stay skeptical and remember: Correlation doesn’t equal causation. If only I could find a study that shows this.”
The quote shown above is from Andy Kessler’s article in the Wall Street Journal, entitled, “Studies Are Usually Bunk, Study Shows.” Kessler’s use of irony, statistics, and funnily enough, other studies, aid to prove his stance that most scientific and behavioral studies are not to be taken seriously. Furthermore, that when using these studies to argue conclusions and societal responses we must be careful as informed citizens to be questioning towards the results of such studies.
Image via AndyKessler.com
This quote highlights researcher bias and that the results people are expecting often influence the true result of the study. As such, we as a society must be skeptical and aware that just because two concepts align does not mean that one motivates the other.
To a reasonable extent, I agree with Kessler’s article and stance on the matter, yet I find it necessary to clarify that skepticism does not mean that all studies are not trustworthy, simply that the ones deserving of our trust need to undergo screening. The source behind studies is very telling as well as the platform on which the study is shared. If the study stems from a reliable source or research institute, generally the trend of the study can be taken seriously. Although even then, as consumers of information, we must be perceptive to what Kessler describes as “correlation” versus “causation.” We must analyze for ourselves if the results reflect logically and if they study seems to cause the findings or simply aligns with them. Further, if the source is found from within a trustworthy platform the study can be taken more seriously as well. If it appears as though an article is found from a website that was made within five minutes and has no references nor outside associations, it is likely that the data found there is irreputable.
Sales of Sour Cream Correlates with Death from Motorbike Accidents: Such a graph proves that correlation does not mean causation. Image via DailyMail.com
Number of People Who Drowned by Falling Into a Pool versus Films Nicolas Cage Appeared In, just another instance when correlation and causation are not one in the same. Image via Spurious Correlations
All of this pertains to our class focus on researching our paradigm shift topics as we undergo an extensive research process, seeking reputable sources and useful data that logically supports the shift we are analyzing. As such, we all must be skeptical. Critical of the sources we allow into our works cited page and the information that is fed to us from the global web of information that is more extensive than ever before. With this vast jumble of knowledge available to us it is becoming more and more difficult to discern between trustworthy studies and data and that which is falsified or not supported by other sources. The accessibility of modern technology has allowed anyone to publish and present false information that is only one google search away, meaning that as information consumers we must have a discerning eye for what is true and logical and that which is not.