In the age of instant information, it’s hard for us as members of society to consolidate the constant bombardment of research we receive. Kessler points out that “our world is inundated with the manipulation of flighty studies.” Diet and nutrition is a great example of this. One day, you’re inclined to go vegan or vegetarian to help the environment and your health. The next, you read a study about how soy products- usually used for protein among the plant-based population- are actually wrecking your body. And what do you know, that same day, a new study comes out telling you that soy actually extends your lifetime by X amount of years. What are you supposed to do? Who are you supposed to believe?
Very few people know how to read a study critically. It becomes less about finding the truth and more about finding the information that aligns with their pre-conceived notions and beliefs. This is known as the “Aha! I knew it!” effect or, in more scientific terms, confirmation bias. As humans, we also tend to fixate on the most salient information. If a new study shows that microwaves disrupt sleep we might ignore it and hold it to be untrue. But if a new study shows that microwaves will kill us within two years, we believe it and throw all our appliances out the window. Kessler writes about how easy it is to “write these conclusions off as trivial” yet “millions” take their results seriously, thus it is necessary to concern ourselves with the critical analysis of scientific research. Kessler also emphasizes the importance of staying skeptical and realizing that the world is “not binary,” though conclusions drawn from studies almost always are.
In writing my paradigm shift essay, I have to incorporate my own perspective into my topic because if I let studies drive my essay, I will reach contradicting conclusions without exploring the topic critically. I have to remember that there are studies that are better carried out than others. In the words of Kessler, most are “studies of college kids in psych labs.” I have to use a variety of different sources such as studies, articles, and experiments that provide different perspectives and methods. In this way, I will have a holistic perspective on my topic and provide an essay that- hopefully- isn’t bunk.