You Believe Scientific Reports?

Poor Science

Published on June 11, 2005 By MasonM In Misc

The Washington Post reports that a surprising number of scientists engage in questionable research practices. According to a large-scale survey of scientific practices, more than 15% admit to changing a study under pressure from a funding source. Others admit to altering data including dropping data from a study based on a "gut feeling" and failing to include data that contradicts one's own research among other less than honest study methods.

If this percentage actually admits to these sorts of poor science, one has to wonder what the true figures are. I have been arguing for years that many so-called scientific studies are less than objective and that researchers often disregard any data that contradicts their own theory or research objectives. Hardly honest science, is it?

Perhaps next time you read a story regarding the results of a "scientific study" or report, you'll take it with a grain of salt.

Link

Comments

Manopeace

on Jun 11, 2005

hmmmmmmmmmm... this might explain why very often medication that has been proven'safe' for human consumption is quickly taken off the shelves because of dangerous side effects.

drmiler

on Jun 11, 2005

Can anyone say "Phen-Phen"?

bakerstreet

on Jun 11, 2005

One must wonder how much political affiliation and hatred for politicians impacts these "studies".

Frankly I find it odd that environmental activist "studies" are the most scathing and shrill during Republican administrations. Like the recent '50 nobel winner' junk against Bush.

Never mind the fact that Dems do next-to-nothing for the environment, either...

MasonM

on Jun 11, 2005

Yes, it's a sad state of affairs when "science" is so mal-used to propogate political ideals or corporate greed. Science, true science, is totally objective. When data and direct observations contradict your theory or research goals, it's time to re-evaluate the theory or goals, not simply alter or dismiss the data. THAT is science.

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