New Year, Build A Skill: Researching

In some of our previous posts we summarized findings from research studies, interpreted uses of scientific finds, or described how the results of an experiment could be scaled in order to release to a larger audience. Yes, we "do our own research," but what does that really mean?

First and foremost, any time you look at a study it is best to see who the research group is and where their funding is coming from. Why? For the same reason that most people who choose to live with their parents into adulthood still follow the house rules their parents have: it is not easy to do something that will have a negative impact on the person(s) who are funding your living. Yes, there is academic integrity but when hundreds or thousands (or more) are on the line for funding of the lab (and lifestyle of the research team), results must also be interpreted while also considering funding.

In addition, it is good to read about all of the elements of an experiment. Are you going to trust the results of something tested on 100 subjects or 10,000 subjects? How were the measurements taken? Was there any follow up with the subjects and if so, how many and what was the total amount of time that passed? For example, would you trust a diabetes study with promising results on a new therapy/drug that has 150 physically fit men in their 30s whose blood draws were compared before and after the administration of the drug/therapy? What about another study of the same drug/therapy where 50,000 men and women of varying ages and fitness are tested before, after, and 6 months post the drug/therapy with negative results (assuming that the drug/therapy is continued as recommended with at least 80% of the test population, of course)? Would you feel comfortable taking the drug/therapy given the results of both studies?

So, in short, the next time you research something consider the funding, study design, and other studies that have or are investigating the same or similar things. The more you know!

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