Dr. Petitti gave a great lecture on research validity where she focused on things that are major threats to research validity. These threats are as follows:
These can all lead to studies that are not valid or credible. Also, it was mentioned that typically study sizes are very important yet we see studies being published with very low numbers that have questionable conclusions.
- bias in design
- measurement error
- type 2 statistical error
- poor study conduct
On a side note, a recent hack attack on Climate Change specialists' emails have showed that results may not be what it seemed when it was presented. As well, I believe one of the articles covering the story mentioned that there was some plotting by these groups to prevent the release of data/Information as required the Freedom of Information Act. I found these articles interesting since it was published just days after our lecture on Research Validity. Also on a side note, the summary above for the articles may not be accurate since the authenticity of the documents have not been verified as authentic, but here are the articles:
- Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125883405294859215.html?mod=googlenews_wsj- New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/21/science/earth/21climate.html?_r=1
Posted by Eric
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