Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg How can we make science more trustworthy? (with Stuart Ritchie)
Jan 19, 2023
Stuart Ritchie, a Lecturer at King's College London specializing in human cognitive abilities, dives into pressing issues in science's credibility. He discusses the drastic decline of trust in scientific findings during COVID-19, attributing it to political factors and flawed studies. Ritchie explores the contentious debates over ivermectin and the complexities of vitamin D research, highlighting the challenges of reaching scientific consensus. He also unpacks the nuances of IQ testing, advocating for a broader understanding of intelligence that considers various cognitive factors.
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Controlling for Variables in Research
- Control for confounders in observational studies but be mindful of measurement errors and over-controlling.
- Consider using multiple measures and latent variables for complex factors like socioeconomic status.
Natural Experiments and Education
- Natural experiments, where real-world events create quasi-random conditions, offer valuable insights.
- The Norwegian education reform study exemplifies this, demonstrating a link between longer schooling and higher IQ scores.
Ivermectin Debate
- Ivermectin's efficacy against COVID-19 remains debated, with polarized views and conflicting studies.
- Advocacy groups like the FLCCC heavily promoted it, despite limited evidence, while others dismissed it entirely.