Krischner (2017) and Etchells (2017) attempt to dispel hyped-up myths which are not backed by legitimate research. Regardless of my own opinions of each of the authors’ topics, I agree with them both when they state the importance of scientific evidence when making massive claims which can affect many people.
It is an exercise in critical thinking and discernment to swim in the oceans of information available on this connected planet and distinguish what is true. This is an age where a great many individuals have access to technologies such as computers, printers, recording devices and the internet. Anyone with the common means, motivation, and know-how may use these tools to create content. Since the early advent of communications technologies such as the printing press and radio, our predecessors routinely faced a barrier of control by elitist gate-keepers in publishing, mass media, and political propaganda. Although hurdles to communications in those arenas still exist today in many ways, disseminating any subject matter across the internet in particular is now largely a free-for-all. It can be challenging to wade through the endless content available and find accurate and relevant information. Johnson & Christensen (2014) explain the importance of using discernment when seeking truths:
Proof exists in the realms of mathematics and deductive logic, but in science and research, the best we can do is to provide evidence. Sometimes the evidence is very convincing; at other times, it might not be. You must use your critical thinking skills to judge the available evidence on any given topic. These critical thinking skills will be helpful in your studies and professional work as long as you live. (Johnson & Christensen, 2014, p.4).
The American Psychological Association (2010) explains how strict ethical considerations and legal principles are used in scholarly research to achieve the ultimate goals of information accuracy, protecting research participants, and preserving intellectual property rights (p. 11). The rigorous standards of academic research serve to dispense findings which provide more merit, responsibility, reliability, and verifiability than common information such as what is readily available on the internet. Zarah (2017) states the important role research holds for civilization:
The human quest to seek knowledge, satisfy one’s sense of wonder, develop more abilities, connect with others, and understand society is integral to research. Perpetuating truths, as well as debunking lies and myths require inquisitive minds and priceless integrity. As the world continues to evolve, doing research becomes more important (para. 47).
Sound research and scientific evidence are essential tools in the mission to find, identify, create, and spread substantiated and truthful knowledge, theories, understandings, and information.
References
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Etchells, P., et al. (January 6, 2017). Screen Time Guidelines should be built on evidence, not hype. The Guardian.
Johnson, R.B., Christensen, L. (2014). Educational Research: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Kirschner, P. (2017). Stop propagating the learning styles myth. Computers & Education, 106, 166-171.
Zarah, L. (2017, July 3). 7 Reasons Why Research Is Important. Owlcation. Retrieved from https://owlcation.com/misc/Why-Research-is-Important-Within-and-Beyond-the-Academe
