Getting Risk Right

Author(s):  
Geoffrey C. Kabat

Do cell phones cause brain cancer? Does BPA threaten our health? How safe are certain dietary supplements, especially those containing exotic herbs or small amounts of toxic substances? Is the HPV vaccine safe? We depend on science and medicine as never before, yet there is widespread misinformation and confusion, amplified by the media, regarding what influences our health. In Getting Risk Right, Geoffrey C. Kabat shows how science works—and sometimes doesn't—and what separates these two very different outcomes. Kabat seeks to help us distinguish between claims that are supported by solid science and those that are the result of poorly designed or misinterpreted studies. By exploring different examples, he explains why certain risks are worth worrying about, while others are not. He emphasizes the variable quality of research in contested areas of health risks, as well as the professional, political, and methodological factors that can distort the research process. Drawing on recent systematic critiques of biomedical research and on insights from behavioral psychology, Getting Risk Right examines factors both internal and external to the science that can influence what results get attention and how questionable results can be used to support a particular narrative concerning an alleged public health threat. In this book, Kabat provides a much-needed antidote to what has been called “an epidemic of false claims.”

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saifullah Saifullah

<p>Research methodology is the application of epistemology in philosophical which is realized by logico hypotetico verificative-deducto hypothetico verificative. The results of the evaluation of the quality of the research methodology that gave rise buildings recently become a standard formula valid and tested public. In this context it is necessary scrutiny of the functioning and the importance of pre usability, and value the benefits of the research process so that the quality of research produced a positive impact on building science researchers. The role of the researcher holds a central position of being able to adjust the ground circumstances. Benefit value for the benefit of life as the goal of research in theory and practical should be explicitly and implicitly always accompanies every step of research. A consequence of the value of the benefits of scientific research which is undertaken is delivering research results to the user community. The use of research methodologies in the study strongly influenced the extent of the ability of researchers and scientists at the clump science community are able to map the identity of the building a distinctive methodology of scientific disciplines that is useful for subsequent research.</p> <p>Metodologi Penelitian merupakan penerapan epistimologi secara filsafati yang diwujudkan dengan logico  hypotetico  verificative-deducto  hypothetico  verificative.  Hasil  evaluasi terhadap  kualitas  bangunan  metodologi  penelitian  yang  memunculkan  formula  baru menjadi standar yang valid dan teruji publik. Dalam konteks ini maka perlu pencermatan tentang fungsi dan kegunaan akan pentingnya pra, proses dan nilai manfaat riset agar kualitas riset yang dihasilkan berdampak positif pada bangunan keilmuan peneliti. Peran peneliti  memegang  posisi  sentral  karena  mampu  menyesuaikan  situasi  dan  kondisi lapangan. Nilai kemanfaatan bagi kemaslahatan hidup sebagai tujuan riset secara teoritis dan praktis sebaiknya secara eksplisit dan implisit selalu menyertai setiap langkah riset. Konsekuensi ilmiah dalam nilai manfaat riset yang dilakukan adalah menyampaikan hasilhasil riset ke masyarakat pengguna. Penggunaan metodologi penelitian dalam riset sangat dipengaruhi sejauhmana kemampuan peneliti dan komunitas ilmuan pada rumpun ilmu mampu memetakan jati diri bangunan metodologi disiplin keilmuan yang khas sehingga bermanfaat bagi peneliti berikutnya.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-28
Author(s):  
Ifa Dwi Aurelia ◽  
Ratih Asmarani

One of the use of learning media is to deliver the material from teacher to students. There are many types of learning media that can be applied to learning activities, especially at the primary school. In the era of technology, there are many new habits in life especially for primary school. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the material for primary school students about the value of goodness contained in regional arts. This research is included in research and development which will later obtain the results of a teaching material in the form of a Pop up book learning media by using Jombang's art figures. In addition to obtain a learning media, this research also aims to determine the process, implementation, and quality of the media. The research process was carried out in accordance with the steps in the 4-D model from Thiagarjan which had been modified by researchers without dissemination stage. In the development process, the researcher obtained 94.35% from material and media experts. While at the implementation stage, the researcher obtained 85.89% from the average score given by media users. Then 87.01% for the quality score which is the average of the process and implementation stages which indicates that the media developed by researchers is included in the category of very valid and feasible to be used without the need for improvement.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 661-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Devotta ◽  
Julia Woodhall-Melnik ◽  
Cheryl Pedersen ◽  
Aklilu Wendaferew ◽  
Tatiana P Dowbor ◽  
...  

Engaging peer-interviewers in qualitative inquiry is becoming more popular. Yet, there are differing opinions as to whether this practice improves the research process or is prohibitively challenging. Benefits noted in the literature are improved awareness/acceptance of disenfranchised groups, improved quality of research, and increased comfort of participants in the research process. Challenges include larger investment in time and money to hire, train, and support peer-interviewers, and the potential to disrupt peer recovery. We illustrate, through case study, how to engage peer-interviewers, meet potential challenges, and the benefits of such engagement. We draw upon our experience from a qualitative study designed to understand men’s experiences of problem gambling and housing instability. We hired three peers to conduct semi-structured qualitative interviews with 30 men from a community-based organization. We contend, that with appropriate and adequate resources (time, financial investment), peer-interviewing produces a positive, capacity building experience for peer-interviewers, participants and researchers.


Author(s):  
Gert Helgesson ◽  
William Bülow

AbstractResearch integrity is a well-established term used to talk and write about ethical issues in research. Part of its success might be its broad applicability. In this paper, we suggest that this might also be its Achilles heel, since it has the potential to conceal important value conflicts. We identify three broad domains upon which research integrity is applied in the literature: (1) the researcher (or research group), (2) research, and (3) research-related institutions and systems. Integrity in relation to researchers concerns character, although it remains to specify precisely what character traits are the desirable ones in this context and what values researchers should endorse. Integrity in relation to research concerns correct and sufficient description of the research process, data, results, and overall ‘research record’. Hence, it concerns the quality of research. However, whether or not this notion of research integrity covers all ethical aspects of research depends on whether one endorses a wider or a narrower interpretation of the ‘research process’. Integrity in relation to research-related institutions and systems leaves open whether they should be understood as agents in their own right or merely as means to research integrity. Besides the potential lack of clarity that our analysis reveals, we point to how this variety in uses might lead to concealment of value conflicts and propose an open discussion of central values.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2126 (1) ◽  
pp. 012011
Author(s):  
D K Umam ◽  
S Saehana ◽  
A Kade ◽  
Yunanli

Abstract This research aimed to produce a device for converting heat energy into electrical energy as a teaching aid for physics. This research process is development research, which refers to the Research and Development (R&D) model. The instrument used was a questionnaire with a five Likert scale, which addressed media experts, material experts, physics teachers in SMA Negeri 2 Sigi, and class XII MIA SMA Negeri 2 Sigi students. The product quality data obtained were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Based on the analysis of the media expert’s assessment, the quality of the product obtained a percentage value of 87.69% with the interpretation of “Very Good”. Based on the analysis of the assessment by material experts, the quality of the product obtained a percentage value of 84.44% with the interpretation “Very Good”. For the results of the physics teacher’s response, a percentage value of 86.00% was obtained with the interpretation “Strongly Agree”. For the results of the responses of class XII MIA students in the limited test, a percentage value of 83.56% was obtained with the interpretation “Strongly Agree”. The test results and questionnaire analysis showed that the heat energy conversion device developed into electrical energy was feasible to use.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarahanne Miranda Field ◽  
Maarten Derksen

The crisis of confidence in the social sciences has many corollaries which impact our research practices. One of these is a push towards maximal and mechanical objectivity in quantitative research. This stance is reinforced by major journals and academic institutions that subtly yet certainly link objectivity with integrity and rigor. The converse implication of this may be an association between subjectivity and low quality. Subjectivity is one of qualitative methodology’s best assets, however. In qualitative methodology, that subjectivity is often given voice through reflexivity. It is used to better understand our own role within the research process, and is a means through which the researcher may oversee how they influence their research. Given that the actions of researchers have led to the poor reproducibility characterising the crisis of confidence, it is worthwhile to consider whether reflexivity can help improve the validity of research findings in quantitative psychology. In this report, we describe a combination approach of research: the data of a series of interviews helps us elucidate the link between reflexive practice and quality of research, through the eyes of practicing academics. Through our exploration of the position of the researcher in their research, we shed light on how the reflections of the researcher can impact the quality of their research findings, in the context of the current crisis of confidence. The validity of these findings is tempered, however, by limitations to the sample, and we advise caution on the part of our audience in their reading of our conclusions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarahanne M. Field ◽  
Maarten Derksen

Abstract The crisis of confidence in the social sciences has many corollaries which impact our research practices. One of these is a push towards maximal and mechanical objectivity in quantitative research. This stance is reinforced by major journals and academic institutions that subtly yet certainly link objectivity with integrity and rigor. The converse implication of this may be an association between subjectivity and low quality. Subjectivity is one of qualitative methodology’s best assets, however. In qualitative methodology, that subjectivity is often given voice through reflexivity. It is used to better understand our own role within the research process, and is a means through which the researcher may oversee how they influence their research. Given that the actions of researchers have led to the poor reproducibility characterising the crisis of confidence, it is worthwhile to consider whether reflexivity can help improve the validity of research findings in quantitative psychology. In this report, we describe a combination approach of research: the data of a series of interviews helps us elucidate the link between reflexive practice and quality of research, through the eyes of practicing academics. Through our exploration of the position of the researcher in their research, we shed light on how the reflections of the researcher can impact the quality of their research findings, in the context of the current crisis of confidence. The validity of these findings is tempered, however, by limitations to the sample, and we advise caution on the part of our audience in their reading of our conclusions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. e80
Author(s):  
Raphael Da Silva Costa ◽  
Alexandre Azenha Alves de Rezende ◽  
Luciana Karen Calábria

The knowledge of university students regarding the use of toxic substances, daily and eating habits with a carcinogenic character was assessed by using a semi-structured questionnaire. In addition, a systematic review was carried out on an electronic basis on the subject. The results revealed that university students know little about the risks and association of high consumption of hyperglycemic foods, omega-6 and red meat, as well as the exposure to BPA and insecticides, despite the fact that most are aware of the harmful effects of excessive use of cell phones and its relation with cancer. Thus, we notice the importance of disseminating preventive information that promotes a change in living and eating habits with carcinogenic character, resulting in self-care and a better quality of life.


2019 ◽  
pp. 107-130
Author(s):  
Maiken Bjørkan ◽  
Kjellrun Hiis Hauge

Major value conflicts have been played out in the media about farmed salmon in Norway. One of the main controversies is whether salmon lice from aquaculture pens significantly affect the survival of wild salmon at stock level. Research related to this topic, which is key to knowledge-based management of aquaculture in Norway, has been criticized. The quality of this research has been claimed to be low and not applicable, and even claims of misconduct have been expressed. Besides conflicting interests, we argue that uncertainty is the core of the controversy. In this chapter we look at statements in selected texts from articles, reports and the media which can be linked to uncertainty and quality in research related to the effects of salmon lice. We discuss these statements in terms of qualitative aspects of uncertainty in knowledge. Further, we discuss the roles of these uncertainties in terms of selected principles within research ethics: in communication of uncertainty, the precautionary principle and quality of research.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Fortunato ◽  
Mark Galassi

Free and open source software (FOSS) is any computer program distributed under a licence that grants the user rights to run the program for any purpose, to study it, to modify it, and to redistribute it either in its original form or modified.We explore the close ties between FOSS and academia, and in particular the intersection with computational reproducibility. We begin by situating FOSS in relation to other open initiatives in academic settings — namely open science, open research, and open scholarship. In this context, we argue that anyone who actively contributes to the research process today is a computational researcher, in that they use computers to manage and store information. We then provide a primer to FOSS suitable for researchers in any field, and anyone in the academic community concerned with the quality of research and its sustainability. Next, we illustrate how the notions introduced in the primer apply to resources for scientific computing, using the GNU Scientific Library as a case study.We conclude by discussing why the common interpretation of “open source” as “open code” is misplaced, and we use this example to further articulate the case for free and open source software in research and scholarship.


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