Understanding the Pitfalls of "Research Shows"

The phrases “research indicates…” or “statistics reveal…” are ubiquitous in our daily lives—whether on social media, in casual discussions, during political debates, in news coverage, or even at the grocery store. While research is crucial for establishing credibility, the expression "research shows" can often be misleading. Many individuals hear this phrase and mistakenly believe that if "research" is mentioned, the claim must be accurate. This assumption is fundamentally flawed. There are numerous factors to assess when evaluating the validity of research—too many to comprehensively address in a brief read. Nonetheless, this article aims to outline some essential considerations to keep in mind when encountering this phrase.

1. Can the individual provide a source for the research, or are they able to supply it if asked?

This is straightforward. If the answer is “no,” it suggests that the individual has not conducted their own research. This does not necessarily imply that the claim is false; rather, it indicates that the person was hasty in sharing their assertion without verifying its accuracy.

2. What is the origin of the source?

Is the source of the “research” a dubious website lacking robust support for its claims? Credible research typically originates from reputable sources and is peer-reviewed, meaning it has undergone scrutiny by fellow experts to ensure its validity and reliability.

3. How recent is the research?

If the research dates back several decades, there’s a significant chance that advancements in science and society have evolved since then. Always seek out more recent studies for comparison with the topic in question.

4. Who conducted the study?

It's vital to ascertain whether the individual or organization sponsoring and executing the study stood to gain from its findings. For instance, if a study claiming that coffee has health benefits is funded by a prominent coffee corporation, one should approach the results with skepticism, given the potential impact on the company's sales.

5. What kind of research is it?

Research based heavily on personal opinions and subjective observations tends to be less robust than studies grounded in objective measures derived from diverse participant groups. Additional important factors to consider include the presence of control groups, the influence of external variables, the sample size of subjects, and the diversity of the participants.

6. Is the claim derived from a single study?

High-quality research is reproducible. While results from an individual study can provide valuable insights, corroboration from multiple studies lends greater significance to the findings. If a study has been replicated with varying results, it doesn’t negate the validity of the initial findings; however, it urges readers to exercise caution and recognize that there may be inaccuracies in the research or external factors influencing the outcomes.

Assessing the credibility of research is undoubtedly a more complex endeavor than can be encapsulated in a brief six-point guide. Nonetheless, this article seeks to highlight that the phrase “research shows” should not be taken at face value as justification for believing a claim. Avoid falling prey to this common rhetorical strategy. Whether writing an article or expanding your personal knowledge, it’s essential to substantiate your understanding with factual evidence.