In W. P. Hanage’s article, he discusses the importance of five key questions when interpreting scientific literature:
- Can experiments detect differences that matter?
- Does the study show causation or correlation?
- What is the mechanism?
- How much do experiments reflect reality?
- Could anything else explain the results?
These 5 questions are very important when interpreting scientific articles because it holds the reader back from believing everything that is said in the article. Just like Hanage states, microbiome science should be met with some sort of skepticism. I think this article as a very interesting read because, throughout the course, I typically believed anything from the assigned readings because I deemed them true, especially if they are assigned by the professor. However, Hanage has a point that not every new finding is exactly relevant. Although the finding may be true, it may not reflect true reality.
The first question is ideal in stating not every finding is the exact truth. Hanage argues that although we are relatively getting good at sequencing genomes, there are things that we shouldn’t overlook just because we feel that there is nothing there. The second question is important because studies can either show causation or correlation, which are two very different things. The distinction between the two can make a finding relevant or irrelevant. The third question challenges the traditional method of experimental approach in the microbiome research field. Hanage states that it has become normal to manipulate experiments to do exactly what we want, which in the end leaves out the raw reality of the experiment. The fourth question follows the third question in the sense that these specific experiments may not reflect what actually happens in the outside world. What good comes out of knowing something that doesn’t occur in the habitats of interest. Lastly, the last question sums up the idea that although there may be findings and data that back up those findings, there could be other factors responsible for such findings. I think the most crucial question to ask if where or not these findings actually reflect reality. Personally, there is no benefit in the experiment if there is no benefit to society in terms of advancements in any field. It is important to understand that not every new finding is a step in the right direction.
