Explain the significance that each of these questions have on interpreting scientific literature. Which is most helpful when discussing controversy, and why?
- Can experiments detect differences that matter?
The most important word in this question is the “matter”, it doesn’t matter if the gene that got affected doesn’t do harm or involved in any harmful result of human health.
- Does the study show causation or correlation?
In other word for this question could be, is the result is cause by this reason or if the data just happen to show a strong relationship between on it. If it is just a correlation, which mean it doesn’t directly affect the on the target, however, there might be a link between the source and the result in the pathway of the effection. Having a strong supporting evidence to prove that the study have a causation data and result could help the researcher focus on the right topic.
- What is the mechanism?
It’s important to learn the mechanism of the target work, most research or experience focusing on the beginning and the end of the pathway or process on what they are studying. However, if they want to cure or fix the problem, the best way is to know the mechanism and figure out a way to stop it or improve it.
- How much do experiments reflect reality?
By relate the topic to reality could help reader understanding the importance of studying it and bring awareness of how this study could affect our society. Another reason is to find sponsor for the study or experiments, being able to bring up attention of how the study is important to the society could often getting more support on develop the study to the next level.
- Could anything else explain the results?
It’s fairly important to question your own conclusion and result, most of the study have a really narrow focus on the topic, which mean they could often get the same result as their thesis. However, there’s also another possibility that the result is causing by other mechanism or reason, but just happen to have a data that go along with the thesis.
