Are the culture wars harming science? (with Cremieux)

1. Form Opinions on Harmful Evidence

When presented with substantial evidence of significant harm, recognize that refusing to form an opinion can be a moral failing, as it may enable harmful behavior by preventing necessary action.

2. Leverage Large Datasets for Problem Solving

To resolve complex problems, actively seek and utilize sufficiently large datasets, as this approach has proven effective in areas like drug discovery and debunking medical myths.

3. Critically Evaluate Research Papers

Do not blindly trust scientific claims; instead, critically read the original papers to identify methodological flaws, misinterpretations of data, or comparisons of unlike things, as these issues can invalidate conclusions.

4. Reverse “Just-So” Explanations

To combat confirmation bias, practice reversing your initial explanations for observed phenomena by attempting to construct equally plausible arguments for the opposite outcome or for no relationship at all.

5. Test Obvious Assumptions

Challenge commonly held beliefs and “obvious” practices with empirical testing, as intuition can be misleading, and empirical evidence may reveal the opposite of what is assumed.

6. Combat Research Fraud

Actively scrutinize research for fraud and poor methodology, as these issues can severely impede progress and lead to incorrect conclusions, as seen in the Parkinson’s/Alzheimer’s research setback.

7. Acknowledge Social Problem Complexity

Understand that social problems are inherently more complex than biological ones because individuals are deeply invested in their beliefs and often lack accurate causal understanding, making solutions harder to implement.

8. Advocate for Unrestricted Research

Support the principle of unrestricted scientific inquiry, believing that open research, even on controversial subjects, ultimately leads to a more robust understanding and the production of higher-quality evidence.

9. Recognize Culture War’s Science Impact

Understand that cultural conflicts can obstruct scientific research by making it challenging to publish “negative” or contentious findings and by restricting access to crucial data, ultimately hindering objective understanding.

10. Streamline Data Access

Push for reduced bureaucracy and easier access to large population datasets, as current credentialing and form-filling processes can delay crucial research findings by over a year.

11. Counter Interest Group Obstruction

When facing societal problems, analyze and address the specific motivations of powerful interest groups that may be actively impeding progress, as their resistance can prevent beneficial changes like renewable energy development or port automation.

12. Embrace Technology’s Cultural Impact

Understand that new technologies can fundamentally alter societal norms and reduce stigma around previously controversial topics, as people become accustomed to their undeniable existence and benefits.

13. Ensure Worker Retraining for Automation

To facilitate the adoption of new technologies like automation, companies should commit to retraining employees for new roles, as this approach, seen in Japan, reduces resistance and fosters technological progress.

14. Contextualize Sample Size

When assessing research, consider the sample size in relation to the research question; large samples are vital for generalizable findings, while small samples may suffice for pilot studies or when studying an entire population.

15. Identify P-Hacking in Studies

When reviewing studies, look for a concentration of p-values between 0.05 and 0.01 for key findings, as this often indicates researchers manipulated data to achieve statistical significance.

16. Anticipate Frontlash, Not Backlash

Recognize that people often overestimate the negative reactions (backlash) to controversial scientific findings, when in reality, responses are frequently more constructive, leading to calls for further research.

17. Utilize Heritability for Interventions

Recognize that accurate knowledge of trait heritability can inform critical decisions in areas like selective breeding, embryo selection, and developing targeted interventions for conditions like schizophrenia.

18. Trust Twin Studies for Heritability

For understanding the heritability of traits, rely more on twin studies, as they are a more powerful method that captures all genetic influence, unlike SNP-based methods which are often limited by data quality and sample size.

19. Recognize IQ as a Limiter

Understand that while effort and training are crucial, IQ can act as a limiting factor in achieving high levels of success in certain complex domains, making some achievements less likely for individuals with very low IQs.

20. Combine Training with Aptitude

While dedicated training can improve nearly any skill, understand that inherent aptitude, such as IQ, can influence the ultimate potential and speed of learning, especially in complex tasks.

21. Cultivate Specific Interests

Understand that individual interests play a significant role in developing specific abilities and skills beyond general cognitive aptitude, encouraging people to pursue what genuinely engages them.

22. Disregard Personal IQ Scores

Refrain from fixating on your own or others’ IQ scores, as this obsession is often a distraction from genuine intellectual curiosity and a deeper understanding of complex topics.