How much confidence do we have in the science?
Researchers use the scientific method to search for cause and effect relationships. This method requires that a
hypothesis be constructed. Scientists then design an appropriate well-controlled experiment to test that hypothesis. The results must be statistically significant and reproducible in order to be considered valid. There are a number of techniques that can be used to enhance the objectivity of a study as well as increase its statistical reliability.
In prospective medical research for example, we often use double blind, placebo controlled studies so that neither the researcher nor the patient knows if they are receiving the active drug or a placebo. This eliminates observer bias. Some times we cross the patient's over, so that the same patient takes both the active…
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Despite the soaring rhetoric to the contrary, President Obama has amassed an impressive record of caving to every Democratic special interest group in America. Not once, has he stood up to the special interests. The critical question is - will he find his manhood before he gives away the national store?
We were promised shovel ready infrastructure projects by President Obama, but only a miserly 8% of the $787 billion stimulus plan was allocated to this use, and very little of that will be spent in 2009. The left of his party held sway and President Obama sheepishly, albeit with great fanfare, signed on.
With great oratorical flourish we were introduced to President Obama's choice for Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, the man who would bring real change to a failing inner-city…
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Malthus believed we would be unable to feed ourselves as our numbers expanded. He postulated that short-term gains in living standards would inevitably be undermined as population growth outstripped food production. Malthus of course, has been proven wrong as technology permitted us to grow more food from existing farmland. Yet, despite all we have accomplished in improving our agricultural efficiency and reducing population growth, billions are still malnourished. Given this reality, is the mass production of
ethanol from corn a sound policy?
Are we so blinded by evangelical climate soothsayers that we believe we can burn a significant portion of our basic food stock, corn, to power our cars and not increase global hunger? If ethanol is so important to our future why not import sugar cane from the poor…
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