Beyond Parody: Science by Press Release
So in the second example of things which just seem so far out there it’s a wonder people can take themselves seriously, we have the archetype of ‘science by press release’. Ben Goldacre has the full story about children’s brains gaining “three years’ of development in just three months”. Find out the, ah, details there.
I want to look at the story in general terms. Is there anything that doesn’t scream pseudoscience? So, a checklist:
- Extraordinary claims? Yes indeed. In three months these fat, TV watching 11-year olds were turned into book-loving Adonises, or something.
- Ordinary measures? Yes again. It’s that old favourite, omega-3/6 fatty acids. To turn into a genius, all you need is an amply portioned fish supper.
- Terrible statistics? Of course. With a sample size of four kids (honestly) it’s pretty impossible to determine anything from what they did.
- Uncontrolled variables? Naturally. If 4 subjects doesn’t seem like stretching scientific credibility to you, how about changing loads of things at once? Not only were the kids given a number of supplements they were also asked to cut down on fizzy drinks, fatty snacks and get more exercise. How do we know it wasn’t the games of football that caused the reported improvements in brain power?
- Self-promotion? I’m glad you asked that question: find out more on the researcher’s Channel Five documentary later this week…
- Good for whatever ails you? But of course! The great thing about snake oil is that it can be applied to any illness, real or imagined. The man behind these claims has three books on Amazon, all claiming the efficacy of these same supplements for a wide variety of afflictions. You can purchase Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Natural Way to Treat ADHD, and also The Natural Way to Beat Depression: The Groundbreaking Discovery of EPA to Successfully Conquer Depression and after that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Natural Way to Treat ME.
- Bypassing Peer Review? Sorry, peer what? This is important research that the public needs to know. Quick, call the Daily Mail!
- Science by Commission? Study funded by the TV company that’s making the documentary. I am Jack’s complete lack of surprise.
All we’re really missing is some form of celebrity endorsement. What better advertisement for the brain-boosting power of omega-3 fatty acids than Jade Goody or Tom Cruise? ;-)