The five key questions that use interpreting scientific literature are:
- Can experiments detect differences that matter?: In the scientific community, published research is mainly focused on new discovery. So it is important to the experiments could detect and support the differences in the new studies.
- Does the study show causation or correlation?: When setting up the hypothesis, we always wanted to know what causes that the phenomenon. This is important in setting up the hypothesis.
- What is the mechanism?: Knowing the mechanisms of the new findings which also important in supporting the new findings.
- How much do experiments reflect reality?: The proposes of research studies are improving humans life and the science industries. This was also the intention of all research studies.
- Could anything else explain the results?: To avoid controversy, previous studies and data are needed. These not only explains the results; they also have the huge impact in terms of supporting the studies.
To me, the question that would be helpful in discussing controversy is ” Could anything else explains the results?”. Overall, using previous studies as supports could help in reducing controversy.
