Interpreting Biomedical Science: Experiment, Evidence, and Belief

Interpreting Biomedical Science: Experiment, Evidence, and Belief discusses what can go wrong in biological science, providing an unbiased view and cohesive understanding of scientific methods, statistics, data interpretation, and scientific ethics that are illustrated with practical examples and real-life applications.

Casting a wide net, the reader is exposed to scientific problems and solutions through informed perspectives from history, philosophy, sociology, and the social psychology of science.

The book shows the differences and similarities between disciplines and different eras and illustrates the concept that while sound methodology is necessary for the progress of science, we cannot succeed without a right culture of doing things.

Features theoretical concepts accompanied by examples from biological literatureContains an introduction to various methods, with an emphasis on statistical hypothesis testingPresents a clear argument that ties the motivations and ethics of individual scientists to the success of their scienceProvides recommendations on how to safeguard against scientific misconduct, fraud, and retractionsArms young scientists with practical knowledge that they can use every day

Part 1 THE STAKE 1. Is biomedical science working? 2. The basis of knowledge: causality and truth

Part 2 THE METHOD 3. Study Design 4. Data and evidence 5. Belief Conclusion to Part 2

Part 3. THE REAL WORLD 7. Scientists are people too 8. What can we do about it?