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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
I had hoped this book had been about science. However, it is one long rant about journalists’ poor statistics knowledge (I agree, but several doctors I have met are on the same level, and they are also too self-absorbed to know when they are wrong). I don’t disagree with the criticism of snake oil vendors and bias, but this book is too self-absorbed to see the true reasons people buy into snake oil vendors. That many doctors have limited time for patients, don’t trust a patient’s experience and are unable to read and understand papers containing knowledge younger than when they themself attended med-school.
challenging
funny
informative
slow-paced
I learned a lot about some shams, some of the actual science behind it. Not sure on the section on skincare, I think this guy naturally had great skin from birth because I dunno about him but personally my face doesn't auto-regulate itself into perfection without some products.
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Really good overview of how science has been abused by various parties, and how it can still be a powerful tool to push back against the scammers and quacks. I particularly admire the parts of the book that go after hard targets. Homeopaths are fish in a barrel for people who understand basics of the scientific method. Not true for the pharmaceutical industry.
I had to dock one star because the explanation of p values is technically wrong.
I had to dock one star because the explanation of p values is technically wrong.
This was a fairly good book, but I think Mr. Goldacre needed to have some footnotes and more backstory for some of his illustrative anecdotes. Past that it is a good book although I think its a bit of preaching to the choir.
fast-paced
I really enjoyed the approachable tone to medical studies and statistics. Makes me highly question my test data and likely statistics abuse. And ... perhaps finally register for a stats class in the fall. Because I think I'm making many of the standard fallacies.
I'm going to recommend this book to a couple of friends and family.
Also - brownie points for thanking the fabulous Amanda Palmer. Because who doesn't?
I'm going to recommend this book to a couple of friends and family.
Also - brownie points for thanking the fabulous Amanda Palmer. Because who doesn't?
It's been over ten years since the book was still published, and unfortunately all the rubbish that constitutes "Bad Science" still occurs (now with added replication crisis!). This book is hilarious (in that I found myself bitter-laughing) and thought-provoking (Vitamin C supplements does not reduce the incidence of the common cold? "Olive oil is amazing for the skin" has never been shown in a controlled experiment?), but could have really benefited from less ad hominem statements. I mean, sure homeopathy is terrible and science journalists don't know much about methods, but I would think the universities that do offer the courses and profit-based magazines/journals/newspapers that are more at fault and are more change-able than individuals who get taught bad science and replicate the crisis.
Otherwise, the book is very, very important.
Otherwise, the book is very, very important.