Forgive my slightly "off post" comment. My students are telling me that they don't TRUST research. They have seen so much contradictory research described (They don't read the originals) and their analytical skills are weak. What conclusions are they to draw?
Depression is the symptom or outcome of so many different types of problems, from a bad grade on an exam to major brain dysfunction, that comparing large groups of people statistically sampled at random, is likely to find that ANYTHING tested does not work for many people in the sample. Students go back to their own experience. Did I feel better? Or Did someone I know report feeling better and act as if he or she felt better? This may tell them it works or it does not. Then THEY become the participants in the next round of research. Does this bias the research? It is hard to trust the motives of a drug company or even the government. In contemporary society it appears that there is not much trust of anyone or anything, and that much of this has been legitimately earned. How do we maintain an open, yet critical mind about information we receive while also dealing with this information in the long term best interest of the people we serve - our students. Susan J. Shapiro Associate Professor/Psychology Indiana University East 2325 Chester Blvd. Richmond, IN 47374 (765) 973-8284 [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
