Study done on what I've always known...

[Kizzy]

Conservative members are “a breed apart” from members of the other main political parties, with much stronger tendencies towards socially illiberal and authoritarian attitudes and completely different views on Brexit, a study has found.

The biggest ever polling of party members’ opinions shows that Tories are half as likely to support gay marriage as members of Labour, the Lib Dems or the SNP and significantly more supportive of the death penalty, obedience to authority and censorship of the media “to uphold moral standards”.

The findings by academics at Queen Mary University of London could spell trouble for the chances of a more socially liberal candidate such as Ruth Davidson succeeding Theresa May as Tory leader, given that the final choice is made in a vote of party members.

The study also shows that almost five years after David Cameron sought to move the party towards a more socially inclusive position by pushing through the gay marriage law, Tory members – 44% of whom are 65 or older – remain resistant.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/04/tory-members-a-breed-apart-from-other-main-parties-study-finds

[bots]

and if a study was done on the labour party and its members it would also represent a demographic with a high percentage of views in favour of some aspect or another.

So what?

[Kizzy]

and if a study was done on the labour party and its members it would also represent a demographic with a high percentage of views in favour of some aspect or another.

So what?

Thanks for your input professor BOTS :joker:

[Oliver_W]

and if a study was done on the labour party and its members it would also represent a demographic with a high percentage of views in favour of some aspect or another.

So what?

Labour was obviously part of the study, otherwise they wouldn't be able to compare the differing opinions.

[Crimson Dynamo]

and as the ruling party in the UK(England) it shows they are bang on with what they represent in England. It illustrates what England is and wants

no sh1t sherlock

[user104658]

and as the ruling party in the UK(England) it shows they are bang on with what they represent in England. It illustrates what England is and wants

Most of England (especially the South), yes. Though it is sort of worrying that they keep being voted in.

Though I can't help but feel like the news here is, "Study Finds That Conservatives Are Conservative!"...

Its like another article I read today about Boris using terms like "Hot Totty" and "Bumboys" in his articles like this is news. "WHAT?? Boris Johnson is a soggy biscuit Tory toff?? This is brand new information!"

[thesheriff443]

Labour will get a chance like they have in the past to screw up this country but for now it's the conservatives turn to screw up the country.

[DemolitionRed]

This was an interesting article by Nigel Barber Ph.D.

Peering inside the brain with MRI scans, researchers at University College London found that self-described conservative students had a larger amygdala than liberals. The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure deep in the brain that is active during states of fear and anxiety. Liberals had more gray matter at least in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the brain that helps people cope with complexity. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-human-beast/201104/conservatives-big-fear-brain-study-finds

[user104658]

This was an interesting article by Nigel Barber Ph.D.

Peering inside the brain with MRI scans, researchers at University College London found that self-described conservative students had a larger amygdala than liberals. The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure deep in the brain that is active during states of fear and anxiety. Liberals had more gray matter at least in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the brain that helps people cope with complexity. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-human-beast/201104/conservatives-big-fear-brain-study-finds

To be fair it's more basic than that and the language used here (fear and anxiety vs complexity) is a little pointed.

The amygdala is responsible for instant / instinctual emotional response (fear, yes, but the other instant surface reactions too both positive and negative) and also instant motivation (action without consideration).

The ACC plays a role in higher cognitive function and emotional consideration (logic, reason, consideration and in theory empathy, as empathy is an abstract emotional response rather than one driven by instinct.)

So it's more a logic vs instinct thing here. It's not always about "fear", that's a huge oversimplification of the function of the amygdala.

[Livia]

Ahhh polls and statistics. In the Guardian!

And in other shock news, a "study" had decided that 98% of people is nearly all of them!

[Kizzy]

To be fair it's more basic than that and the language used here (fear and anxiety vs complexity) is a little pointed.

The amygdala is responsible for instant / instinctual emotional response (fear, yes, but the other instant surface reactions too both positive and negative) and also instant motivation (action without consideration).

The ACC plays a role in higher cognitive function and emotional consideration (logic, reason, consideration and in theory empathy, as empathy is an abstract emotional response rather than one driven by instinct.)

So it's more a logic vs instinct thing here. It's not always about "fear", that's a huge oversimplification of the function of the amygdala.

So the explanation as taken from the academic in the article wasn't good enough?

[Kizzy]

Ahhh polls and statistics. In the Guardian!

And in other shock news, a "study" had decided that 98% of people is nearly all of them!

No more of a shock than you mocking rather than having a rational reasoned comment to make.

[smudgie]

Very interesting.
One assumes then that the brain alters as you age, hence people changing their political views over the years.

[Beso]

Thier views will be down to a good church upbringing.

[Mystic Mock]

and as the ruling party in the UK(England) it shows they are bang on with what they represent in England. It illustrates what England is and wants

no sh1t sherlock

If most of the UK knew half of the **** that the Tories do they wouldn't be elected into office right now.

The Media is the Tories biggest ally and they twist things into a morality argument for their favourite party when really all the Tories want to do is persecute anyone that the party has to pay money out to (people on benefits, disabled people, and the working class in general) yet the media will try to twist it that it's the EU's fault for why the Tories are either incompetent or just simply horrible to people, and if it's not them then it is Muslims, people on benefits, or liberals being too PC stopping them from being able to do what they really want to do.

[Brillopad]

More Guardian trash that certain posters latch onto with desperation.

When the kids grow up and see the world from a different perspective many will regret the part they played in the ruin of this great country.

[Beso]

If most of the UK knew half of the **** that the Tories do they wouldn't be elected into office right now.

The Media is the Tories biggest ally and they twist things into a morality argument for their favourite party when really all the Tories want to do is persecute anyone that the party has to pay money out to (people on benefits, disabled people, and the working class in general) yet the media will try to twist it that it's the EU's fault for why the Tories are either incompetent or just simply horrible to people, and if it's not them then it is Muslims, people on benefits, or liberals being too PC stopping them from being able to do what they really want to do.

I thought blair had a tighter grip on the media.

[DemolitionRed]

I thought blair had a tighter grip on the media.

You mean the man who stole the clothes off John Major and the man who kept vast swathes of Margaret Thatcher’s neoliberal ideologies and stole the full backing of The Sun?

He didn’t undo Thatcher’s employment reforms or stop the deregulation of the financial sector which inevitably permitted banks to move towards sub-prime mortgages. Everything Thatcher had privatized remained privatized.
House prices carried on growing towards unaffordable levels whilst council house buildings remained remained at an all time low. Blair didn't curb the power of the free market beyond that of the state, He encouraged it just like the Tories before him.

Tony Blair was more right wing than John Major before him and that's why Right wing papers abandoned the Conservatives and allowed Blair a tight grip on the media.

[Brillopad]

You mean the man who stole the clothes off John Major and the man who kept vast swathes of Margaret Thatcher’s neoliberal ideologies and stole the full backing of The Sun?

He didn’t undo Thatcher’s employment reforms or stop the deregulation of the financial sector which inevitably permitted banks to move towards sub-prime mortgages. Everything Thatcher had privatized remained privatized.
House prices carried on growing towards unaffordable levels whilst council house buildings remained remained at an all time low. Blair didn't curb the power of the free market beyond that of the state, He encouraged it just like the Tories before him.

Tony Blair was more right wing than John Major before him and that's why Right wing papers abandoned the Conservatives and allowed Blair a tight grip on the media.

So right wing he is desperate to overturn the referendum result and get a second vote. Like many remainers he wants his own way - left or right.

[user104658]

So right wing he is desperate to overturn the referendum result and get a second vote. Like many remainers he wants his own way - left or right.

Are you suggesting that only people who are "left wing" want to stay in the EU?... Do you actually know what any of these terms mean, or are under the impression that they're some sort of "team names"? "Team Right likes Brexit! Team Left is remoaners and such!"

A lot of right-wing heavy hitters stand to lose a lot from exiting the EU. Cameron was pro EU. George Osbourne was pro EU. Theresa May was pro EU.

Are they all "lefties", too?


Sigh. Tony Blair was / is a bona-fide right-of-center neoliberal. It's not a debate he just.. is. Those are his politics. You can't go stamping your feet and insisting he's actually "not right wing" because you don't like him / Labour and have decided in your head that "Right Wing = The Good Guys so he can't be right wing".

[Withano]

The biggest ever polling of party members’ opinions shows that Tories are half as likely to support gay marriage as members of Labour, the Lib Dems or the SNP and significantly more supportive of the death penalty, obedience to authority and censorship of the media “to uphold moral standards”.


How unexpected. Tories prove to be idiots.

[Brillopad]

Are you suggesting that only people who are "left wing" want to stay in the EU?... Do you actually know what any of these terms mean, or are under the impression that they're some sort of "team names"? "Team Right likes Brexit! Team Left is remoaners and such!"

A lot of right-wing heavy hitters stand to lose a lot from exiting the EU. Cameron was pro EU. George Osbourne was pro EU. Theresa May was pro EU.

Are they all "lefties", too?


Sigh. Tony Blair was / is a bona-fide right-of-center neoliberal. It's not a debate he just.. is. Those are his politics. You can't go stamping your feet and insisting he's actually "not right wing" because you don't like him / Labour and have decided in your head that "Right Wing = The Good Guys so he can't be right wing".

No - but the majority of leavers are probably more Tory than Labour, especially with Corbyn quick to change his supposedly long-held anti-EU views to suit especially when the title of PM is the potential reward. Besides if you listen to many of the hardline lefties on here the Brexiteers are ALL freedom hating Tories.

[DemolitionRed]

I voted out of the EU. My husband and parents voted out of the EU and we are all left leaning. :shrug:

[Brillopad]

Conservative members are “a breed apart” from members of the other main political parties, with much stronger tendencies towards socially illiberal and authoritarian attitudes and completely different views on Brexit, a study has found.

The biggest ever polling of party members’ opinions shows that Tories are half as likely to support gay marriage as members of Labour, the Lib Dems or the SNP and significantly more supportive of the death penalty, obedience to authority and censorship of the media “to uphold moral standards”.

The findings by academics at Queen Mary University of London could spell trouble for the chances of a more socially liberal candidate such as Ruth Davidson succeeding Theresa May as Tory leader, given that the final choice is made in a vote of party members.

The study also shows that almost five years after David Cameron sought to move the party towards a more socially inclusive position by pushing through the gay marriage law, Tory members – 44% of whom are 65 or older – remain resistant.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/04/tory-members-a-breed-apart-from-other-main-parties-study-finds

44% 65 or older which means 56% are not. And. What do you expect the over 65s to do roll over and die. Talk about AGEIST. I believe you are only about 20 years away from that yourself - what do you propose to do at that age put up and shut up. Disgusting attitude.

[Brillopad]

This was an interesting article by Nigel Barber Ph.D.

Peering inside the brain with MRI scans, researchers at University College London found that self-described conservative students had a larger amygdala than liberals. The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure deep in the brain that is active during states of fear and anxiety. Liberals had more gray matter at least in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the brain that helps people cope with complexity. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-human-beast/201104/conservatives-big-fear-brain-study-finds

So the liberals have more grey cells and therefore higher IQs - of course they do. :joker::joker: Don’t psychologists tend to lean to the left so no bias there then. :joker: Too many variants and people with opinions reading what they will into the ‘results’.

[Brillopad]

To be fair it's more basic than that and the language used here (fear and anxiety vs complexity) is a little pointed.

The amygdala is responsible for instant / instinctual emotional response (fear, yes, but the other instant surface reactions too both positive and negative) and also instant motivation (action without consideration).

The ACC plays a role in higher cognitive function and emotional consideration (logic, reason, consideration and in theory empathy, as empathy is an abstract emotional response rather than one driven by instinct.)

So it's more a logic vs instinct thing here. It's not always about "fear", that's a huge oversimplification of the function of the amygdala.

I agree a lot more with this. It is indeed a huge convenient oversimplification to fit with one’s own opinions. In other words pretentious, manipulative opinon-based rhetoric.

[Vicky.]

Most of England (especially the South), yes. Though it is sort of worrying that they keep being voted in.

Though I can't help but feel like the news here is, "Study Finds That Conservatives Are Conservative!"...

Its like another article I read today about Boris using terms like "Hot Totty" and "Bumboys" in his articles like this is news. "WHAT?? Boris Johnson is a soggy biscuit Tory toff?? This is brand new information!"

Well yes, this is how it seems to me :laugh:

[DemolitionRed]

So the liberals have more grey cells and therefore higher IQs - of course they do. :joker::joker: Don’t psychologists tend to lean to the left so no bias there then. :joker: Too many variants and people with opinions reading what they will into the ‘results’.

Liberals had more gray matter at least in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the brain that helps people cope with complexity.

What don't you understand about that?

And you think Neural Scientists probably make this up according to their political leaning :joker:

[Brillopad]

Liberals had more gray matter at least in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the brain that helps people cope with complexity.

What don't you understand about that?

And you think Neural Scientists probably make this up according to their political leaning :joker:

Psychology is not a proper science, not in the same way as physics, maths or chemistry with cast iron facts.

It is largely based on observation and interpretation and can’t be considered a science when confirmation bias remains rampant in the field. What part of that do you not understand. :joker:

The scans were real but the rest was based on interpretation.

[Brillopad]

Conservative members are “a breed apart” from members of the other main political parties, with much stronger tendencies towards socially illiberal and authoritarian attitudes and completely different views on Brexit, a study has found.

The biggest ever polling of party members’ opinions shows that Tories are half as likely to support gay marriage as members of Labour, the Lib Dems or the SNP and significantly more supportive of the death penalty, obedience to authority and censorship of the media “to uphold moral standards”.

The findings by academics at Queen Mary University of London could spell trouble for the chances of a more socially liberal candidate such as Ruth Davidson succeeding Theresa May as Tory leader, given that the final choice is made in a vote of party members.

The study also shows that almost five years after David Cameron sought to move the party towards a more socially inclusive position by pushing through the gay marriage law, Tory members – 44% of whom are 65 or older – remain resistant.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/04/tory-members-a-breed-apart-from-other-main-parties-study-finds

The Guardian - a perfect example of confirmation bias. They never give up trying. Boring!!!

10 out of 10 for pretty colours though! :laugh:

[user104658]

Psychology is not a proper science, not in the same way as physics, maths or chemistry with cast iron facts.

It is largely based on observation and interpretation and can’t be considered a science when confirmation bias remains rampant in the field. What part of that do you not understand. :joker:

The scans were real but the rest was based on interpretation.

Social and abnormal psychology are not exact sciences but neuropsychology is a science in pretty much the same way as the core sciences (physics, biology chemistry)... which, by the way, are also based on hypothesis / observation / interpretation so... :think:

[Brillopad]

Conservative members are “a breed apart” from members of the other main political parties, with much stronger tendencies towards socially illiberal and authoritarian attitudes and completely different views on Brexit, a study has found.

The biggest ever polling of party members’ opinions shows that Tories are half as likely to support gay marriage as members of Labour, the Lib Dems or the SNP and significantly more supportive of the death penalty, obedience to authority and censorship of the media “to uphold moral standards”.

The findings by academics at Queen Mary University of London could spell trouble for the chances of a more socially liberal candidate such as Ruth Davidson succeeding Theresa May as Tory leader, given that the final choice is made in a vote of party members.

The study also shows that almost five years after David Cameron sought to move the party towards a more socially inclusive position by pushing through the gay marriage law, Tory members – 44% of whom are 65 or older – remain resistant.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/04/tory-members-a-breed-apart-from-other-main-parties-study-finds

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jan/07/brexit-why-buyers-remorse-hasnt-hit-the-uk-economy

If you think a second referendum is the answer to your prayers I think you might be in for a rude awakening.

[DemolitionRed]

Psychology is not a proper science, not in the same way as physics, maths or chemistry with cast iron facts.

It is largely based on observation and interpretation and can’t be considered a science when confirmation bias remains rampant in the field. What part of that do you not understand. :joker:

The scans were real but the rest was based on interpretation.

I'm sorry but you can't go oooh its not a proper science! Are you also saying there's no real science in metallurgy or fracture mechanics or fluid dynamics or pure mathematics?

All science is based on observation and then proposing a mechanism.

[Brillopad]

I'm sorry but you can't go oooh its not a proper science! Are you also saying there's no real science in metallurgy or fracture mechanics or fluid dynamics or pure mathematics?

All science is based on observation and then proposing a mechanism.

Psychology is a cognitive science more predisposed to combination bias. People will cherry-pick the information that confirms their own beliefs and it is therefore not as reliable as other sciences.

The study mentioned is one such example of this and the ‘results’ mentioned flitted with what the researchers wanted to see. It is not an exact science so pardon me for not giving it the same credibility I would give to say a mathematical equation.

[smudgie]

So, if there is any truth to this, why do people change their politics through life, back and forth?

[Kizzy]

44% 65 or older which means 56% are not. And. What do you expect the over 65s to do roll over and die. Talk about AGEIST. I believe you are only about 20 years away from that yourself - what do you propose to do at that age put up and shut up. Disgusting attitude.

This is an article, not my personal view :/

[Kizzy]

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jan/07/brexit-why-buyers-remorse-hasnt-hit-the-uk-economy

If you think a second referendum is the answer to your prayers I think you might be in for a rude awakening.

You have quoted the OP 3 times... I haven't suggested I want a 2nd referendum have I?

[DemolitionRed]

Psychology is a cognitive science more predisposed to combination bias. People will cherry-pick the information that confirms their own beliefs and it is therefore not as reliable as other sciences.

The study mentioned is one such example of this and the ‘results’ mentioned flitted with what the researchers wanted to see. It is not an exact science so pardon me for not giving it the same credibility I would give to say a mathematical equation.

Cognitive or not, all science is based on theory. There are no facts in science, (even in hard science). All science including psychology, adheres to scientific method and all science including hard science and psychology abides by the same rules and includes a great deal of mathematics and statistics. The only difference between psychology and other sciences is its relative newness and its massive complexities.

Someone wrote a theory based on their findings which of course included mathematical equations. Do you really believe a theory is an opinion of what an individual wants to see?

I don't think you have any real understanding about the importance of psychology. Without psychology we wouldn’t of tackled any mental illness or aided drug development for various diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Without psychology we wouldn't have anti-depressants or anti-psychotic drugs and surgeons wouldn't be able to carry out many types of neurosurgery.

[Livia]

Cognitive or not, all science is based on theory. There are no facts in science, (even in hard science). All science including psychology, adheres to scientific method and all science including hard science and psychology abides by the same rules and includes a great deal of mathematics and statistics. The only difference between psychology and other sciences is its relative newness and its massive complexities.

Someone wrote a theory based on their findings which of course included mathematical equations. Do you really believe a theory is an opinion of what an individual wants to see?

I don't think you have any real understanding about the importance of psychology. Without psychology we wouldn’t of tackled any mental illness or aided drug development for various diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Without psychology we wouldn't have anti-depressants or anti-psychotic drugs and surgeons wouldn't be able to carry out many types of neurosurgery.

I stopped reading at the highlighted part.

[Brillopad]

Cognitive or not, all science is based on theory. There are no facts in science, (even in hard science). All science including psychology, adheres to scientific method and all science including hard science and psychology abides by the same rules and includes a great deal of mathematics and statistics. The only difference between psychology and other sciences is its relative newness and its massive complexities.

Someone wrote a theory based on their findings which of course included mathematical equations. Do you really believe a theory is an opinion of what an individual wants to see?

I don't think you have any real understanding about the importance of psychology. Without psychology we wouldn’t of tackled any mental illness or aided drug development for various diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Without psychology we wouldn't have anti-depressants or anti-psychotic drugs and surgeons wouldn't be able to carry out many types of neurosurgery.

Please quit with the patronising tone all the time. I trained as a nurse and am fully aware of the importance of psychology and it’s benefits but that doesn’t change the fact it is not an exact science and confirmation bias is an issue sometimes in the interpretation of data which is all I said. I didn’t Say it had no value - of course it does.

[DemolitionRed]

I stopped reading at the highlighted part.

Of late there has been obsession that things should be based on scientific facts which, on the surface, sounds like a good idea. Drug policy should be based on the science, global worming is a scientific fact, the medicines our doctors give us have been subject to rigorous scientific evaluation etc and we will all be sure that we are heading to a bright new future.

But there is a problem, there is, no such thing as scientific fact. Surprised? You should be because it can change the way we view the pronouncements made by scientists. http://brainatthedoor.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/is-there-such-thing-as-scientific-fact.html

[DemolitionRed]

Please quit with the patronising tone all the time. I trained as a nurse and am fully aware of the importance of psychology and it’s benefits but that doesn’t change the fact it is not an exact science and confirmation bias is an issue sometimes in the interpretation of data which is all I said. I didn’t Say it had no value - of course it does.

Actually you were very patronizing about psychology being nothing other than someone's opinion based on their political leaning. Someone who thinks like that simply doesn't understand the rudiments of how science works.

If you trained as a nurse you know that your working with applied science which is not an exact science either.

[Livia]

Of late there has been obsession that things should be based on scientific facts which, on the surface, sounds like a good idea. Drug policy should be based on the science, global worming is a scientific fact, the medicines our doctors give us have been subject to rigorous scientific evaluation etc and we will all be sure that we are heading to a bright new future.

But there is a problem, there is, no such thing as scientific fact. Surprised? You should be because it can change the way we view the pronouncements made by scientists. http://brainatthedoor.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/is-there-such-thing-as-scientific-fact.html

I found that all so tiresome and patronising. Surprised? You shouldn't be.

But hey, using someone's blog as your "proof"? Inspired...

Edit: Found this in the comments section of that eight year old blog. Makes much more sense than the blog itself:

Quote:
Monkey Courage said...
A friend of mine pointed this out to me. Frankly I expect more from an Englishman.

You seem to work under the assumption that scientists don't already understand the principles behind the scientific method. You also miss a crucial step in the description of the method (though you allude to it). Observation is a step in the Method. Then an hypothesis is formed and tested. If, through repeated experiments, the hypothesis is confirmed it becomes a Theory. A Theory is provisional and can be overturned at a moments notice. However, for a theory to be overturned doesn't require a complete paradigm shift. Newtonian Physics is still valid at sublight speeds. Einsteinian Physics is still valid at macro scales. Those Theories were less overturned than they were refined. Newton was on to something. But his study required more delicate measurements to get the complete picture. The same goes for Evolution or Climate Change. Something is occurring. There are correlations. Those correlations must be isolated and tested for causation.

Of course there can be bias. That is why we have peer review. We hope it keeps the scientists honest. And it does.

What amazes me is that the term "fact" is used in response to charges that so called skeptics make against the term "theory." A theory is a provisional fact. But pundits have purposefully obfuscated the meaning of theory as to be practically useless against a credulous layperson. And now that "fact" is being used to solidify what knowledge science have painstakingly garnered along comes you armchair philosophers explaining to the credulous once again that there are no scientific facts and that all knowledge is provisional. And you've conveniently withheld an explanation of the term "theory."

Well done, sir. You've uncovered a non-mystery and further confused the debate.

Unquote.

[DemolitionRed]

I found that all so tiresome and patronising. Surprised? You shouldn't be.

But hey, using someone's blog as your "proof"? Inspired...

Edit: Found this in the comments section of that eight year old blog. Makes much more sense than the blog itself:

Quote:
Monkey Courage said...
A friend of mine pointed this out to me. Frankly I expect more from an Englishman.

You seem to work under the assumption that scientists don't already understand the principles behind the scientific method. You also miss a crucial step in the description of the method (though you allude to it). Observation is a step in the Method. Then an hypothesis is formed and tested. If, through repeated experiments, the hypothesis is confirmed it becomes a Theory. A Theory is provisional and can be overturned at a moments notice. However, for a theory to be overturned doesn't require a complete paradigm shift. Newtonian Physics is still valid at sublight speeds. Einsteinian Physics is still valid at macro scales. Those Theories were less overturned than they were refined. Newton was on to something. But his study required more delicate measurements to get the complete picture. The same goes for Evolution or Climate Change. Something is occurring. There are correlations. Those correlations must be isolated and tested for causation.

Of course there can be bias. That is why we have peer review. We hope it keeps the scientists honest. And it does.

What amazes me is that the term "fact" is used in response to charges that so called skeptics make against the term "theory." A theory is a provisional fact. But pundits have purposefully obfuscated the meaning of theory as to be practically useless against a credulous layperson. And now that "fact" is being used to solidify what knowledge science have painstakingly garnered along comes you armchair philosophers explaining to the credulous once again that there are no scientific facts and that all knowledge is provisional. And you've conveniently withheld an explanation of the term "theory."

Well done, sir. You've uncovered a non-mystery and further confused the debate.

Unquote.

You of all people found it patronizing!!
Try looking it up yourself, if of course you can be bothered which I doubt you can.

[Brillopad]

Actually you were very patronizing about psychology being nothing other than someone's opinion based on their political leaning. Someone who thinks like that simply doesn't understand the rudiments of how science works.

If you trained as a nurse you know that your working with applied science which is not an exact science either.

I think you have just proved my point about interpretation as I did not say psychology was nothing more than someone’s opinion based on their political leaning. I said that psychological data, not being an exact science, was more influenced by confirmation bias. Not exactly the same.

[Livia]

You of all people found it patronizing!!
Try looking it up yourself, if of course you can be bothered which I doubt you can.

No, I can't be bothered. I have more interesting stuff to do than trawl round Google trying to find something that proves or disproves what you're saying. I already know it's rubbish... and you're not a scientist any more than I am.

[Kizzy]

I found that all so tiresome and patronising. Surprised? You shouldn't be.

But hey, using someone's blog as your "proof"? Inspired...

Edit: Found this in the comments section of that eight year old blog. Makes much more sense than the blog itself:

Quote:
Monkey Courage said...
A friend of mine pointed this out to me. Frankly I expect more from an Englishman.

You seem to work under the assumption that scientists don't already understand the principles behind the scientific method. You also miss a crucial step in the description of the method (though you allude to it). Observation is a step in the Method. Then an hypothesis is formed and tested. If, through repeated experiments, the hypothesis is confirmed it becomes a Theory. A Theory is provisional and can be overturned at a moments notice. However, for a theory to be overturned doesn't require a complete paradigm shift. Newtonian Physics is still valid at sublight speeds. Einsteinian Physics is still valid at macro scales. Those Theories were less overturned than they were refined. Newton was on to something. But his study required more delicate measurements to get the complete picture. The same goes for Evolution or Climate Change. Something is occurring. There are correlations. Those correlations must be isolated and tested for causation.

Of course there can be bias. That is why we have peer review. We hope it keeps the scientists honest. And it does.

What amazes me is that the term "fact" is used in response to charges that so called skeptics make against the term "theory." A theory is a provisional fact. But pundits have purposefully obfuscated the meaning of theory as to be practically useless against a credulous layperson. And now that "fact" is being used to solidify what knowledge science have painstakingly garnered along comes you armchair philosophers explaining to the credulous once again that there are no scientific facts and that all knowledge is provisional. And you've conveniently withheld an explanation of the term "theory."

Well done, sir. You've uncovered a non-mystery and further confused the debate.

Unquote.

I stopped reading at the highlighted part.

[Kizzy]

No, I can't be bothered. I have more interesting stuff to do than trawl round Google trying to find something that proves or disproves what you're saying. I already know it's rubbish... and you're not a scientist any more than I am.

So you again only come into a thread to mock without a reasoned counter argument, what point is there being in a debate thread when you refuse to engage?

[DemolitionRed]

No, I can't be bothered. I have more interesting stuff to do than trawl round Google trying to find something that proves or disproves what you're saying. I already know it's rubbish... and you're not a scientist any more than I am.

But you were willing to come on here and make a mocking comment at something I wrote and you did so without understanding what it was you were mocking. :hehe:

I'm not playing your game Livia, its predictable and its boring.

[Livia]

But you were willing to come on here and make a mocking comment at something I wrote and you did so without understanding what it was you were mocking. :hehe:

I'm not playing your game Livia, its predictable and its boring.

And yet here you are replying to me. Again.

[Livia]

I stopped reading at the highlighted part.

That doesn't surprise me.

Thanks for recycling my joke though, imitation being the sincerest form of flattery.

[Livia]

So you again only come into a thread to mock without a reasoned counter argument, what point is there being in a debate thread when you refuse to engage?

I found the comments ridiculous, as though someone had stumbled across some random's blog on a Google search and taken their word as gospel. And then posted that blog as evidence.

I have a family full of scientists, and what's more I have a perfect right to mock.... it's not like you're a stranger to it.

[Kizzy]

I found the comments ridiculous, as though someone had stumbled across some random's blog on a Google search and taken their word as gospel. And then posted that blog as evidence.

I have a family full of scientists, and what's more I have a perfect right to mock.... it's not like you're a stranger to it.

I'm not a stranger to it no, Iv'e come to expect you to mock and anticipate it in every thread. You never fail to disappoint there.

What is wrong with a blog?... It's just an opinion, another view to bounce ideas off, SD is full of random you tube vlogs denouncing our 'PC' culture on here that many seize on as gospel or hard evidence of some social ill...
Where's your mockery then?

It wasn't imitation it was me holding a mirror to make you aware of your double standard as per.

This kind of highlights something very interesting actually, that people who consider themselves to be quite conservative are very rigid in their thinking...until they agree with what is being said.
The blog v vlog thing being a prime example, you are loath to see the merit in the blog as it doesn't chime with you, yet the conservative leaning vlogs are given careful consideration.
Why would one be given greater credence than the other?

[Brillopad]

I'm not a stranger to it no, Iv'e come to expect you to mock and anticipate it in every thread. You never fail to disappoint there.

What is wrong with a blog?... It's just an opinion, another view to bounce ideas off, SD is full of random you tube vlogs denouncing our 'PC' culture on here that many seize on as gospel or hard evidence of some social ill...
Where's your mockery then?

It wasn't imitation it was me holding a mirror to make you aware of your double standard as per.

This kind of highlights something very interesting actually, that people who consider themselves to be quite conservative are very rigid in their thinking...until they agree with what is being said.
The blog v vlog thing being a prime example, you are loath to see the merit in the blog as it doesn't chime with you, yet the conservative leaning vlogs are given careful consideration.
Why would one be given greater credence than the other?

THe left-wing on here are quick to try to undermine evidence produced by others as an opinion piece. Different when they do it though. They can’t have it both ways.

[Kizzy]

THe left-wing on here are quick to try to undermine evidence produced by others as an opinion piece. Different when they do it though. They can’t have it both ways.

So a blog is opinion and a vlog is fact, even if it's just some ranty bloke?

I rest my case.