The hottest Research Methods Substack posts right now

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Top Science Topics

REPOST: Science is a strong-link problem

Experimental History • 17893 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🔬 Science Research Methods Science Policy
  1. There are two types of problems: weak-link problems, where the overall quality depends on the weakest part, and strong-link problems, where the best part matters most. Understanding this helps us solve issues better.
  2. Science is often treated like a weak-link problem, focusing on stopping bad research rather than promoting great ideas. This approach can hold back progress in scientific discovery.
  3. To improve science, we should shift our mindset to supporting strong ideas and innovative research. This means caring less about keeping out the bad and more about encouraging the good.

The leading AI models are now good historians

Res Obscura • 15240 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Models Historical Analysis Generative AI Research Methods
  1. AI models are getting really good at history, especially in specific areas. They can help with tasks like translating old texts and offering historical context.
  2. While some people worry that AI tools lead to cheating in education, they can also enhance research efficiency. They help researchers to gather information and insights quickly.
  3. Despite AI's advancements, human creativity and understanding are still irreplaceable. There's a recognition that the unique human experience and thoughts are valuable and cannot be fully replicated by AI.

A Software Engineer's Guide to Reading Research Papers

Confessions of a Code Addict • 1467 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Research Methods Career development Technical Writing Information literacy
  1. Research papers are important for software engineers to keep up with new technologies and fill knowledge gaps. It helps to stay current with developments in your field, like time series analysis.
  2. Many people find reading research papers hard because they can be dense and technical. A lack of a research background can make it seem even more intimidating.
  3. With time and practice, anyone can learn to read and understand research papers. Finding a personal approach or framework can make the process easier.

Thanks But I'll Walk, Scotty

Everything Is Amazing • 1031 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🔬 Science Animal Behavior Cognitive Science Research Methods
  1. Animals, like wild mice and rats, have been observed using wheels just for fun, without any obvious benefit. This suggests that play and enjoyment are important to all creatures, not just humans.
  2. Our brains can be easily tricked by illusions like pareidolia, where we see faces in random objects. This highlights how our perception can change quickly based on how we look at things.
  3. Having fun should be a priority in how we interact with each other. Embracing joy can improve our lives and connections, just like it does for animals.

Both Democrats and Republicans can pass the Ideological Turing Test

Experimental History • 11606 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Partisanship Political Behavior Public Opinion Research Methods
  1. Democrats and Republicans misunderstand each other, but both sides can convincingly mimic each other's views. This shows they actually have a better grasp of each other's beliefs than they think.
  2. In a study, both parties struggled to differentiate between real and fake statements from their opponents, suggesting they might not truly know the depth of each other's perspectives.
  3. The findings imply that political disagreements might be REAL differences, not just simple misunderstandings, challenging the idea that better communication could solve everything.
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The Willpower to Care About Academic Debates

Living Fossils • 31 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🚌 Education Psychology Research Methods Cognitive Science
  1. Ego depletion, the idea that willpower decreases after making tough choices, has been largely debunked. Many studies found that there is no strong evidence to support this theory.
  2. The ego depletion debate shows how important solid theories are in science. Without a strong theory, even widely accepted ideas can lead researchers astray.
  3. Psychology needs to be more disciplined in building ideas that align with what we know about the human mind and evolution. This helps avoid wasting time on false concepts.

Twin heritability models can tell you whatever you want to hear

The Infinitesimal • 719 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
🔬 Science Genetics Research Methods Statistical Analysis Heritability Cultural transmission
  1. Twin heritability models can produce different estimates of how much traits are influenced by genetics versus environment. This can lead to confusion about what is truly inherited and what is shaped by upbringing.
  2. Cultural factors along with genetic factors play a significant role in shaping traits. Sometimes, what seems genetic can actually be environmental influences like parenting styles, which complicate our understanding of inheritance.
  3. Recent studies suggest that assumptions made in traditional twin studies might not be entirely accurate. By including more family relationships and considering cultural impacts, researchers can get a clearer picture of what really contributes to traits.

Microarrays: What are they for?

ASeq Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Genomics Microbiology Research Methods Market Analysis
  1. Microarrays are often seen as an alternative to sequencing, but some argue sequencing is generally a better option for many applications. It's important to consider these viewpoints when discussing the technologies.
  2. The microarray market is stable, worth around $1 billion, with platforms like Illumina's Beadarray holding a significant share. This indicates that there is still a solid demand for microarray technology.
  3. Reassessing biases about technologies like microarrays can help us understand their current relevance and future potential. It’s always a good idea to keep an open mind when evaluating scientific tools.

Prediction Technologies and Innovation

New Things Under the Sun • 160 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Innovation Artificial Intelligence Research Methods
  1. Prediction technologies help scientists make better guesses about what to explore next, like using AI to identify promising research areas. However, they can also lead people to focus too much on certain topics, missing out on other important areas.
  2. Research tools can change what scientists choose to study. For example, a tool might encourage research on proteins we already know about instead of new, less understood ones, which could slow down innovation.
  3. Different prediction technologies have different effects. Some can help researchers discover more unique solutions, while others may cause everyone to chase the same problems, limiting overall progress.

"You Couldn't Replicate Our Study Because You're Ugly"

Cremieux Recueil • 416 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🔬 Science Research Methods Social Psychology Statistical Analysis Methodology
  1. Attractiveness studies may not be very reliable because their methods can be flawed. It's important to be careful about how these studies are designed and what they claim.
  2. Different studies use different ways to measure attractiveness, which can lead to confusion and mismatched results. It's not always clear which findings are valid.
  3. Racial preference in dating apps can be hard to measure correctly. Good research design is key, and many studies may not handle these issues well, leading to uncertain conclusions.

Machine Learning-Assisted Directed Evolution with Bruce Wittmann

Lever • 19 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🔬 Science Biotechnology Machine Learning Research Methods Protein engineering
  1. Bruce Wittmann's journey in science started from pre-med and led him to research at notable institutes like Caltech.
  2. He worked on machine learning to improve protein engineering, building tools that can help many people in the field.
  3. His collaboration with renowned scientists and contributions to published research highlight the exciting potential in protein design and computational biology.

Acorn Genetics

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🔬 Science Genetics Biotechnology Nanotechnology Research Methods Innovation
  1. Acorn Genetics is working on a new type of DNA sequencing technology. This technology promises to be fast, giving results in just minutes.
  2. The platform aims to be affordable, costing less than $10,000, which could make it accessible to more users.
  3. One of the cool features is that it won’t require any training to use, meaning anyone could operate it easily.

Preregistration Is No Panacea

Cremieux Recueil • 283 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🔬 Science Research Methods Psychology Artificial Intelligence Educational Research
  1. Preregistration in research is not a guaranteed way to ensure the accuracy of results. Even when studies are preregistered, they can still produce results that don't hold up upon replication.
  2. Simply preregistering a study isn’t enough. There needs to be strict detail and oversight in how research is conducted to prevent 'p-hacking' or manipulating data for desired results.
  3. Focusing on predictive research rather than just explanatory studies can help ensure that research is more relevant and impactful. When studies predict future outcomes, they are more likely to contribute meaningfully to our understanding.

The difference between the US childhood vaccination schedule and Denmark's

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 195 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Research Methods Child Health
  1. There are big differences between the childhood vaccination schedules in the US and Denmark. Studying these differences could help us understand which method works better for kids.
  2. A cluster randomized trial could test the effectiveness of the US vaccination schedule compared to Denmark's. This means grouping areas to follow one schedule or the other and then measuring health outcomes.
  3. There's a lot of uncertainty about which vaccination approach is best. By collecting better data, we can start to settle these important questions instead of just accepting existing beliefs.

How One UX Researcher Ignited Sweeping Changes to YouTube

Elizabeth Laraki • 419 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Data Analysis Product Design Digital Media Research Methods
  1. Kerry Rodden, a UX researcher, helped YouTube understand how users navigated the site. By deeply analyzing user data, they found out what people really wanted from YouTube.
  2. One big surprise was that most YouTube sessions didn't start on the homepage. Instead, many users went directly to watch videos they found elsewhere on the internet.
  3. Kerry created clear visualizations of user data that showed how people moved through YouTube. This helped the company improve its homepage and focus on personalizing content for users.

How to evaluate statistical claims

The Counterfactual • 199 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🚌 Education Statistics Research Methods Data Analysis Critical Thinking
  1. Always look at the whole distribution of data, not just the average. The average can be affected by extreme values, so it's crucial to see the bigger picture to understand what the data really tells us.
  2. Consider the baseline or reference point when evaluating numbers. Knowing how a number compares to others helps us understand if it's large or small, which gives us better context.
  3. Understand the story behind the data-generating process. This means recognizing the factors that led to the results we see, which helps in identifying possible biases or alternative explanations.

How to teach science

The Bell Ringer • 219 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Curriculum Development Student Engagement Research Methods
  1. Learning science should be fun, but it's important to share the complete story behind science and math. This helps students understand its real value.
  2. Teachers should balance fun activities with serious discussions about scientific concepts. This approach encourages deeper understanding.
  3. Engaging students effectively means showing them how science relates to the real world. This makes learning more relevant and interesting for them.

~75% of Psychology Claims are False

Unsafe Science • 161 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🔬 Science Psychology Research Methods Replication Crisis Censorship
  1. A lot of psychology studies are not reliable, with about 75% of their claims likely being false. So, it's best to be skeptical of what you read in this field.
  2. Many published psychology findings are difficult to reproduce. This means that even though a study shows something, there's a good chance it might not be true when tried again.
  3. Censorship and ignoring opposing evidence can lead to more misinformation in psychology. Some studies get more attention even when their findings are wrong or contested.

Real-Time Multistep Asymmetrical Disassembly of Nucleosomes and Chromatosomes Visualized by High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biology Genetics Research Methods Molecular Biology
  1. Researchers used a special microscope to watch how nucleosomes and chromatosomes come apart in real-time. This lets us see important details about how these DNA structures change.
  2. The study found that the disassembly process is not symmetrical; some parts come off before others. This shows a new way that DNA is accessed for various functions.
  3. Linker histone H1 plays a big role in how these structures disassemble. When H1 is present, it makes the process slower and changes the way the nucleosomes fall apart.

We Should Try to Directly Measure the Value of Scientific Papers

Nonsense on Stilts • 59 implied HN points • 20 Jul 24
🔬 Science Research Methods Information Theory Statistical Analysis Scientific Integrity Decision Theory
  1. We should measure the value of scientific papers to understand their real impact. If a paper doesn't change how people act or think, then it may not be worth much.
  2. To figure out the value of a paper, we can use a formula that compares what outcomes we expect with the information from the paper versus without it. This helps us see if the research is actually useful.
  3. It's important to have good estimates and decisions tied to the research to see its true worth. By doing this, we can better judge which scientific papers are really making a difference.

Fight the Anti-Narrative with Pro-Science

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 42 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology Vaccines Public Health Research Methods Technology
  1. Using 'anti' labels in discussions can over-simplify and misrepresent people's true beliefs. It makes conversations harder and ignores important details.
  2. Questioning vaccines or other technologies doesn't mean being against them; it can be a way to improve them. Critics should be heard instead of labeled negatively.
  3. Curiosity and open-mindedness in science can lead to better understanding and advancements. Engaging with skepticism might help scientists and the public work together more effectively.

Weight Loss Industry Big Think - Expanding the Market -Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 459 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Weight Stigma Research Methods Insurance Coverage
  1. The weight loss industry strategically turns existing higher body weights into disease diagnoses to expand its market.
  2. They aim to exploit insurance coverage and exaggerate risks associated with higher weights to increase profits.
  3. The industry targets all age groups and sizes, pushing for wider definitions of overweight and obesity to sell interventions and expand its customer base.

What Are Survey Experiments For?

Never Met a Science • 33 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Science Public Opinion Research Methods Methodology
  1. Survey experiments help researchers understand how political choices are influenced by different factors. They combine theories from political science and public opinion to analyze voter behavior.
  2. The history of survey experiments shows a shift between theory and empirical data. Political science focused on testing theories with limited data, while public opinion research prioritized random sampling to gather accurate data about citizen views.
  3. Different academic traditions use survey experiments for different reasons. Understanding these differences can help avoid confusion and improve collaboration across fields.

Dubious Justifications Behind Request to WHO to Declare Diet Drugs "Essential" Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 479 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Weight Stigma Research Methods
  1. The request for WHO to declare diet drugs as essential is based on questionable justifications from studies with limited data and potential conflicts of interest.
  2. Global recommendations for diet drugs are primarily supported by research conducted on a predominantly white population, raising concerns about generalizability.
  3. Financial ties between pharmaceutical companies and organizations providing recommendations for diet drugs highlight potential biases and conflicts of interest in the decision-making process.

Being an Early Career Scientist

The Polymerist • 116 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Career development Research Methods Experiments Education Personal Growth
  1. Try new things in your career and treat them like experiments. If something doesn't work out, you can always adjust and try again.
  2. It's okay to feel uncertain at the beginning of your career. Each experience helps you learn more about yourself and what you want.
  3. Life will always bring challenges, but keep moving forward and experimenting. Enjoy the process of learning and discovering new possibilities.

With few conservatives, academia will struggle to develop a theory of progressivism

The Path Not Taken • 462 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🚌 Education Ideological analysis Research Methods
  1. Academia may struggle to develop a theory of progressivism if there are few conservatives involved.
  2. There is a lack of academic work on progressivism despite significant changes in left-wing ideology.
  3. The lack of conservatives in academia may hinder the growth of research on progressivism and lead to challenges in developing a comprehensive theory.

The Placebo Paradox: Why Placebos Are Ineffective In Psychedelic Research

Tripsitter • 79 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Placebo effect Research Methods Clinical Trials
  1. Researchers struggle with placebo controls in psychedelic trials due to the unmistakable subjective experiences and physiological effects of psychedelics, making blinding participants difficult.
  2. The power of expectations and beliefs influence the effectiveness of psychedelics, leading to challenges in maintaining placebo controls and interpreting trial results.
  3. Alternative approaches in psychedelic research involve creating placebo psychedelic experiences or comparing psychedelics directly to established treatments, offering potential solutions to traditional placebo limitations.

How I've been using ChatGPT

The Counterfactual • 219 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI Tools Research Methods Programming Information Retrieval
  1. ChatGPT can help you learn about new topics by suggesting useful resources and references. This can speed up your research by providing relevant information without the hassle of searching through many documents.
  2. Using ChatGPT for recommendations can be helpful, but it shouldn't replace getting suggestions from friends or experts. It can fill in gaps when you don't have access to personal recommendations.
  3. ChatGPT acts as a good reading companion by answering specific questions while you read. This helps you understand the material better and encourages you to ask questions about what you’re learning.

AI With “Computer Use”: Agents, Accessibility Fix, Facilitating Usability Tests

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 27 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI User Experience Accessibility Automation Research Methods
  1. AI can now operate computers just like humans, which means it can click, type, and understand what’s on the screen. This makes using computers easier for everyone, especially for those who struggle with traditional interfaces.
  2. AI agents are expected to take over simple tasks for users, like booking hotels or managing reservations, making life more convenient. However, understanding personal preferences may take some time for AI to improve.
  3. AI's capability to watch and analyze user interactions can help conduct usability studies more effectively. This could lead to better products, as AI can help gather insights about how real users behave.

Doesn't Being Higher Weight Create Higher Risk for Health Issues?

Weight and Healthcare • 559 implied HN points • 22 Jun 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Research Methods Body positivity Fat Activism
  1. Correlation between weight and health doesn't imply causation, and it's crucial to examine the quality of evidence before drawing conclusions.
  2. Factors like weight stigma, weight cycling, and healthcare inequalities can influence the relationship between weight and health.
  3. Supporting health doesn't always need manipulation of body size, and it's essential to prioritize the rights of individuals regardless of their size.

Article Analysis: Should Type 2 Diabetes Management Focus on Weight Loss over Blood Sugar?

Weight and Healthcare • 419 implied HN points • 13 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Blood Sugar Pharmaceutical industry Research Methods
  1. The article discusses the debate over whether Type 2 Diabetes management should prioritize weight loss or blood sugar control.
  2. It highlights the influence of pharmaceutical companies on medical advice and guidelines in the diabetes management space.
  3. The article raises concerns about financial conflicts of interest, lack of long-term efficacy data, and potential risks associated with focusing on weight loss over other health factors.

The Counterfactual's year in review, and an announcement

The Counterfactual • 79 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🔬 Science Artificial Intelligence Cognitive Science Research Methods Empirical Studies Education
  1. The Counterfactual had a successful year, growing its readership significantly after a popular post about large language models. It’s great to see how sharing knowledge can attract more people.
  2. Key posts focused on topics like construct validity and the understanding of large language models. These discussions are crucial for improving how we evaluate and understand AI technology.
  3. In 2024, the plan includes more posts and introducing paid subscriptions that allow subscribers to vote on future research projects. This will encourage community participation in exploring interesting ideas.

Inside The Telepathy Tapes

What's Important? • 26 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🔬 Science Neuroscience Consciousness Research Methods
  1. The Telepathy Tapes suggests that some non-speaking autistic children may have psychic abilities like telepathy. This idea challenges traditional views of science and consciousness.
  2. While the podcast may present intriguing cases, it is not a formal scientific study, and the findings need more thorough investigation to be validated.
  3. Many people find the messages from the children in The Telepathy Tapes align with spiritual beliefs, sparking a broader discussion about the nature of consciousness and human connection.

Understanding the Hawthorne Effect in UX Research

UX Psychology • 138 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
🕹 Technology UX Research Human behavior User Experience Research Methods
  1. The Hawthorne Effect is when individuals change their behavior because they know they are being observed, impacting various behaviors from dietary habits to research study results.
  2. Possible explanations for the Hawthorne Effect include people conforming to expectations when observed and feeling pressured to perform better.
  3. To mitigate the Hawthorne Effect in UX research, steps like using control groups, minimizing feedback during studies, focusing on cause-and-effect relationships, and creating judgment-free environments can help obtain more accurate data.