Comments on: Treatmentshomosexuality website open to positive experiences

By: Drowssap

Drowssap — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:30:27 +0000

What a shame that the field is full of the Nicolosis and the Kings of the world, two sides of the same coin.

Just one, small scientific discovery will bring down both sides. I'll try and remember to yell "timber!" when I see it coming. Breakthroughs are inevitable and generally arrive unexpected. It could happen any day. --- Nobody saw this brewing on the horizon before it was released.

By: jayhuck

jayhuck — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:05:43 +0000

Warren,
I am curious – how would a therapist go about looking for Social/Religious Desirability biases in clients – or would they even bother? There seems to be a concern over Confirmation Bias, I would think these other biases would skew results and harm the scientific process as well. I am not trying to be flippant here, I am curious.

By: Eddy

Eddy — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:55:30 +0000

Thanks, Carole.
His statement likening it to whether one is racially black or white reveals that he has already formed a conclusion not as yet proven by any scientific method…that one is born gay.
I had considered participating in the study but have decided not to.

By: Zoe Brain

Zoe Brain — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:44:01 +0000

First rule of scientific research : abandon your preconceptions at the door.
Academic Honesty is very difficult sometimes. It’s something I strive for, but I’m not sure I always achieve it. Peer review and criticism even before publication is needed. And the most valuable criticism often comes from those who disagree the most vehemently.
Science should not be an echo-chamber and mutual admiration society. We must go where the evidence leads us, to fit the observations to hypotheses, but not to coerce them. To modify ideas to fit the facts, not the other way around.
I’m stating the obvious, but in a charged politico-religious atmosphere, I’ve found this to be the exception rather than the rule. It’s one of the reasons why I have so much respect for Dr T. It’s because of his inconsistency. He has changed his mind over the years as better data has come in. And if better data comes in, will change again if the facts don’t fit his opinions. I strive to follow his example.
“When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?”
– John Maynard Keynes

By: carole

carole — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 20:29:04 +0000

Warren said,

Probably two poles of the same earth, rather than so close as a coin

Touche!