Journal Entry #1

Yanna Sanchez

Ms. Nargiza Matyakuboya

English 21003. Section M

5 September 2017

Journal Entry #1

Recognition between Justified Evidence and Unjustified Evidence

In Ted Talk, “Battling Bad Science”, the presentation held by Ben Goldacre shed light on what one should always consider when reading research or analyzing data; furthermore, how the evidence will allow proper judgement of the claim.  Doctor Goldacre explains the importance of “unpicking the evidence behind claims”, questioning all pieces of the data to ensure it is adequate in supporting the claim, as well as questioning the lack of data.  He states that to make a proper judgement on a claim one needs all evidence based information that is gathered in an unbiased form and has not been tampered with to make a fully informed decision based purely on facts.

After watching the presentation by Ben Goldacre, I see how important it is to consider all the information and to question the methods of validity before taking an objective stance on a claim.  Often times I have found myself with complete reliance on product information with little to no background information on the product’s results or ingredients.  The presentation has provided me with great insight into considering questioning information and its provider.  Often times I assume that an individual with degrees and “authority” as Dr. Goldacre states, is always right or simply know what he or she is talking about.  I do not take the time to compare the information offered to my prior knowledge which I know to be true.  Therefore, the presentation has proven to me through its many points of distinguishing valid information from the invalid information and examples how important it is to question as opposed to simply accepting.  At some point I plan on becoming a physician and before deciding on a course of treatment and medication I must fullying agree and understand the information and research on the medication before I prescribe it to another individual who has placed his or her trust in my abilities and knowledge.