1st week of classes-research

Do we question the things we hear or read, especially if they are spouting off some sort of research that proves or disproves a point?  Do we just accept things at face value, figuring this source knows what they are talking about?  When we are reading a book, do we look at the footnotes and references?  Why don't we question more, think more, read more about what is being said or read?  We don't have time?  We don't care?  We just make assumptions that all that is said or read is correct...they've done the 'homework' on it or the way they've articulated the idea seems to make sense...therefore, it is.  Hmmm.

We had a reading assignment on a current event.  When we looked closely at the research, it was amazing that most of it actually had NOTHING to do with the statement or point they were trying to make.  I'll give you the link and if you desire you should read it and see how you feel after.  Pay attention to the chart and who was surveyed or included in the experiment.  Was there a control group?  Did it have anything to do with what they stated this gave them actual evidence for? 

People are often surprised to learn how frequently personal opinion, public opinion, public policy and law are influenced by family or other social science research. This is especially true when the research findings are widely published, as has been the case with the issues of "same-sex marriage".

 

One of the most significant social issues of the last several centuries--one which divides our nation and the world almost right down the middle--is the issue of marriage. Until the last ten years no recorded civilization has ever considered marriage anything other than the union between a man and a woman. Now many are confused; private opinions are changing as individuals wonder whether their life-long assumptions and values are correct. Nations, communities and families are torn as to how to respond to the demands that marriage be redefined in a way never before considered possible.

 

 Much of the debate, including the debate and testimony in the United States Supreme Court, focuses of the effects such redefinition of marriage and family would have upon children. March 27, 2013, the Supreme Court Justices heard testimony on both sides of the issue stemming from California's Proposition 8. The proposition passed (twice) by California voters states simply that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.".

 

One such brief presented to the Supreme Court was prepared by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2005. That brief was created and widely distributed "to serve the needs of psychologists, lawyers, and parties in family law cases....Although comprehensive, the research summary is focused on those issues that often arise in family law cases involving lesbian mothers or gay fathers" (APA Brief, 2005, p. 3) This brief included the assertion: "Not a single study has found children of lesbian or gay parents to be disadvantaged in any significant respect relative to children of heterosexual parents (p. 15). This brief has been used widely to change state and family law, not federal.

 

Another brief was filed and considered by the courts. Dr. Loren Marks wrote Same-sex parenting and children’s outcomes: A closer examination of the American Psychological Association’s brief on lesbian and gay parenting. This brief examines the validity of the research upon which the APA brief was based, and is sure to surprise most of its readers.   

Marks - Examination of APA Brief (anotated).pdf  

 

Post what you think about this.  Not on the issue of same-sex parenting or marriage, but on taking what you read and hear at face value.  Do you care to KNOW the truth!  Do you think you might find out their sources now or is it just easier to repeat info. that you just ASS-U-ME is correct?  Hmmmm.....