Mar 31 2009
Science and Active Attempts at Disconfirmation
In previous posts I have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of vitamin supplements to improve health (when not treating a deficiency). While I harbor no blanket belief “they don’t work,” and am thus less likely to succumb to the confirmation bias, as an aspiring scientific thinker it is incumbent upon me to be on the lookout — and acknowledge — any evidence that pertains to the subject. Pro or con.
And so, when encountering this headline, Vitamin D Supplements Associated With Reduced Fracture Risk In Older Adults, I made sure to read it. Even though it didn’t grab my interest like a “con” report may have.
It is so easy to be biased. Intention can have nothing to do with it. What most interests us can itself cause us to encounter more of one type of information, less of another.
What was the study finding?
Oral vitamin D supplements at a dose of at least 400 international units per day are associated with a reduced risk of bone fractures in older adults, according to results of a meta-analysis.
Does the more scientific mind have a greater array of things that interest it? Hmm.
[...] http://evolvingmind.info/blog/2009/03/science-and-active-attempts-at-disconfirmation/ [...]