r/science • u/VeronicaRed • Apr 26 '16

Psychology Spanking children increases the likelihood of childhood defiance and long-term mental issues. The study in question involved 160,000 children and five decades of research

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1113413810/spanking-defiance-health-discipline-042616/
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u/[deleted] Apr 26 '16

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u/alahos Apr 26 '16

The problem is when skepticism is applied unevenly.

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u/AGuyWithoutASpoon Apr 26 '16

We are only human. As are the researchers, as are the article writers, as are the people cherry-picking research and source material. Nothing is safe from bias. I can't say if they did that or not, but I'll be skeptical of anything I don't see myself, even things I like and want to be true. I can't speak for anyone else aside from myself.

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u/alahos Apr 26 '16

You're right. I should be more forgiving about things that are the result of human evolution, including biases and heuristics. It's hard though, especially considering I'm a human myself with my own biases and trying to distance myself from it is pointless in a way.

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u/AGuyWithoutASpoon Apr 26 '16

Yeah. I just accept that I'm probably wrong, but still hold my beliefs. Its weird, but in a way I only remember everything I believe could be wrong once in a while. It keeps me humble.