Data Rules

In two of my classes, we've been discussing truth and how to find it. Along with that, we've been discussing confirmation bias and how to overcome our own biases. These discussions fit into my research about family relations. As I've been reading Loren Mark's paper, "Same-Sex parenting and children's outcomes: A closer examination of the American psychological association's brief on lesbian and gay parenting." As the title suggests, this paper examines studies used in a report by the American psychological association. While I won't delve much into the actual contents of the paper, it highlights some problems found in studies the association drew much of its' claims from. The paper in turn, brings to light more studies that dispute the psychological association’s claims. While these studies were shocking, what was more shocking was the fact that the APA did not complete more in-depth studies or fact check their claims against studies that have already been completed. It’s evident to me that the author of the APA statement had a claim they already wanted to prove and when they reached that claim, they stopped their research. That’s honestly the definition of a confirmation bias, only cherry picking the information you like, and disregarding the rest. I mean, we all do this. But you just don’t expect a well-known association filled with psychologist to do this. And if experts from a well-known association have confirmation bias, how do we know who to trust? How in the world are we supposed to be able to find the truth?

While truth is hard to define and even harder to find, I believe there are ways to find it. One of them is through the scientific method. You have a theory and then you test it over and over again, even trying to disprove it, until you reach consistent and replicable results. Hardcore data may not provide all truth, but you are certainly closer to the truth than without it. Data doesn’t lie. Research doesn’t lie. With that being said, we can see with the APA report how easy it is to present data in a deceiving light. This is where it’s the responsibility of the consumer to do more research. Compare sources. Look at how the studies were conducted, their sample size, demographic, etc. After we’ve done our own research out the research, then we can know what is true. Which is kind of a bummer, but the price we pay for living the age of instant information. 

Another important source of truth is God. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I believe in God, who is a loving Heavenly Father. Like an earthly father, He wants to talk to us and we’re able to do that through prayer. If we pray to Him, and ask our questions, whether they’re about our families or about a career choice. He can lead and guide our lives. God is the author of truth. We can be sure we are making the right decisions when we’re following His guidance. 

In my life, God has been the most source of truth. God’s truths are universal, but He also helps us find our personal truth. He knows how many kids are right for your family. He knows when you should get married. He knows how to help you and your spouse get along. These are answers that the world can’t supply. It’s important to be looking for truth from data and studies, and while they can help you make good and informed decisions, nothing is more important than seeking truth from a loving Father in Heaven. He knows you and loves you. He wants the best for you, and if we follow Him, our lives will turn out better than we ever imagined.