-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Chris Stokes
Sent: 03 March 2009 10:46
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Shopping study?! Yes it is unethical

His theory on how the mistaken belief that mice love cheese got a grip is pure genius. And he got that into a Scientific American podcast (http://www.sciam.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=0006C5C9-03D2-1507-83D283414B7F00FF), the Times Higher (http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=204937&sectioncode=26), the Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-403925/Mice-hate-cheese-new-study-reveals.html) and plenty of other discerning publications, no doubt. The research behind his theory was sponsored by the Stilton Cheesemakers' Association.

He's named too in 'research' done by the bed company, Silentnight (http://www.silentnight.co.uk/plaincontent.aspx?pageID=716). How prescient has this proved?:

'As well as doing more work in bed, due to wireless communication, we could definitely see beds taking up residence in our offices. Larger purpose built beds may allow less intimidating and tiring versions of meetings. Horizontal meetings with ceiling projectors could even give birth to lateral conferencing, where comfort and clandestine snoozes may improve attendance and stamina.'

Interesting that as a psychologist specializing in 'social relationships', among many other things, he wasn't able to diagnose himself, though, before this:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/86/86636_jealous_rage_of_tv_crime_shrink.html.

None of this, though, does anything to exonerate journalism, unless all other academic psychologists simply refuse to talk to the media, which strikes me as a smidgeon unlikely.

Chris

________________________________

From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael Kenward
Sent: 03 March 2009 10:10
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Shopping study?! Yes it is unethical



It is interesting to see so many knees jerking in the direction of the journalist's groin.



I will let you all into a secret, there are academics out there who delight in, and seek out, this sort of media coverage.



Unfortunately, his on-line CV seems to be a good five years out of date. (He refers, in terms that are themselves dubious, to the "Foresight Cyber Trust and Crime Prevention Project Workshop" in January 2004.) But it does show a fair involvement with the media:



http://www.psychology.mmu.ac.uk/staff/psychology_academic/dr_david_holmes.htm



David Holmes is hardly a  "media virgin" picked over by a venal press. Interestingly, this "work" seems to be outside of his normal area of expertise:



http://www.rihsc.mmu.ac.uk/staff/profile.php?surname=Holmes&name=David





_______________________________

Michael Kenward OBE

Have words will travel









From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ian Jones
Sent: 3 March 2009 09:03
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Shopping study?! Yes it is unethical



Yes, it is a shoddy piece of work. (Not sure that it is unethical though.)

Two things are worth pointing out:

- neither piece seems to have been written by a science correspondent

- before we get too outraged, it's worth checking out Dr Holmes's website (http://www.psychology.mmu.ac.uk/staff/psychology_academic/dr_david_holmes.htm). The man is clearly no stranger to engagement with the media.

Ian Jones
Isinglass Consultancy Ltd



2009/3/2 Newson, Lesley <[log in to unmask]>

American colleagues often look enviously at Europe because there is a greater acceptance of Darwinism in Europe.  But I sometimes think that I would be healthier if people rejected evolution rather than swallow this kind of nonsense.

I hope that David Holmes of Manchester Metropolitan University is complaining like mad about this.

Lesley
________________________________________
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of mico tatalovic [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 02 March 2009 20:41
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [PSCI-COM] Shopping study?!

Is it just me or is this really bad, if not unethical science journalism:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/4803286/Shopping-isthrowback-to-days-of-cavewomen.html

Apparently Neanderthals are our ancestors (cavemen=Neanderthals=ancestors?!), and an anonymous 'study' funded by a mall (!) was originally reported by:

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/86334/Primitive-lot-these-shoppers



Mico

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