Currently: 4 Weeks into Post-Meet Training
Ok, you got me.. This was a shamelessly click-baity article title. I should've titled it "The problem with certain people's perception of the term science." but that just seemed too wordy. Now that you're here, though, let's begin..
I find myself consistently seeing people declaring something along the lines of "well Science doesn't say that!!", as if "Science" was the name of some mystical Wizard of Oz who gives out 100% correct facts and answers to the world from their throne.
The reality is, Science is a process, not a single textbook of perfect answers. There are a few different definitions of the word Science, but the Merriam-Webster Dictionary provides a definition that applies most generally to all arenas:
"Science is knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method."
So the knowledge of science is a systematic compilation of knowledge that's obtained and tested through the Scientific Method, which is defined as "principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses."
..This systematic compilation of knowledge through the testing of all these hypothesis' is a very complex and constantly on-going process. The collection of universally recognized knowledge known as Science 100 years ago, is much different than it is now in 2017 (it doesn't take much Googling to see some crazy things we believed 50-100 years ago). Anyone who works with Scientific Research, knows that not one study (no matter how well designed it is) even proves anything. It takes an enormous body of research vetted over time to "prove" anything, and even then we can find out over time that our conclusions were incorrect. Every study has numerous variables and considerations that require us to look beyond just the "conclusion" or "abstract" to really see how it applies to our everyday behavior.
Now, before I sound too anti-research or anti-science; I'm completely supportive of evidence-based research and scientific validation of beliefs. I have a Masters of Science in Education (and may have a PhD or another degree in my future), work in higher education, and have been a part of a lot of academic research. I think too many people are believing things without checking their facts against the body of research, and more people should seek scientific evidence for their beliefs.
The big take-away I want people to consider from this is that the knowledge base that is Science, and the Scientific Process are consistently evolving as technology (and we as humans) evolve as well. Every year we gain more and more knowledge and that knowledge helps build or question our currently held beliefs. 50 years ago we thought Acupuncture was just mystical weird stuff that people did; but now research has shown the acupuncture points are actually biologically unique and show actual evidence of producing effects through the body's scientifically-studied systems; and that's just one example of things we "knew" worked, but couldn't "prove" in the lab because we didn't have the scientific technology and knowledge to do it yet.
So before you quickly dismiss ideas just because there isn't a body of scientific research yet; keep in mind that research may show the value of those ideas in the future. (Note: There are definitely exceptions. i.e. we KNOW the Earth isn't flat.) If it's in a more grey-area realm (of something like the effectiveness of acupuncture, etc), rather than just freak out on people and yell "Science doesn't say that!!", we should make the point that "more research is needed" and do our best to help people sort through the evidence that is out there.
We're all in a journey of expanding our knowledge every day, be humble and open-minded, while supporting the facts and sound debate. Intellectual arrogance isn't a character trait worth having..
For Questions or Information Regarding the Peak Mental Performance Podcast, Coaching, or Programming, check out PeakMentalPerformance.org or contact me at joeschillero@gmail.com
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Competitively - My last competition was the USAPL Spring Classic in Columbus, OH April 1st; where I qualified for USAPL Raw Nationals. I am currently deciding on my next raw meet this year, and will likely also compete equipped again sometime early next year.
I'm currently the Fitness & Wellness Director at Ohio University as well as Event Coordinator for EliteFTS. I'm also involved in coaching and public speaking on topics relating to powerlifting, coaching, education, student development, and mental health.
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