Posts tagged Poor Science
120 | Sign Language With Primates | Why We Do What We Do
120 | Sign Language With Primates | Why We Do What We Do

People have been curious about the language of other species, and specifically if other species can learn human language. In the 1960’s and 1970’s some researchers in the United States believed that they had broken the species language barrier by teaching primates sign language. But where are all of the signing apes now? Shane and Abraham discuss the history and controversy of the trials and attempts to teach language to primates.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

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Psychological History, Human Bias, Myth-BustingScott Abraham MillerAbraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Poor Science, Sign Language, Chimps, Monkeys, Skepticism, Nim Chimpsky, Herbert Terrace, Washoe, Apes, Chimpanzees, Communication, Language Barrier, LiguistComment
119 | Twin Studies | Why We Do What We Do
119 | Twin Studies | Why We Do What We Do

In 2018, astronaut Scott Kelly went into space for a year while his identical twin brother stayed on earth. The purpose was to study genetic changes that occur by spending time in space. Twin studies have been a staple of psychological research since the late 1800s. But many people don’t know about the underlying philosophy of twin studies, how they have been used, and what we can learn from them. Turns out this research method is a lot less robust than it seems. Learn about what the “shared experience” hypothesis is and how it weakens the execution of psychological research and testing using twins.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

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Psychological History, Research, Philosophy, GeneticsScott Abraham MillerAbraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Twins, Twin Studies, Monozygotic Twins, Dizygotic Twins, Embryo, Zygote, Birth, Pregnancy, Research, Bubble Bursting, Shared Environments, Poor Science, ExperimentationComment