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Christopher J Ferguson, Ph.D., is a psychology professor and author interested in science, gaming, and gothic horror.

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Science Dungeons and Dragons Video games Popular culture Gothic horror
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The post critiques the reliance on advanced statistical methods to assert causation from correlation, emphasizing the need for rigor in social science research instead.
Bivariate correlations can misinform hypothesis testing in social science, necessitating careful consideration of control variables, mediators, and moderators to ensure accurate analysis.
The study finds that weak links between social media use and youth mental health are largely due to external factors, not direct causation.
The article critiques the sensationalized claims linking gut microbes to autism, highlighting the lack of solid evidence and the prevalence of weak studies in this area. It draws parallels to other moral panics, such as fears surr...
The essay argues that while peer review is deeply flawed, alternatives like preprints may exacerbate the issues in scientific publishing.
The post discusses the phenomenon of the 2020 race moral panic in the United States, analyzing its rapid rise and fall. The author reflects on the origins of the panic, its reliance on coercion and unworkable policy solutions, and...
The post critiques a misleading graph circulating on social media that shows a significant decline in student standardized test scores post-COVID. It highlights the manipulation of the Y-axis, which presents a narrow range of scor...
The post critiques the tendency to racialize normal social interactions among hikers, arguing that such perspectives are divisive and unhealthy.
Billie Eilish's remarks on 'stolen land' illustrate the pitfalls of moral posturing without understanding the complexities of historical land ownership.
The post critiques the 'toxic masculinity' narrative, arguing it unfairly demonizes men and boys while neglecting the complexities of masculinity and its societal implications.
The post argues against the unfounded claim that statins cause Alzheimer's, emphasizing the need for evidence-based medicine and cautioning against misinformation.
The author reflects on the relationship between genius and madness, using personal anecdotes and historical examples of famous figures like Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Nikola Tesla, and Marie Curie. The text discusses how obses...
The author critiques an upcoming study on social media detox, arguing that it lacks proper scientific rigor due to the absence of random assignment and control groups. They highlight flaws in the study's methodology, such as the s...
The blog post discusses the nuanced perspectives of teens on loneliness, particularly in the context of societal concerns about a 'loneliness epidemic.' It highlights that while there has been a slight decline in social interactio...
The post critiques a recently hyped unpublished study claiming that cellphone bans in schools improve student learning. The author argues that the study's findings are misleading, highlighting that the effects of such bans are neg...
The post critiques the term 'dark elements' in tech design, arguing it biases research and oversells negative impacts, while reviewing a flawed study on social media addiction.
The post outlines five major scientific advancements and five setbacks from 2025, emphasizing the evolving landscape of science and technology.
The post examines how various animal species have adapted to urban life in the Anthropocene, emphasizing their dietary flexibility and tolerance of human presence.
The post examines the contradiction between public disdain for McDonald's healthiness and its enduring popularity, revealing deeper societal issues around consumer behavior and personal responsibility.
The blog post humorously debunks common misconceptions about academia, addressing myths such as the existence of a parapsychology department at universities, the nature of being a department chair, and the funding of social scienc...
The post examines the complexities of the 'War on Christmas,' addressing tensions between Conservative Christians and Progressives while affirming the holiday's enduring popularity in the U.S.
The author discusses the emergence of AI-generated music, focusing on the band DollWave and their song 'Corrupted Angels.' They express admiration for the music while questioning the authenticity of the band, which may be AI-creat...
The post celebrates Halloween by sharing fun and informative facts about bats, highlighting their ecological importance, unique biology, and common misconceptions. It emphasizes that most bats in the US and Canada eat insects, the...
Practical tips for enhancing social media experiences focus on personal control, enjoyment, and managing interactions to cultivate a positive online environment.