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Having a Ph.D. does not mean a scientist has any idea how to test insect light traps. Like every profession, science, contains humans with talent and without it, with experience and without it. And, there are serious questions about the undue influence of corporations on the quality of science in most every field, not just ours. Even Ph.D.s with talent, a good insect research background and honest intentions might be tempted to do a quick little project for some extra pocket change in a field that is newer to them than they realize. Know insects? What do you know about lamps? One uncontrolled variable can skew the whole research. The research/paper may be done exceptionally well or poorly. Regardless, it is often exaggerated, distorted by the sponsor's marketing department. It may sound reasonable enough, when it's actually trivial sales talk or even false and misleading. This science is in its' infancy and it will take some back and forth debate and wrestling with concepts. My father and I have put forth theories, some general rules of thumb. Challenge us where you believe we are wrong. Of course, there are exceptions to the general rules. What are they? Help us fill in the blanks. Let's build a science worthy of a profession. The bottom line is a need for tough review of claims and research papers. You can't have a profession without a real science to study. |