My Facebook feed is always being bombarded with links to controversial research articles, which always incite arguments among friends. I’ve found, though, that a little research into the research, however, usually reveals the mistaken significance of its findings. So, in an effort to combat reader ignorance–or to give you some fodder next time someone argues about the “facts” they read–here’s a crash course on how to properly interpret research studies.
- Research is driven by theory, not fact. Particularly in psychological study, fact is nonexistent. In fact (pun intended), any Intro Psych class will tell you just that. It’s rule number one, so if you see language that suggests the contrary, always be skeptical (e.g., fact, prove, confirm). Acceptable research language is more ambiguous (e.g., results suggest, the research shows) because at the end of the day theories are never fully provable.
- Avoid opinion at all costs. People are naturally susceptible to preconceived notions, so studies that quickly affirm a reader’s expectations can gain misguided approval. This can be done using a variety of biased language, but the actual killer is the quotation mark. When reporting past findings or ideas, direct quotes are typically frowned on because researchers should be writing in their own words. In opinionated writing, it’s not uncommon to see quotation marks used for sarcastic interjection (e.g., “men of science” or “the experts”), so when this tactic is used in research writing it’s easily confused as something previously studied or the all-too taboo “fact.” Be on the lookout for distasteful use of this punctuation.
- Who’s being studied? No researcher could test every subject in the world, so smaller sample sizes are used to project the research findings onto the total population. This is called external validity. If a study has poor external validity–meaning you can’t really claim the findings are significantly related to a larger population–then the findings are crap. For example, if research says Americans don’t like cheese anymore but the study only tested twenty people, that’s probably not an accurate statement.
- How old is the source? Many landmark studies were conducted decades ago, but they’ve since been recreated and improved upon. Always be wary of articles that source five- to ten-year-old research. Chances are it’s either been updated or it was never studied again. There’s a reason for the latter. Maybe it was just crap.
Remember February's cover story, novelist Katie Kacvinsky? Her second book was released today, called First Comes Love. I read it last night, and I can tell you that it's fantastic. It's a great teen love story, following free-spirit Dylan and dark and stormy Grey. Together, they navigate the ups and downs love and life in Phoenix, Arizona. Here are a few ways to get involved.
- Buy the book! You can find it at a variety of retailers online, or look in the Young Adult section of your local book store.
- Rate, review or comment on the book at Amazon or Goodreads.
- Tell Katie what you think about her book by commenting on her blog, leaving her a post on Facebook, or sending her a tweet (@KatieKacvinsky).
- Show up at a book signing. She already has events scheduled in Oregon and Wisconsin. Make sure to tell her you heard about her from brass.
I hope you enjoy her book as much as I did. Let us know what you think.
- Jennie
Kickstarter.com is an online platform where anyone can fundraise for projects in art, design, fashion, food, film, music, and more. The basic process goes like this: Users sign up their project, set a funding goal, and establish rewards for backers. Next, they spread the words to friends, fans, and the Kickstarter community. If the fundraising goal is met in time, they collect the funding and distribute backer rewards in thanks.
Liz Marek, our current cover story, raised $12,171 in 45 days on Kickstarter to cover renovations for her Savor Cakes food cart, and she learned a few things along the way. Here are her 5 tips for a successful fundraiser:
1. Build a fan base first. “The first thing is definitely to have a fan base already established.”
2. Quality photos & video. “Photos really matter, and a video really matters. If you're gonna spend money on anything, hire somebody to do it, or find a friend who can do it for you."
3. Be concise. "If you can't explain your product and your idea in under three minutes, you don't understand it well enough."
4. Keep the timeframe short. “Don't have a project that lasts, like, 60 days. The longer the project, the less likely it is to actually succeed, since nobody's motivated to donate right then.”
5. Keep rewards simple. “I would recommend keeping it to five different rewards. Definitely have something elaborate for the heavy donators, but don't do something for every price point. It just gets way too overwhelming figuring out how to mail all the stuff later.”
To get your own project kickstarted, head to Kickstarter.com. Also check out Liz's own Kickstarter page for inspiration.
According to the FTC's 2011 list of top consumer complaints, ID Theft has the largest number of reports for the 12th year in a row. Don't let this scare you into buying extra ID theft protection, though. In fact, Consumer Reports reported that in 2010, identity fraud actually dropped 27% in 2010. On top of that, the instance of the really bad ID theft, where someone uses your identity to open new accounts or mooch on your insurance, is really quite rare.
Not only is ID theft not as big a problem as some protection and insurance sellers claim, it's usually not necessary. Federal protection guarantees that you're only liable for $50 max if your credit card is hacked. For debit cards, you're liable for only $50 if you catch it within two business days, and $500 if you catch it within 60 days, though you may be on the hook for everything if it goes unnoticed for longer than that. If you're checking your accounts regularly, like you're supposed to, then it shouldn’t be a problem. Even if you don't notice a fraudulent charge right away, it will depend on the fine print whether your fancy-schmancy ID theft protection will even cover the loss, and many financial institutions have policies that actually reduce your liability beyond federal requirements.
If you still feel like you're exposed and want some type of coverage, don't jump immediately to a service. First check your home or renter's insurance policy. I know mine has an ID theft clause in it, which I'm actually seriously thinking about dropping just because it's an extra expense I probably don't need. If you must, and I mean absolutely must, get extra protection from potential ID theft, make sure to check out the company you're getting it from with the Better Business Bureau. That will at least give you an idea of whether others have had good or bad experiences with them.
In the end, though, a lot of the services these companies offer, you can do it yourself. Get your free credit report every year from annualcreditreport.com to check for inconsistencies. Keep an eye on your accounts regularly and use smart Internet safety tactics.
Denmark is the happiest country in the world, according to a new report by Columbia University for the United Nations Conference on Happiness. The World Happiness Report analyzes levels of happiness in countries worldwide, and examines how various economic and societal factors affect happiness.
According to the study, Norway and Finland round out the top three happiest countries; at the other end, Togo, Benin, and Central African Republic--impoverished countries in Sub-Saharan Africa--ranked lowest on the study's scale. Though income does play a role in happiness, the study notes:
But it is not just wealth that makes people happy: Political freedom, strong social networks and an absence of corruption are together more important than income in explaining well-being differences between the top and bottom countries. At the individual level, good mental and physical health, someone to count on, job security and stable families are crucial.
As for the United States, which ranked #11, the study's authors give an explanation for why we may not be higher on the list:
The world's economic superpower, the United States, has achieved striking economic and technological progress over the past half century without gains in the self-reported happiness of the citizenry. Instead, uncertainties and anxieties are high, social and economic inequalities have widened considerably, social trust is in decline, and confidence in government is at an all-time low. Perhaps for these reasons, life satisfaction has remained nearly constant during decades of rising Gross National Product (GNP) per capita.
Read more: First World Happiness Report Launched at the United Nations
It must cross everyone's mind at one point or another. "This essay sucks. I wonder if I could buy one?" There are actually several sites, called essay mills, where you can (and this is one post where I won't be revealing as many resources as possible) potentially buy an essay. However, if you happen to have the money to buy an essay, there are a few bumps in the road to consider.
- Teachers do check for plagiarism, and though these sites swear they don't plagiarize, and that the essays are unique, you didn't write it yourself so you don't know for sure. Also, if the teacher gets wise, an oral quiz about your paper could out you.
- It's a big risk. If you get caught, you could flunk the class or even get kicked out of school.
- It's cheating! Not because you might get caught or because you're not supposed to, but think about all the hours your classmates slaved over the computer to make their C+ masterpieces. For you to fork over some cash and play video games the whole time just isn't fair.
- The cost is substantial. One site I found proposed that one custom essay only 15 pages long, given a deadline of 4 to 6 days, would cost a whopping $500.
These essay mills usually employ writers to create the final product, though there are some that claim to buy essays if you have a couple extra laying around you'd like to try to sell. I'll leave the moral implications for you to untangle
Yes, it would be a miracle stress relief if you didn't have to write that dreaded paper for history class. However, the risk is rather high considering that the benefit is a few more hours with your Xbox.
--Jennie
Photo by stuartpilbrow via cc.
Some things in life are a major rip-off, but we buy them anyway. Movie theater treats are major offenders, with prices like $6 for a bucket of popcorn and $3.69 for a box of Sour Patch Kids blaspheming the good name of cheap corn syrup and palm oil.
Joshua Thompson of Livonia, Michigan got so tired of being hoodwinked at the concessions stand that he's filing a class action lawsuit against AMC theaters, for what he considers violations against the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. The suit seeks a civil penalty against AMC as well as refunds for customers who have been overcharged.
The lawsuit is a prime example of why our legal system can get as bloated as the best of us after a popcorn salt hangover. Lawyers quoted by the Detroit Free Press say the case will likely be dismissed, as the Consumer Protection Act cited gives exceptions to regulated industries--like movie theaters.
Movie treats are a major profit boon for movie theaters, with industry estimates claiming up to an 85% profit margin on concessions. Research from Stanford University argues that by charging more on their secondary product (concessions), movie theaters can keep the prices of their primary product (tickets) lower, which is good for all moviegoers.
My issue with pricey theater treats comes down to very basic business values. I say theaters are justified in charging whatever they want for popcorn: the theater pops and salts and butters it (or just douses it in "butter flavored" oil) themselves. It's a product that they actually make and put their spin on. But when it comes to a box of Junior Mints, the theater didn't do anything innovative; they aren't selling a type of candy that you can't get somewhere else. A movie theater in a rural area that's 50 miles from a grocery store? I could see some justification in the markup, since customers are paying for convenience. But in many cases, theaters sell candy that consumers could buy next door at the grocery store for $.99.
Movie theaters attempt to rig up an artificial supply and demand situation to justify the increased prices by banning outside treats. Put in a different context, it sounds absurd. "We want people to buy concert t-shirts at our venue, so let's ban them from wearing their own. You want to wear a Taylor Swift t-shirt in our venue, you have to buy it from us." Or, "You can stay at our hotel, but if you want to drink a Pepsi, it can ONLY be from the locked and loaded in-room mini bar."
Isn't the goal of running a successful business to beat the competition, rather than eliminate it with rules imposed on customers?
I get the argument against bringing in a bunch of outside food that would make a mess or damage the theater. I once smuggled Cold Stone ice cream into a movie, and if I'd been less agile and spilled that "Love It" waffle cone, the ushers would have had a sticky chocolate mess on their hands. But this isn't the primary motivation behind movie theaters' outside food bans.
Ultimately, though, the pricing works if people are willing to pay. Earnings data from Regal Cinemas shows that popcorn and candy sales were actually up 5.5% per person in fourth quarter 2011, so maybe price isn't holding us back as much as we think.
What's your take on the pricey treats debate? Are you a high-price payer or a rogue candy smuggler?
--Jane
Photo by Steve Snodgrass via cc.
I've never been in a major emergency situation (I even live in the town rated least likely to experience a natural disaster in the United States), and I rarely think about emergency precautions. The devastating tornadoes over the weekend reminded me that if an emergency were to strike, I would be totally unprepared.
It's a little spendy to compile emergency supplies, but the peace of mind is definitely worth the small investment, so I'm starting to shop for the essentials. Here's where to start if you need to get your supply going, too.
72-hour kit. At minimum, the American Red Cross says we should all have a 72-hour emergency kit at home. Kits should be kept in an easy-to-carry bag in case you need to evacuate, be stored in an easy-access location, and include the following items:
- Water (1 gallon per person, per day) and nonperishable food
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered radio and NOAA Weather Radio
- Extra batteries
- First Aid kit
- Sanitation/personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents
- Family and emergency contact information
- Cash
- Emergency blanket
See the American Red Cross' full list of basic supplies for more details.
2-week food supply. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross recommend a 2-week supply of nonperishable food items for emergencies when access to food supply is cut off. Although this advice sounds extreme, it's not uncommon for grocery store shelves to get cleared out when disasters strike (and that's if you can even make it to the store), so stocking up is a smart precaution to take.
The key is to build your supply with items that are easy to prepare and that you would actually want to eat. Real Simple has a good list of inexpensive nonperishable food items that you don't have to buy from a camping store. If you have pets, keep some extra food for them, too.
Water. FEMA also suggests storing one gallon of water per person, per day as part of your 2-week emergency supply. For safety's sake, they say commercially bottled water is the best bet. Storing 28 gallon jugs of water in my apartment is probably not realistic, but some is better than none; I have a friend who keeps emergency water under her bed, so I'll probably follow suit and see what I can fit under there. If you have ample basement space, go to town.
Beyond these basics, check out FEMA's list of common natural disasters to learn how to prepare for the most likely culprits in your area.
--Jane
Image by Seattle Municipal Archives via cc.
New cars are a huge financial commitment, and not a very smart investment on paper. Edmunds.com says a new car loses 11% of its value on average when it leaves the dealer lot. And after the first couples years of ownership you can expect your new wheels to depreciate 20% to 40%. (Depreciation is based on use, which is why those initial miles off the lot decrease the value so much--the value of what once was new gets shocked when use begins.) The problem with such rapid depreciation of vehicles is you can find yourself in an upside-down investment (i.e., the amount you owe is more than the value of the item). This negative equity can be problematic if you want to trade your car in later because you'll essentially have two car payments--the monthly payment, and down payment, on the new car and whatever is leftover from the loan on the old one. The likelihood of upside-down investments may drive new car owners to consider leasing. Well, that and driving a sweet new car ever few years. There are, however, pitfalls to leasing and buying, along with many benefits to each. So if you're in the market for a new ride, here are the highlights to consider.
Down Payment: When you purchase a car the dealer typically asks for a down payment, usually around 10%. Like a house, 20% is the accepted standard to lower your monthly payments. With vehicles, this number serves another purpose. Putting 20% down will essentially cover the first year's depreciation. This will prevent you from getting upside-down on your first day as a new car owner. If you lease a car, though, dealers may waive the down payment altogether without putting a hurting on your monthly bill.
Monthly Payment: When leasing, you're essentially renting a car for a period of time, typically 24 to 48 months. In that time, you're paying only for use, or in other words the depreciation. Compared to paying a loan that earns interest, monthly leasing costs are much less than an owner's payments and you'll never go upside-down. However, you'll also walk away from a lease just as the depreciation begins to slow down, so you would've started to build equity at that time had you owned the car.
Number of Payments: The greatest benefit of buying a car is one day you'll actually own it. At some point the payments will stop. When leasing, you'll always have a car payment. Granted they'll be much lower and you'll be driving a new car more frequently, but the money you're spending isn't really working towards anything.
Mileage Freedom: When you buy a car, rack up as many miles as you like. Leasing, on the other hand, may limit your driving habits. The average driver puts about 15,000 miles on the odometer each year, so lease agreements usually specify that drivers cannot put more than 12,000 to 15,000 miles on leased cars per year. 15 to 20 cents per mile is a typical charge worked into lease agreements for additional mileage. For example, if you drive 3,500 extra miles during your lease, expect to pay about $700 when you turn the car back in. Also, if you drive much less than 15,000 miles per year, buying may be the better option because you're not paying for a predetermined depreciation rate, which is ultimately determined by the "average driver's" mileage.
Turnover: Leasing a car locks in a resale value, making it easier to trade in. A closed lease agreement means you turn the keys back in at the end of the term and get a new lease agreement and vehicle if you choose. If you love the car, an open agreement will allow you to purchase the car at the end of the term. It's not so easy when you buy a car, especially if you go upside down. You'll have to haggle with dealers on trade-in values or try and sell the vehicle on your own. Either situation could leave you with less cash for a future trade.
Buying or leasing really comes down to your long-term plans. If you crave the newest rides and want more cash in-hand, leasing offers less up-front costs and lower monthly payments. Buying a car is more expensive, but if you're in it for the long haul those payments can eventually work towards something concrete: equity and ownership.
Photo by emilio labrador via cc.
Check out this video from Ramit Sethi, New York Times bestselling author of I Will Teach You to be Rich. On Lifehacker.com, he presents his "Briefcase Technique" for securing negotiations. I'm seriously considering asking for a raise with this one.
--Chris
