Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id PAA00221 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Mon, 7 May 2001 15:37:59 +0100 Subject: RE: Nuns Offer Clues to Alzheimer's and Aging Date: Mon, 7 May 2001 10:33:34 -0400 x-sender: wsmith1@camail2.harvard.edu x-mailer: Claris Emailer 2.0v3, Claritas Est Veritas From: "Wade T.Smith" <wade_smith@harvard.edu> To: "memetics list" <memetics@mmu.ac.uk> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Message-ID: <20010507143351.AAA4975@camailp.harvard.edu@[128.103.125.215]> Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
On 05/07/01 09:50, Vincent Campbell said this-
>Rather atypical group though for generalisating to the wider population
>though.
But the problem with most social science experiments, and most other
psychological studies, is the _lack_ of cultural isolation in the subject
population- which leads to uncounted and unaccountable variables to the
data and the significant factors.
This sort of group is more ideal for memetic and other social data
acquisition precisely because of its cohesiveness and narrow range of
culture.
Yes?
Who would you _love_ to have as a subject in a media study- some kid from
the MTV generation, or some kid born in a monastic and isolated retreat?
The more clean from external input the vessel, the better for experiment.
Which is why there is such an ethical dilemma for memetic research at all
levels.
- Wade
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