#16 - How to Read Research and Be EVIDENCE BASED

I have been wanting to release a podcast on this for a VERY long time because as I witness this shift towards people being more 'evidence based' I also see a simultaneous problem develop in the background ... What is it to be evidence based? How do we ensure that we don't just fall into the trap of another cognitive bias called the "appeal to authority" bias? In this episode, we dive into why research and stats are so important for us all. It starts off by looking at why research matters, using everyday examples to show how it helps us answer questions and understand the world around us. Next, we chat about how research is done, breaking down the hierarchy of evidence and explaining different research methods like longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. The goal here is to make sense of all the research jargon and show how different studies can be used. Then, we tackle statistics in research. It's all about understanding what those numbers really mean, especially focusing on statistical significance and effect size. We also run through how to read a research paper without getting lost – think colour-coded notes and simple breakdowns. And we finish up with some smart questions to ask about research, helping you figure out what's really going on in those studies. The whole episode is about making research feel less intimidating and more relatable, so you can chat about it confidently in your day-to-day life and more importantly, ask the RIGHT questions of so-called experts - bulletproofing yourself against the BS. Want to know more about my health and fitness philosophy? Head to my website: www.shonavertue.com