Forget spin and get real insight

I agree with Torin Douglas’s assertion that research is losing its credibility (MW February 26). Research should be used to illus

trate and highlight trends, paint a picture and gain insight. But, a lot of research is spurious, if not misquoted. It is habitually manipulated in the rush to get a sound-bite to feed our appetite for ‘spin’.

We are bombarded with findings from the latest research on careers, lifestyles and relationships. Governments are criticised for misinterpreting figures and organisations are accused of exploiting complexity.

We are at a point where the term “research”is sometimes used to justify various parties’ own agendas. This goes against the principle of conducting research in order to provide an independent and unbiased view of what’s going on in the world.

What is the point of creating pointless findings that fail to give an accurate picture? Research is not fact nor can it possibly ever be. If the media fail to provide an explanation for the information they produce, a distorted picture can be presented and readers become sceptical.

Thomas McGrath

Consultant

RSM Robson Rhodes Business Consulting

London EC1