QLS Seminar Series - Tarik Gouhier

Quantitative dissonance

Tarik Gouhier (Northeastern University)
Tuesday November 7, 12-1pm
Zoom Link: https://mcgill.zoom.us/j/86855481591
In Person: 550 Sherbrooke, Room 189

Abstract: I will focus on describing “quantitative dissonance” in the life sciences, defined as the use of mathematically and conceptually flawed methods to characterize a variety of natural phenomena ranging from the evolutionary dynamics of populations and the effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning, to the health of an ecosystem and its management via public policy. After describing multiple key examples of quantitative dissonance, I will explain why the peer review process is powerless to prevent such errors from proliferating and polluting the scientific record, even when researchers adhere to the strictest open science guidelines. I will close by arguing that the only way out of this intellectual dark age is to (1) disincentivize working group papers and (2) modify the curriculum for undergraduate and graduate programs by emphasizing critical thinking over rote memorization.