4 Steps to Critical Thinking | Everything You Believe is WRONG

Summary

Dr. Jubbal from MedSchoolInsider.com discusses the challenges of discerning truth from misinformation in health and lifestyle choices. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and a nuanced understanding of scientific research to question beliefs that may be based on anecdotes or industry-funded studies. The video encourages viewers to analyze the source of information, challenge arguments, and be aware of confirmation bias to make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and more.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The importance of critical thinking: We should question our beliefs and values to ensure they are deliberately chosen and not blindly accepted.
• 🌐 Influence of social constructs: Many beliefs are based on social influence rather than scientific facts, highlighting the malleability of human beliefs.
• 🦘 Evolutionary perspective: Our tendency to conform stems from our hunter-gatherer past, where nonconformity could lead to ostracism and reduced reproductive fitness.
• 📊 The complexity of scientific research: Understanding study design, subject matter, funding, and limitations is crucial for interpreting research accurately.
• 🥗 Nutrition science controversy: Diet recommendations can vary greatly, and studies like the one by Bazzano et al. have limitations that affect their conclusions.
• 🚫 Limitations in study design: Self-reported data, lack of blinding, and other methodological issues can skew study results, as seen in the low-carb vs. low-fat diet study.
• 💡 Understanding cholesterol functions: HDL's role in transporting cholesterol doesn't necessarily indicate better health when levels are higher due to increased fat intake.
• 💰 Influence of industry funding: Studies funded by industries tend to produce conclusions that favor those industries, as seen with chocolate industry funding.
• 🤔 The need for skepticism: Not all beliefs require scientific backing, but a healthy dose of skepticism is essential, especially with health-related recommendations.
• 💧 Debunking common beliefs: The '8 glasses of water a day' recommendation lacks strong scientific evidence and originated from a single individual's measurements.
• 🙏 Respect for diverse beliefs: Recognizing that beliefs like religion aren't based on scientific facts and that differing opinions should be respected.
• 🔍 Practice of critical thinking steps: To effectively navigate misinformation, one should determine importance, pay attention to details, challenge arguments, and be aware of confirmation bias.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Dr. Jubbal's video?

The main theme of Dr. Jubbal's video is about discerning fact from fiction in various aspects of life, particularly in health and nutrition, and the importance of critical thinking and skepticism in forming beliefs.

Why are many of our beliefs not based on scientific facts?

Many of our beliefs are not based on scientific facts because they are often influenced by anecdotes, word of mouth, or misinformation from seemingly trusted sources, rather than being grounded in rigorous scientific research.

What role does social construction play in shaping our beliefs?

Social construction plays a significant role in shaping our beliefs because humans are malleable and tend to conform to societal norms and the influence of others, which can lead to homogenization of perspectives.

How does the power of clicks, money, and advertising affect our ability to discern truth?

The power of clicks, money, and advertising can make it incredibly difficult to discern truth as companies compete for our attention, often using sensationalism and misinformation to influence our beliefs and choices.

What is the importance of understanding study design, subject matter, funding, and limitations when evaluating scientific research?

Understanding study design, subject matter, funding, and limitations is crucial when evaluating scientific research because it allows for a more nuanced interpretation of the findings, helping to avoid misinterpretations and biases that can arise from poor study design or industry funding.

What are some limitations of the 2014 Bazzano et al. study on low-carb and low-fat diets?

Limitations of the 2014 Bazzano et al. study include reliance on self-reported dietary information, lack of blinding for dietitians, absence of cardiovascular disease endpoints, the low-fat diet being essentially a regular-fat diet, and insufficient fiber intake.

Why might an increase in HDL cholesterol not necessarily indicate better health?

An increase in HDL cholesterol might not necessarily indicate better health because HDL's function is to transport cholesterol from the periphery to the liver, so consuming more fats and cholesterol could simply require more HDL without necessarily improving overall health.

How can industry funding influence the conclusions of a study?

Industry funding can influence the conclusions of a study by biasing the research towards pro-industry outcomes, as companies may fund studies that are more likely to produce results that favor their products or interests.

What is the significance of the 8 glasses of water recommendation and its scientific basis?

The 8 glasses of water recommendation has minimal scientific basis, originating from a 1921 paper where the author estimated his own water loss, suggesting that basing widespread health advice on a single individual's measurements may not be reliable.

Why is critical thinking important when forming beliefs and making decisions?

Critical thinking is important when forming beliefs and making decisions because it allows individuals to absorb important information, analyze it, and form their own opinions rather than blindly accepting what they hear or read.

How can one practice critical thinking to better understand and evaluate information?

To practice critical thinking, one should determine what's important, pay attention to relevant details, challenge arguments by asking the right questions, and be wary of confirmation bias by considering opposing viewpoints and understanding both sides of an issue.

Outlines

00:00

🧐 Questioning Common Beliefs and the Importance of Scientific Research

Dr. Jubbal introduces the video by discussing the overwhelming amount of conflicting information we face daily, such as diet and exercise choices, and the necessity to discern fact from fiction. He emphasizes the social construction of beliefs and the influence of others on our perceptions. The video aims to guide viewers on how to critically evaluate information, especially scientific research, which is often misinterpreted or influenced by biases and funding sources. Dr. Jubbal uses the example of a 2014 study on low-carb versus low-fat diets to illustrate the need for a nuanced understanding of study design, subject matter, and limitations. He also points out the role of industry funding in shaping study conclusions and suggests that many common beliefs lack scientific backing, urging viewers to maintain a healthy dose of skepticism.

05:01

🤔 Developing Critical Thinking Skills to Navigate Misinformation

The second paragraph focuses on the concept of critical thinking as a tool to sift through misinformation. Critical thinking involves absorbing important information to form personal decisions or opinions rather than echoing others. The summary outlines steps to practice critical thinking: determining what's important for deeper analysis, paying attention to relevant details, challenging arguments with the right questions, and being aware of confirmation bias. Dr. Jubbal advises viewers to question sources, consider counter-arguments, and understand opposing viewpoints to approach situations with curiosity and objectivity. The paragraph concludes with a call to action for viewers to engage with the content by liking, subscribing, and supporting the channel.

Keywords

💡Paleo Diet

The Paleo Diet, also known as the 'caveman' diet, is a nutritional plan based on the presumed diet of our Paleolithic ancestors. It emphasizes lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while excluding dairy, legumes, and grains. In the video, it is mentioned as an example of a dietary trend that is often debated against other diets like the vegan diet, showcasing the ongoing controversy in nutritional science.

💡Vegan Diet

A Vegan Diet is a plant-based eating plan that excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. The video script refers to the vegan diet as an alternative to the Paleo diet, illustrating the contrasting nutritional approaches and the difficulty in determining which is superior based on often conflicting scientific research.

💡CrossFit

CrossFit is a fitness regimen that incorporates a variety of high-intensity interval training, plyometrics, powerlifting, and other exercises. It is mentioned in the script as one of the exercise methods that people might choose, highlighting the personal choices and debates surrounding different fitness routines.

💡Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding is a sport that focuses on developing and sculpting the muscles through resistance training and specific dietary practices. It is juxtaposed with CrossFit in the script to represent the variety of physical training philosophies and the challenge of discerning the most effective methods.

💡Scientific Research

Scientific Research refers to the systematic investigation and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. The video emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating scientific research, including understanding study design, subject matter, funding, and limitations, to discern truth from misinformation in various fields such as nutrition.

💡Randomized Trial

A Randomized Trial is a type of scientific experiment in which subjects are allocated into groups randomly to eliminate selection bias. The script uses the example of a 2014 study comparing low-carb to low-fat diets to illustrate the complexities and potential pitfalls of interpreting scientific findings.

💡Recall Bias

Recall Bias occurs when participants in a study remember past events inaccurately, which can affect the reliability of self-reported data. The video script points out that reliance on self-reported dietary information in nutritional studies can lead to recall bias, thus impacting the validity of research findings.

💡HDL Cholesterol

HDL Cholesterol, often referred to as 'good cholesterol,' is a type of lipoprotein that transports cholesterol from the bloodstream back to the liver. The script discusses how an increase in HDL due to a low-carb diet might not necessarily indicate improved health, challenging the simplistic interpretation of such biomarkers.

💡Industry Funding

Industry Funding refers to financial support provided by commercial entities for research studies. The video script warns about the potential influence of industry funding on research outcomes, suggesting that studies funded by certain industries may be biased towards conclusions that favor those industries' interests.

💡Confirmation Bias

Confirmation Bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses. The script advises viewers to be aware of this bias, encouraging them to consider opposing viewpoints to form a more objective understanding.

💡Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment. The video script emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in discerning facts from misinformation and making informed decisions, especially in areas that significantly affect one's health and well-being.

Highlights

The importance of discerning real information from nonsense in the face of varying perspectives on health and lifestyle topics.

Dr. Jubbal's introduction and transition from Dr. J, revealing his real identity and personal story.

The role of anecdotal evidence, word of mouth, and misinformation in shaping our beliefs, often without scientific backing.

The concept of socially constructed beliefs and their impact on our perceptions and actions.

The evolutionary reason behind humans' tendency to conform to societal norms for survival and reproductive fitness.

The negative effects of homogenization of perspectives in the modern age, influenced by clicks, money, and advertising.

The necessity of questioning our own beliefs and values to ensure they are deliberately chosen and not blindly accepted.

The significance of scientific research as a pinnacle of progress and understanding, with a cautionary note on its nuances.

The pitfalls of relying solely on the most recent journal articles without understanding study design and limitations.

The controversy in nutrition science and the example of the 2014 Bazzano et al study on low-carb versus low-fat diets.

Critique of the Bazzano study, highlighting issues such as self-reported dietary information, lack of blinding, and other limitations.

The explanation of HDL cholesterol's function and the misconception that higher levels equate to better health.

The influence of industry funding on study outcomes and the potential bias it introduces.

The example of the chocolate industry funding studies to promote chocolate as a health food and the need for unbiased analysis.

The importance of not requiring scientific backing for all beliefs but maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism.

The debunking of the '8 glasses of water a day' recommendation and its lack of scientific basis.

The distinction between beliefs that are not easily proven, such as religious beliefs, and the need for mutual respect and understanding.

The definition and importance of critical thinking in navigating misinformation and forming informed opinions.

Steps to practice critical thinking, including determining importance, paying attention to details, challenging arguments, and avoiding confirmation bias.

The call to action for viewers to apply critical thinking to health-related decisions, such as diet and exercise choices.

A special thanks to Patreon supporters and an invitation for viewers to like, subscribe, and engage with the content.

Transcripts

Should you eat paleo or vegan?

Should you do crossfit or bodybuilding?

Is wine good or bad for your heart?

We are bombarded by varying perspectives on a variety of topics on a daily basis.

You need to sort out what’s real and what’s nonsense.

I’ll show you how to do exactly that.

What's going on guys!

Dr. Jubbal from MedSchoolInsider.com.

That's right, it's Dr. Jubbal and no longer Dr. J. I came out with my real identity and

the truth about my struggles and my story in a recent video on the life of a surgeon

vlog channel.

Like is in the description below.

Many of our beliefs are plain wrong and not based in science or fact but rather in anecdotes,

word of mouth, or misinformation from seemingly trusted sources.

It’s important to understand that many of our beliefs are socially constructed.

As humans, we are incredibly malleable in what we believe and how we perceive the world;

the influence of others holds tremendous weight.

Homo sapiens have evolved since our hunter gatherer times to follow the herd because

falling out of line could lead to being ostracized, which would ultimately mean end of the road

for one’s reproductive fitness.

However, this desire to fit in and the resultant homogenization of our perspectives often does

more harm than good in our current age.

Throw in the power of clicks, money, and advertising with companies fighting for our attention,

and it’s no surprise that its incredibly tough to determine fact from fiction.

In order to sift through all the noise and hyperbolic sensationalism and figure out the

truth, we must question our own beliefs and values to ensure that we have deliberately

chosen them and not simply blindly believed what we have been told.

Let’s start with the pinnacle of progress and understanding: scientific research.

Many of us turn to the most recent journal articles to help guide our beliefs and ways

of living.

However, to get the most out of research requires a nuanced understanding of not only the study

design, but also subject matter, funding, and study limitations.

One of the best ways to witness the importance of these factors is by turning to nutrition

science, which still remains highly controversial.

One week it sounds like paleo is the best, the next week vegan, and the week after that

Mediterranean.

Here's an example; In 2014, Bazzano et al published a randomized trial comparing low-carb

to low-fat diets.

Many interpreted the findings as a landslide victory proving that a low carb diet is superior.

The low-carb diet, after all, showed an increase in HDL, which is your good cholesterol, and

greater weight loss.

This was a randomized trial, so it must good study, right?

Not so fast!

It is true that randomized prospective trials are better than retrospective trials, which

analyze data from the past and look for correlations.

However, by understanding the subject material and the study limitations, it becomes apparent

that like many nutritional studies, this one is far from perfect.

The study relied on self-reported dietary information which is prone to recall bias,

dietitians were not blinded, there were no cardiovascular disease endpoints, the low-fat

diet was really just a regular-fat diet, and fiber intake was less than half of the recommended

amount.

Additionally, HDL, your good cholesterol, functions to transport cholesterol from the

periphery to the liver.

Increasing the amount of fats and cholesterol you eat will require a greater amount of HDL.

If you have more garbage, you need more garbage trucks.

It does not necessarily make you healthier.

It’s equally important to pay attention to who funds the study.

Data, but even more so common sense, indicates that industry funding is associated with pro-industry

conclusions.

The Vox recently came out with an excellent article explaining how the chocolate industry

has funded hundreds of studies that promote chocolate as a health food.

Is chocolate actually good for your health when unbiased studies are examined?

The take away is no, but cocoa-based products with little or no added sugar or fat do seem

beneficial.

For those of you who want a more scientific analysis, check out the systematic review

by Hooper et al that essentially said the same thing.

MANY OF YOUR BELIEFS HAVE NO SCIENTIFIC BACKING Now let’s be real, none of us actually goes

to the primary literature for everything.

Nor should we.

Your beliefs don’t ALL require scientific backing, but they do all require a healthy

dose of skepticism.

If I asked you how much water you should drink in a day, you may suggest 8 glasses.

The 8 glasses of water recommendation actually has minimal scientific basis, and can be traced

back to a 1921 paper where the author measured his own urine and sweat to determine that

he lost approximately 3% of his body weight in water per day, which is approximately 8

cups.

I'm not sure about you, but basing humanity’s water intake recommendation off the results

of one man seems misled.

Your belief of whether or not there is a god is definitely not based on scientific fact.

People have varying opinions and it’s critical to be aware that just because you do or do

not believe in one thing doesn’t mean that another persons opinion isn’t valid.

This is especially important when your beliefs aren’t easily proven one way or another,

such as with regards to religion.

To sift through the misinformation, it is essential to practice critical thinking.

What is critical thinking?

It’s essentially the skill of absorbing important information and using that to form

a decision or opinion of your own, rather than just reciting what you hear others say.

1) Determine what’s important Not all things require this level of analysis.

When deciding which movie to watch tonight, maybe you don't have to be 100% certain on

which movie would be best for your current mood and time allocation.

So first, determine what is important for you to understand on a deeper level.

To start, any behavior you are changing that significantly effects your health, life, or

well-being on should require a deeper understanding where you have practiced critical thinking.

As a doctor, I would argue that anything effecting your health, like deciding on which diet or

exercise to pursue, requires critical thinking and analysis.

2) Pay attention to the right details In this day and age, we are exposed to an all time

high of information.

Information overload.

Determining which facts are relevant and which are irrelevant will serve you well.

First, question the source.

As we have already gone over, sources are not always reliable.

Thinking about who benefits from a statement can also help you shift your perspective and

view the topic in a more objective way.

3) Challenge the argument The best way to challenge the argument is by asking the right

questions.

What is the counter-argument?

No argument is bullet proof, and it's your duty to question what you are told, to see

the other side and to understand both sides of the coin.

4) Be wary of confirmation bias Rather than question our beliefs, its human nature that

we want to reinforce our currents views.

You may find yourself reading articles that align with your beliefs, but why not learn

about the opposing viewpoint?

Understanding both sides will not only guide you closer to the truth, but you also will

have a stronger backing and argument supporting your decision.

If you find yourself repulsed by a certain point of view in an argument, chances are

you are being closed minded and not objective.

Take a step back, acknowledge your bias, and reapproach the situation with curiosity rather

than your own agenda.

Thank you all so much for watching and special shout-out to my patreon supporters that help

make videos like these possible.

If you liked the video, make sure you press that like button.

Hit subscribe if you have not already and I will see you guys in that next one!