Looking through the lens of 1000 lives: Prof Richie Poulton at TEDxDunedin

Summary

The speaker discusses the unique and comprehensive nature of the Dunedin Study, a longitudinal study following 1,037 individuals since birth in 1972. Highlighting its high retention rate, multidisciplinary approach, and in-depth measurements, the speaker reflects on how the study has deepened his understanding of altruism, trust, and courage, and shaped his perspective on resilience and the human condition.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The speaker directs a highly regarded study on human health and development, considered the gold standard in its field.
• 📈 The study has been ongoing for four decades, following 1,037 individuals born in 1972, with an impressive 96% retention rate at the age of 38.
• 🔍 The participants have been measured on a wide range of factors, from relationships and behaviors to physical health aspects, providing a comprehensive dataset.
• 🧐 The study's design counters the issue of non-random dropout, ensuring the inclusion of individuals who are often hardest to track and engage, which is crucial for understanding the full breadth of human experience.
• 🤝 The study is interdisciplinary, reflecting the interconnectedness of various aspects of human life, which was a visionary approach when it began 40 years ago.
• 🌏 Participants have been brought back to a central lab every six years for in-depth assessment, regardless of where they live, demonstrating extraordinary commitment and goodwill.
• 🏥 The depth of measurement includes detailed physical examinations and intimate life aspect questioning, contributing to the study's richness and uniqueness.
• 📚 The study has resulted in over 1,100 publications, indicating its significant contribution to scientific knowledge.
• 💡 The speaker has been personally transformed by the study, gaining a deeper understanding of concepts such as altruism, trust, and courage.
• 🌱 The speaker emphasizes the importance of resilience, suggesting a reevaluation of how it is measured and understood in the face of adversity.
• 🎨 The study has enriched the speaker's appreciation for the beauty in the world and the dignity of the human condition, as reflected in the closing reference to Leonard Cohen's 'Anthem'.

Q & A

What is the significance of the study mentioned in the transcript?

The study is significant because it is considered the best and most detailed study of human health and development, held up as the gold standard for research of its kind worldwide.

What year were the participants of the study born, and what is unique about this group?

The participants were born in 1972, and what's unique is that they have been measured on every conceivable aspect of their lives since birth, making it a longitudinal study with extensive data over four decades.

What is the retention rate of the study participants at the age 38 assessment?

The retention rate at the age 38 assessment was 96% of the living cohort, which is considered a world record.

Why is high retention rate important in longitudinal studies?

A high retention rate is important because it helps maintain the integrity of the cohort, ensuring that the study's findings are representative and valid, reducing the risk of non-random follow-up.

What does the study measure about its participants?

The study measures a wide range of aspects, including relationships, antisocial behavior, drug use, sexual behavior, physical health like lung and gum conditions, and even criminal records.

How does the study's approach to data collection differ from other studies?

Unlike other studies that might use questionnaires, this study brings participants back to a research lab every six years for in-depth, comprehensive assessments in a controlled environment.

What is the study's publication record?

The study has resulted in 1100 publications, averaging to one publication every 13 days for the last 40 years, indicating its high productivity.

How has the study impacted the speaker personally?

The study has given the speaker a deeper understanding of concepts like altruism, trust, and courage, and has changed his perspective on resilience, academia, and the importance of making a difference outside the Ivory Tower.

What is the speaker's view on the concept of resilience as traditionally studied in academia?

The speaker believes that the traditional approach to studying resilience is wrongheaded, and that true resilience should be recognized in those who continue to face adversity with courage.

What does the speaker intend to focus on for the future of the study?

The speaker intends to focus on making a real-world impact by taking the study's findings to politicians and policymakers, advocating for evidence-based decisions that can help others.

How does the speaker relate the study to the concept of beauty?

The speaker relates the study to beauty by referencing a Leonard Cohen song, 'Anthem,' which speaks to the dignity of the human condition and the beauty found in the cracks of life's challenges.