This is such a common gripe among non-scientists about science, and not only does it demonstrate 1. That you don’t understand the purpose of science, but also 2. that you’ve spent zero time attempting to understand why someone would want to study “obvious” things, because this complaint is so prevalent that numerous scientific communicators have put effort into explaining why this seemingly “common-sense” belief is actually counterproductive. So like, the answer you see is in front of your eyes. So then I ask, is this person making an effort to know or do they just want to complain and feel superior. Wanting to feel superior is very human, I can’t fault you for it, but consider spending some time trying to answer, “Why do scientists study obvious things?” next time, before deciding something is dumb.
That aside and onto a different point, some of the most fascinating results of science have been researching “obvious/stupid” phenomenon and getting surprising results. But… as stated above, all of that information is out there and you seemingly evaded it all this time, so I’ll stop there. I hope you’ll use this as an opportunity to seek out information next time instead of spending your time to construct a complaint, the world is a much more enjoyable place when you approach it with curiousity instead of judgement.
numerous scientific communicators have put effort into explaining why this seemingly “common-sense” belief is actually counterproductive
I agree with that if we’re talking about scientific fields. But this is a socio-economic field, not a scientific one - you could just have asked 500 people what they would do instead of spending a whole lot of money on a 3 year study.
“Why do scientists study obvious things?”
Tax money is tasty yum yum.
I hope you’ll use this as an opportunity to seek out information next time
If the study makes sense, I will. This study was a waste of tax money.
This is such a common gripe among non-scientists about science, and not only does it demonstrate 1. That you don’t understand the purpose of science, but also 2. that you’ve spent zero time attempting to understand why someone would want to study “obvious” things, because this complaint is so prevalent that numerous scientific communicators have put effort into explaining why this seemingly “common-sense” belief is actually counterproductive. So like, the answer you see is in front of your eyes. So then I ask, is this person making an effort to know or do they just want to complain and feel superior. Wanting to feel superior is very human, I can’t fault you for it, but consider spending some time trying to answer, “Why do scientists study obvious things?” next time, before deciding something is dumb.
That aside and onto a different point, some of the most fascinating results of science have been researching “obvious/stupid” phenomenon and getting surprising results. But… as stated above, all of that information is out there and you seemingly evaded it all this time, so I’ll stop there. I hope you’ll use this as an opportunity to seek out information next time instead of spending your time to construct a complaint, the world is a much more enjoyable place when you approach it with curiousity instead of judgement.
I wish you the best.
I agree with that if we’re talking about scientific fields. But this is a socio-economic field, not a scientific one - you could just have asked 500 people what they would do instead of spending a whole lot of money on a 3 year study.
Tax money is tasty yum yum.
If the study makes sense, I will. This study was a waste of tax money.
An expected response. You are someone who looks but does not see. Good luck.