We’ve all seen it happen. Someone drops a study link into a conversation or a social media post, claiming it “proves” their point beyond a shadow of a doubt. It’s a mic drop moment—or so they think. But here’s the problem: research isn’t just about finding one study that confirms what you already believe. Quality research involves looking at the full body of evidence, including studies that challenge our assumptions.
The Problem With Cherry-Picked Research
One of the biggest issues in the world of science and evidence-based practice is publication bias. Studies with strong, positive results are far more likely to be published than studies with neutral or negative findings. This means that a lot of research that doesn’t fit a popular narrative gets buried or never sees the light of day. If we only rely on published studies that support a specific belief, we’re not getting the full picture.
On top of that, people often engage in confirmation bias, the tendency to seek out and believe information that aligns with their existing views while ignoring anything that contradicts them. If someone is trying to prove that a certain training method is the best, they might pull up three studies that support it while conveniently leaving out ten others that suggest mixed or negative results.
How to Evaluate Research With a Critical Eye
If you want to base your decisions on solid evidence (whether it’s for training, nutrition, or health), here’s what you should keep in mind:
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Look for a body of evidence, not just one study. One study is a starting point, not a conclusion. True scientific understanding comes from looking at trends across multiple studies.
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Check for conflicts of interest. Who funded the research? Studies backed by companies with a financial stake in the outcome can still be legitimate, but they need extra scrutiny.
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Pay attention to sample size and study design. A study on ten people doesn’t hold the same weight as a well-controlled trial with hundreds or thousands of participants.
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Be wary of bold claims that ignore limitations. If a study suggests a correlation between two things, that doesn’t necessarily mean one causes the other.
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See if there’s opposing research. If someone only presents evidence that supports their point but ignores counterarguments, that’s a red flag.
Why This Matters for Runners and Strength Athletes
In the world of running and strength training, research can influence everything from how we fuel to how we recover. I see people latch onto studies about supplements, training intensity, or injury prevention without questioning whether the research is complete or relevant to their needs. Just because something worked in a controlled lab setting doesn’t mean it will translate to real-world results for you.
I take research seriously in my coaching because I want my athletes to make informed decisions, not just follow trends or bad science. If you’re looking for someone who will break down the evidence, consider the full picture, and tailor training and strength programs to what actually works, I’d love to work with you.
Let’s build your training on facts, not just opinions. Reach out if you’re ready to train smarter.