On the Widespread Acceptance of Dubious Medical Findings

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The medical research institution is analyzed within a sociology of science framework and from a social psychological perspective. As an exemplar, a published study by Bierman (1976) concerning a treatment for genital herpes is explored in detail. Despite serious methodological flaws and ambiguities in the Bierman study, there has been widespread acceptance of the findings within both the medical and lay communities. Societal, medical, and personal implications of such practices are discussed.