(She blinded me with) Science!
As one "advances" up the ladder of one's education, one begins to encounter more and more knowledge gussied up to appear esoteric and erudite. Some of it is, indeed, important learning, perhaps even representing NEW knowledge. Some of it is intellectual masturbation... pleasant but ultimately unfulfilling. Some of it is arrogant; some of it is made-up; some of it is cheating to fool the common folk. Here is a recent such item from my field:
Developmental Coordination Disorder, Generalized Self-Efficacy Toward Physical Activity, and Participation in Organized and Free Play Activities
Received 4 December 2004; received in revised form 20 April 2005; accepted 6 May 2005
To test a theoretical model linking developmental coordination disorder (DCD) to reduced physical activity (PA) through the mediating influence of generalized self-efficacy regarding PA.
This was a cross-sectional investigation of students in grades 4 through 8 from 5 elementary schools in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada (n=590). Motor proficiency was evaluated using the short-form Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. Generalized self-efficacy was assessed using the Children's Self-Perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity scale, and PA levels were evaluated using a 61-item Participation Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test the influence of generalized self-efficacy on the relationship between DCD and PA.
In this sample, 7.5% (n=44) of the children met the requirements for probable DCD. The effect of DCD on PA was mediated by generalized self-efficacy. In this model, 28% of the variance in children's PA was predicted by generalized self-efficacy and DCD.
Our results suggest that children with DCD are less likely to be physically active and that generalized self-efficacy can account for a considerable proportion of this relationship. The implications for appropriate interventions to increase PA among children with DCD are discussed.
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Yes, that's right: being a klutz is now called "developmental coordination disorder." Other recent advances in my field: Being an ubergeek who communicates better with adultsthan other kids, and perhaps also being REALLY into model trains, is called "Asperger Syndrome." Being a kid who has a tantrum when made to wear excessive winter outerwear is called "Sensory Integration Disorder." Being short is called "idiopathic short stature," and some kids are taking (insurance reimbursed) daily growth hormone injections to "correct" that. Being fat is called "having overweight," because it's a disease, you see. Chronic parent-child conflict is called "oppositional defiant disorder," thus absolving the adults of most responsibility in the matter. Influenza is called "I think he has the bird flu, doctor." Having a headache in the summer is called "Could you please test me for West Nile?" Standing outside is called "getting fresh air." Automobiles are called "cars." Elms are just called "trees" because no one knows the difference anymore.
posted by B.O.R.T. at 9:29 AM
2 Comments:
Ha! I'm glad I read that. Your analysis of such academics is more than right on. My math skills are lacking... at least relative to the rest of my peers in this class. Regardless, in this case, the class is about intellectual masturbation, simply because I usually cream my trousers during class (I don't ever want to admit to this again, or repeat such a lewd phrase in person). But, actually, it's quite important. It's really the basis for much of what we use in the physical realm. Other methods that are more easily understood can accomplish the same thing. However, I clearly use it to be an arrogant asshole... "look at me, look at me how great I've become, I bet you don't understand all of this!" But, neither do I, and if somebody called me on it, then I'd be exposed forever as a cheat, simply trying to fool the common folk. In any case, the only solution to the problem I came up with was that there wasn't one, which meant it was poorly posed, which meant I had to stand in front of class again and make a larger fool of myself. See? I was nearly exposed, but manipulated my way to looking smart. Being a con-man is the key.
Now, in the evidence you presented, that's a whole new beast to tackle. To me, it's simply using some statistical methods to make a conclusion about something (named something really awesome, like "Organized Free Play Activities," which made me laugh here by myself) which is fairly obvious (either that or unable to ever correlate to anything with reliability). That clearly falls into the masturbation category.
Also, why do these anonymous posts always mention "highway constuction project?" This may be the funniest thing of the day, to think that maybe we have something contained within this blog that deals with asphalts and other things. Probably just another poorly designed spam generator....
You know, regarding the spam, I think there was a reply or something I wrote recently that mentioned David Cronenberg. And the news item mentioned in the spam (created no doubt to fool the Blogspot filters) is actually a cool bit of news that I hadn't heard (that Cronenberg's movie Dead Ringers, about the twin insane gynecologists, will become and HBO series). So this spam served a small purpose in my life. I believe that we attract "highway construction project" secondary to you civil engineering training.
Well, have you tried clicking the "highway const. project" link? I recommend it, as it leads to an insane scam.
Anyway, you're right about the bullshitting. I felt that way a lot back in the daze of school. But being out in the "real world" does help, because then you're bullshitting in REAL TIME, to serve a purpose... AND... to make money. It just FEELS different, somehow!
That said... I do hope to publish lots of useless information over time. Watch out, world!
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