Two surveys and one apology

Two surveys and one apology July 1, 2010

First, an apology for the lack of posts recently! To make up for it, my column (Is loss of faith a two-generation process?) in the June issue of Free Inquiry has just been posted online (look under ‘Op-Ed’). I’ll be writing regular columns for them – and in fact it’s writing the next one that’s eaten into my blog-writing time!

By way of diversion until the next ‘proper’ post, a couple of interesting surveys have just dropped into my inbox.

The first was sent to me by Garret O’Connell of SINAPSE, a consortium of Scottish brain imaging groups. They’re hosting a series of talks on the potential impact of brain imaging on society –  its increasing use in the courts, as a lie-detector and in marketing research.

To guide new policies and avoid media distortion over the use of brain imaging, they are seeking people to express their opinions and concerns about these issues in a short survey. There are two surveys: one aimed at the public and the other is aimed at neuroscientists. The results of the debate/survey will be presented to Parliament and could help shape future policy change on the use of brain imaging and scientific communication with the media. This one could really make a difference!

The second survey is from Fred Britton, who’s working with Allen Cheyne, at the University of Waterloo in Canada to investigate the attitudes, values, and experiences of atheists/agnostics, sceptics, and humanists (see their website). They have a pilot survey for you to take, and they’re actively seeking your help to design Phase 2 of the survey. So go take it, and let them know what you think!


Creative Commons License This article by Tom Rees was first published on Epiphenom. It is licensed under Creative Commons.


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