The Characteristics Of The Scientific Method, By David Reimer

The scientific method is described as “curious, skeptical, and humble.” (Meyers, 13) The definition of curiosity is defined by Merriam-Webster as “A strong desire to know or learn something.” The definition of skeptical is “not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations.” And humble defined as “having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.” When it comes to the scientific attitude, these three qualities are crucial in order to make groundbreaking and reliable discoveries. Without those three qualities, there is no maintenance of quality work and accuracy despite whatever subjects might be involved. In the case of David Reimer, the scientific attitude was not applied and a large disservice was created by the lack of
Money's report was hugely influential, and quite understandably so. If a boy could be transformed into a girl just by having his penis removed, wearing a dress, and letting his hair grow, then sexual identity -- and the differences between the sexes -- must be primarily cultural in origin.”(MCRCAD) Without having any long-term findings done, Money printed his findings and became extremely influential. Money did not remain skeptical; publishing an unfinished study was what we now consider extremely irresponsible and hasty. Money was not curious either, jumping the gone on his research cinched his curiosity and led him to believe that he had discovered the gospel truth on gender identity. Lastly, Money was not humble with his findings. In fact, he might be considered the opposite. Publishing findings with no long term research and asserting that the decision to put Bruce into Brenda’s body was the right one was incredibly careless and rash. At the time Money put into his reports only the positive results were made clear and hid the real problems that were surfacing with
Unfortunately, David Reimer committed suicide in 2004 at the age of 38. The traumatic experience with Money was something that haunted David until the end of his life. This is why it’s so essential to practice the scientific method of being curious, humble and skeptical. David overcame the lies that he had been told and became a step-father and a functioning man who felt better in his male body. Unfortunately, the horrific genital mutilation and unapproved use of hormones left David unable to conceive his own children. Money’s quest for fame, power, and manipulation killed the spirit and took the childhood of David Reimer. This is why the scientific method is ethical, and