It’s hard to trust superfluous research with small sample sizes, bias from the researcher and correlation instead of causation as a conclusion. It’s even worse when attached to a clickbait article with such misleading endings as “…according to science.”

In many cases, the author misunderstands science or is purposefully misleading readers.

Put that in the arena with an overwhelming amount of research that contradicts with each other and provides conflicting conclusions and you end up at a loss. What are you supposed to do?

Sometimes you need to laugh.

My favourite research study in education showed that students who pay attention in class, do their homework and follow up with their teachers do significantly better than those who do not. Over $100K was spent to uncover this remarkable conclusion.

A simple phone call to any teacher in the world would’ve saved them a lot of grief.

Other times, you need to trust your gut.

Your own experience and intellect has gotten you to this point and you should not take it lightly. Good ideas will always come your way, but your gut has a way of filtering the wheat from the chaff.

It can keep you on the right track if you understand the field you’re in. It can also keep you delusional if you don’t.

In an age of information overload, trust it as best as you can.