“The state of public health research on Internet gambling”
LaPlante, D. A., LaBrie, R. A., Nelson, S. E., Schumann, A., & Shaffer, H. J. (2007).
Scientific medical research advances in progressive stages and at a deliberate pace. This approach to knowledge development requires several stages of inquiry, analysis, and review before advocacy and action can occur. Although this structure might frustrate some (e.g., anti-gambling activists and pro-gaming corporations), it is essential to the accumulation of accurate information. Too often, well-meaning people rush ahead of scientific knowledge (e.g., despite limited evidence, policy makers worldwide are legislating Internet gaming issues). Doing so has three potential costs: (1) over-intervention for problems that are more minimal than expected or non-existent; (2) insufficient response for circumstances that require specific interventions; or (3) inappropriately applied and potentially damaging interventions for problems that require unique strategies that are not obvious from anecdotal observation. The principle of unanticipated consequences suggests that prematurely accepting information or adopting a public policy position about a phenomenon can create more confusion than it resolves.
full report at: http://www.basisonline.org/editorials.htm
