Posted by peer-reviewed on October 8, 2007, at 10:25:03
In reply to Re: Considering transcendental meditation » peer-reviewed, posted by widget on October 8, 2007, at 5:37:10
Dear Widget,
"Peer-Reviewed" is just my handle for this site, something I made up on the spur of the moment to signify my position about TM in relation to those few but very noisy voices on the internet who cast aspersions against it for their own reasons. You probably know this, but "peer-reviewed" is a term that specifically refers, in this context, to the review process that all research studies are subject to when they are submitted to scientific or academic journals for publication. A particular journal, such as The International Journal of Neuroscience, may receive dozens of submissions every month, and select only 2-3 studies for publication, ones that reflect the most rigorous standards of research. The peer-review process is carried out by an independent board of scientists. Note that in all cases these scientists are not practicing TM, do not necessarily even believe in it, but feel compelled to publish the research anyway out of their dedication to objectivity and the enterprise of science. It's not like these publications are paid to "advertise" TM, they publish all these TM studies because they are convinced that the research may contribute significantly to the furthering of science and human knowledge. The fact the studies on the TM program have been accepted by so many such journals for publication (hundreds) over the past 40 years, and the fact that all such legitimate, peer-reviewed research on the effects of TM shows only positive results, speaks far more loudly than the criticisms leveled against the practice (that it really doesn't work, that it is no different than other practices that can be learned from a book, that it is a sect or cult with secret connections to hinduism, etc.). Hence I thought "peer-reviewed" was an appropriate handle to address these issues.
Yes, I am a musician and writer, living in the Southeast--the beautiful "southern highlands." I've played in local bands here since I was a teenager, have published work in literary journals and now am I writing a novel. I hope I was not too hard on Mr. Knapp. I really do wish him well.
all the best,
"PR"
poster:peer-reviewed
thread:780763
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070929/msgs/787843.html