Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Top 5 Harvard studies that have ruined their name (Ai)

1.  The Milgram Experiment (Stanley Milgram, 1961): Though conducted at Yale, Milgram was a Harvard-trained psychologist. This study on obedience to authority figures is famous but also heavily criticized for the severe emotional distress caused to participants. (Ethical concerns, psychological harm)

2.  The Harvard Grant Study (began in 1938): This longitudinal study tracked Harvard graduates for decades, aiming to identify predictors of a fulfilling life. It has been criticized for its initial lack of diversity (exclusively white men) and for some of its conclusions. (Lack of diversity, questionable methodology)

3.  The Harvard Five-City Study (1974): This study linked air pollution to respiratory health issues. It faced criticism from the tobacco industry and others who questioned its methodology and conclusions. (Methodological challenges, industry influence)

4.  The "Tearoom Trade" Study (Laud Humphreys, 1960s): Humphreys, while not directly affiliated with Harvard, earned his Ph.D. there. His study of homosexual acts in public restrooms raised serious ethical concerns about privacy and deception. (Ethical violations, privacy concerns)

5.  The Facebook Mood Study (2012): This study, conducted by researchers with ties to Facebook and published in 2014, manipulated the content seen by Facebook users to study emotional contagion. It sparked outrage over privacy and informed consent. (Privacy concerns, lack of consent)

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