1971 03 12 Science - Vol 171 No 3975 - Cowgill

Magazine Overview

This issue of Science Magazine, dated March 12, 1971, features a cover story asking about the clarity of a new deep plastic cage for rodents, accompanied by an advertisement for Lab Products, Inc. The magazine also includes articles discussing sociological theories related to UFO sightings, a historical piece on the Irish Potato Famine, and critiques of sociological research methods.

Articles and Content

Potato Blight and the Irish Famine

P. M. Austin Bourke of the Meteorological Service in Dublin, Ireland, writes about the history of potato cultivation and the devastating impact of potato blight. He notes that many potato varieties were grown in Ireland, with varying degrees of resistance to the fungal pathogen. Contemporary accounts confirm that different sorts showed marked differences in susceptibility. Trials in London and the Netherlands indicated significant tuber infection rates. The increased use of less susceptible varieties, previously in limited cultivation, helped the potato recover as a major food crop after the introduction of fungicides. However, the varieties most widely grown by the poor, like the 'Lumper,' were the most susceptible, leading to the tragedy of the Irish Potato Famine, during which a million Irish died and another million fled.

People Who See Flying Saucers: A Sociological Debate

This section presents a series of letters to the editor critiquing a study by D. I. Warren on "Status inconsistency theory and flying saucer sightings." Warren's study suggested that the highest proportion of UFO sightings among American white males over 21 were from those with college education but moderate or low income or occupation, interpreting this as a reaction to "status inconsistency" and "feelings of status frustration."

Critique by George L. Cowgill:

George L. Cowgill from Brandeis University questions Warren's explanation. He suggests an alternative interpretation: that differences in mental health might explain UFO sightings and beliefs. Cowgill posits that abnormally low income for a highly educated person could be a symptom of mental illness, leading to a reduced level of functioning that society does not remunerate appropriately. He criticizes sociologists for often ignoring psychological explanations, particularly when individual differences are involved, and for not always adhering to epistemological consistency.

Critique by Robert A. Gordon:

Robert A. Gordon from Johns Hopkins University suggests that flying saucer sightings might have been an unfortunate choice of phenomena for Warren's theory. He points out that most sightings occur in rural areas and questions why the theory does not explain why urban dwellers rarely report such sightings. Gordon suggests that Warren might explore the notion that the rural-urban dimension is ordered along a status inconsistent continuum.

Critique by Peter Dubno:

Peter Dubno from New York University clarifies that Cowgill's comparison of figures was misleading. Dubno explains that "nonbelievers" and "believers" were calculated only for the population of "sighters." He argues that the statement about fewer UFO sighters among nonbelievers with consistent or moderately inconsistent status confuses the issue, as figure 5 shows the incidence of reported sightings among white male status consistents, moderate inconsistents, and sharp inconsistents.

Dubno also argues that Warren's explanation of status inconsistency may not be the primary driver. He suggests that college-educated men who did not achieve high income and status jobs might have already differed in significant ways from the majority in their thinking and behavior. Therefore, UFO experiences and status inconsistency could both be consequences of these other underlying differences, rather than status inconsistency being the direct cause.

Advertisement: Lab Products, Inc.

An advertisement on the lower left of page 1 introduces a new deep plastic cage for rodents from Lab Products, Inc. The company, composed of experienced people with new ideas, offers a broad line of plastic cages, accessories, and bedding. The new cage is highlighted for its increased convenience, offering more room under the feed hopper and more usable floor space for research animals or additional animals, anticipating new public law requirements. Doug Anderson is the contact person for catalog requests.

Advertisement: Tygon Plastic Tubing

An advertisement on page 2 promotes Tygon plastic tubing, stating that "more laboratories have standardized on Tygon plastic Tubing than on any other kind." It emphasizes that genuine Tygon tubing is branded and offers features like being chemically inert, non-oxidizing, and available in 73 standard sizes. The product is available at laboratory supply houses or directly from Norton Plastics and Synthetics Division in Akron, Ohio.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a scientific discourse, with articles presenting research and subsequent critiques. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous scientific methodology, questioning interpretations that may lack empirical support or epistemological consistency. There is a clear emphasis on evidence-based reasoning and the consideration of multiple explanatory factors, as seen in the debates surrounding UFO sightings and the historical analysis of agricultural disasters. The publication of letters to the editor demonstrates a commitment to open scientific debate and the challenging of established theories.