[washingtonismoney]

I think the brouhaha is understandable and pretty legitimate. Researchers have become very sensitive -- and justifiably so, given the historical antics their predecessors have managed to get into -- about the perception of improperly influencing human behavior. Just look at the fuss the Facebook study kicked up.

Even the slightest hint of influencing an election is going to get you into trouble if you do it wrong. I'm not an expert in poli sci research but this seems like a "duh" to me.

[washingtonismoney]

I think the brouhaha is understandable and pretty legitimate. Researchers have become very sensitive -- and justifiably so, given the historical antics their predecessors have managed to get into -- about the perception of improperly influencing human behavior. Just look at the fuss the Facebook study kicked up.

Even the slightest hint of influencing an election is going to get you into trouble if you do it wrong. I'm not an expert in poli sci research but this seems like a "duh" to me.