Advertisements frequently refer to research to demonstrate that a product is popular or effective or recommended by experts. Choose a popular magazine and look through the ads for any research-based...

Advertisements frequently refer to research to demonstrate that a product is popular or effective or recommended by experts. Choose a popular magazine and look through the ads for any research-based claims (for example, “Studies show . . .”). When you have found one, evaluate the claim from a social science perspective. Are data presented to back up any claims? What kind of sample, if any, was used? Is the sample representative of a larger population? Do you agree with the conclusion about the research that the advertisement offers? Can you even evaluate the claim, given the limited information in the ad?