I am puzzlingly unable to understand the findings of a research published by a graduate student of the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) which you reported on Monday under the caption, "Cassava threat - Research points to bammy whammy; overconsumption linked to illness'. In this context, I thought it would have have been easily conceivable to the uninitiated that the variables of overconsumption and illness are positively correlated.

Notwithstanding, I believe it is right to enrich discourses and decision-making with empiricism, and as such, I embrace the findings that sound research generally adds to the decision-making process.

However, I would be grateful if the researcher could provide the Jamaican public with the following research methodologies. What was the type of research - basic or applied? What was the goal of the research - exploratory, explanatory or descriptive? What were the conceptual and theoretical frameworks?

Seeking clarity

Given the difficulties involved in digesting the findings of the research on cassava, members of the public, decision-makers and the scientific community are seeking clarity from the researcher on certain key components: causal relationship as opposed to correlation relationship, clear and precise measurements used, the conceptual and theoretical constructs and cross-referencing with medical laboratory research are absolute requirements.

It is right for the public to have a brief answer from the NCU researcher, as undue delay will prolong research controversies, contradictions and a challenge to the validity of the NCU researcher's findings.

I am, etc.,

Anthony Woodburn

anthony.woodburn@gmail.com