James Dickerson

Title: Using Science for Good

We expect that the products we use every day will be safe, reliable, and effective. However, that does not always occur. A computer battery can unexpectedly catch fire, bedroom furniture can be unstable and topple, and food can be contaminated. Consumer Reports (CR) is a non-profit organization that is committed to revealing the truth and raising the bar for safety and fairness, and empowering consumers with trusted information. Learn how CR uses science for good, applying its scientific findings for diverse audiences—from consumers to rule makers, industry to government, all with the goal of driving marketplace change that benefits everyone.

This presentation describes the underpinning endeavors of my organization, Consumer Reports. Thus, the topic will attempt to address the skepticism that many people have about “ratings” or “reviews” of consumer products. Part of that skepticism is that Consumer Reports provides perspectives that are no different from those often seen in online user reviews, “comparative testing” sites, and internet consumer forums. My intent is to demonstrate that the robust scientific investigations that we undertake at CR are, indeed, robust, data-driven, and superior to those offered by others.