This cartoon plays on the unfairness of American health care by satirizing the pharmaceutical industry’s claim that high drug prices are driven by “research” by exposing how that “research” includes not just new drug development but also marketing, advertising, lobbying, and influencing doctors and politicians. While the figure in the cartoon tries to frame it as a scientific commitment, the visual breakdown shows how a large portion of the cost is allocated to activities that focus on public and political manipulation than actually researching new medicine

This cartoon relates well to the chapter’s point research’s intended purposes. In the chapter, it points out that research should serve a clear and meaningful purpose, whether it’s to increase understanding, predict behavior, or create social change. In contrast, the cartoon suggests that the pharmaceutical industry’s “research” serves corporate goals, not societal ones. Instead of using research to drive positive change or improve communication (like in health campaigns), the cartoon reveals how research can be co-opted to justify exploitation under the guise of innovation.

Personally, I experienced this when a family member had to choose between two toothpastes—one brand-name and one generic. 9 out of 10 doctor strongly recommended the more expensive one, even though research showed both were equally effective. It made me question whether we were being influenced by science or by marketing dressed up as research.

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