Pseudo, Junk, & Anti Science

Science Study of the the natural world Body of knowledge Based on observation and experimentation Relies on empirical evidence Tests hypothesis Tries to identify and avoid bias Changes with new information Explains and predicts

Scientific Method Observations and Questions Hypothesis (must be testable) Experiment Analysis

What makes a good experiment? Independent and Dependent variables Independent variables are the ones you change Dependent variable is the result you are testing All other variables should be controlled Experimental and Control groups Repetition: sample size, replicable Well-defined and quantized

Pseudoscience Pseudo means “fake” Science “want to be” Start with hypothesis and collects only supporting data and ignores contradicting data Does not objectively test hypothesis Makes up fancy vocabulary so it seems scientific

Examples - Pseudoscience Pet psychology Alternative medicine UFOs Colon cleansing Dog whispering

Junk Science Often starts with an conclusion rather than question Attempts to prove right rather than objectively test Uses faulty data, incorrect experimental design, biased interpretation, overstates implications Supports a hidden agenda or special interest groups - political, corporate, legal, media

Examples – Junk Science Studies by the tobacco companies about cigarettes Benefits of Genetically Modified Organisms Politicians trying to assuage fear of constituents – silicon breast implants Media sensationalizing limited problem – ALAR use in apples

Antiscience Against the scientific process and validity of data Believes that by studying something we interfere with our ability to know it Denies objective truth but believe in greater truth Reductionism of science disables our ability to understand the complexity of the world

Examples - Antiscience Philosophy Some religions Creationism - anti-evolution Anti-global warming