1. Science and Pseudoscience

2. What is science?
Objectivity Not letting expectations influence the result of research Research published in ‘peer reviewed’ journals Fellow professionals scrutinise the research before it is cleared for publishing

3. What is science?
Hypothetico-deductive reasoning (Karl Popper) Scientists you formulate theories, and then set about attempting to falsify them. Empiricism Knowledge gained through experience and direct observation (not by argument).

4. What is science?
Replicable experiments Important for scientists to record their methods carefully so that experiments can be repeated Generates laws, principles and prediction Scientific research can result in vaccines for disease, technological innovation etc.

5. To reflect:
Does psychology fit all the criteria to be considered a science?

6. What is Pseudoscience?
‘Pseudo-’ as a prefix means ‘false’. So pseudoscience is research or theories that falsely claim to be science.

7. What is Pseudoscience? Characterised by: Subjectivity
Specialised ‘jargon’
Published in magazines, internet or newspapers without any scrutiny
Unfalsifiable theories
Flawed methodology

8. What is Pseudoscience? Characterised by: Non replicable experiments
Counter evidence often dismissed
‘Burden of proof’
Practitioners often promote questionable ‘cures’ or ‘self-help’ books.

9. You are all accused of: Taking part in pseudoscientific projects.
Defend yourselves!!!

10. Scientific Research
An experiment to show the effect of harnessing a person’s ‘Kinetic Aura’.
I will need 5 participants.
Observers can list elements of science and pseudoscience in this experiment.