1. Pseudo, Junk, & Anti Science

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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