Recognizing Pseudoscience Flashcards
1
Q
Characteristics of pseudoscience
A
- Associates itself with real science (i.e., scientific language), but does not use scientific methods
- Relies on anecdotal evidence or rumors (anecdotes constantly repeated) to support claims [no control data]
- Denies falsification- rationalizes errors or counter evidence
- Makes bold statements or claims
- Focuses on WHO is making a claim against, not EVIDENCE for claim against
- > by discrediting claimant
- > by relying on “authority” to support their science with testimonial claim - Over interprets coincidences; hasty generalizations
- Reduces complexity to simplicity
- > ex. personality analysis via handwriting - Relies on after-the-fact (post hoc) reasoning
- > ANYTHING can be “explained” AFTER it happens - Relies on false dichotomies (either-or reasoning)
- Assumes currently unexplained phenomena are inexplicable by science
- Relies on emotional or false analogies
- > ex. schizophrenia is like a violent storm, and will eventually pass
- –> an analogy is NOT EVIDENCE!
2
Q
Phrenology
A
Shape of skull -> personality
3
Q
Rules for evaluating information
A
What is the evidence?
Consider the source
What else is varying at the same time that could explain a phenomenon (confound)?