What is Science?
I). Definition
It is a process of observing and studying things in our world.
A). Scientific Law:
B). Theory:
It is not a guess and it does not mean "I think"
C). Hypothesis:
D). Observation
II). Scientific Method
Step 1: Observation
Step 2: Make a hypothesis.
Step 3: Design a controlled experiment.
Control:
Variable:
Step 4: Repeat the experiment.
Step 5: Analyze the results.
Step 6: Draw conclusions
Step 7: Report the results in a peer review journal
III). Science vs. Pseudo-Science
Pseudo-Science takes on the appearance of science but the purpose is to mislead.
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Characteristics of Accepted Science |
Characteristics of "Shoddy" Science or Pseudo-Science |
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Uses hypothesis that can be tested using the scientific method |
Hypothesis can not be tested using the scientific method |
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Stated conclusions based on supporting evidence and numerous studies |
Easy acceptance of strongly stated opinions |
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Careful attention to detail |
Speculation |
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Peer review of conclusions |
Conclusions that ignore peer review |
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Strong basis in ethics |
Shoddy science, falsified data, plagiarized data. |
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Depend on peer review journals for the acceptance of ideas |
Depend on popular media for the acceptance of ideas |
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Continually tests principals and assumptions |
Does not test assumptions |
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Purpose is to clarify |
Purpose is to mislead or confuse |
IV) How to Identify Pseudo-Science