Exam 1: Science and Pseudoscience Capstone || Already
Graded A+.
What is science? correct answers The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the
physical, natural, and social world through observation and experiment.
A systematically organized body of knowledge on a particular subject.
Science builds and organized knowledge inthe form of testable explanations and predictions.
What is pseudoscience? correct answers a collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded
as being based on scientific method.
Claims or practices which are presented as scientific but lack a valid scientific methodology or
supporting evidence
What are the main differences between science and pseudoscience? correct answers Science:
1. Follows the evidence wherever it leads
2. Embraces Critism
3. Uses precise terminology with clear definitions
4. Claims are conservative and tentative
5. Properly considers all evidence and arguments
6. Uses rigorous and repeatable methods
7. Engages with peers and community
8. Follows careful and valid logic
9. Changes with new evidence.
Pseudoscience:
1. Starts with a conlcusion, then works backwards to confirm
2. Hostile to criticism
3. Uses vague jargon to confuse and evade
4. Grandiose claims that go beyond the evidence
5. Cherry picks only favorable evidence, relies on testimonials or weak evidence
6. Uses flawed methods with unrepeatable results
7. Lone mavericks working in isolation
8. Uses inconsistent and invalid logic
9. Dogmatic and unyielding
What are some examples of pseudoscience that are popular today? correct answers Vaccines
cause autism, astrology and Zodiac signs, 2012 was the end of the world, etc.
What is the scientific method? correct answers a method of procedure that has characterized
natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and
experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.
, Steps:
1. Identify a problem or research question
2. Gather relevant data from previous research
3. Formulate a hypothesis
4. Decide on a research method and design
5. Collect data
6. Analyze data
7. Summarize and interpret results
8. State conclusion
What makes a good scientific study? correct answers Logically sound: easy to understand,
precise, no internal contradictions, everything should flow
Empirically sound: observations in the real world need to be present and what you are measuring
should relate to the questions you are asking, and your results need to be consistent with
conclusions
Unbiased: objective
According to Dr. Ben Goldacre, what are some examples of "bad science" in the areas of health
and medicine? correct answers Newspaper headings that stated divorce, wifi, toiletries, and
coffee can cause cancer. However, crust, red pepper, liquorice, and coffee prevent cancer; there's
a contradiction because coffee is in both lists.
Housework prevents breast cancer in women. However, for men shopping can make you
impotent.
A glass of red wine a day can prevent breast cancer.
What is a theory? correct answers A theory is a coherent set of ideas that helps explain
pehnomena and make predictions
What makes a good theory? correct answers Logically sound: internally consistent with no
statements that contradict each other
Empirically sound: not contradiction by scientific observations
Clear, testable, and parsimonious: definitions have to be clear, should be able to test your theory,
stated in the simplest most direct way
What is the value of theories? correct answers Theories function to organize information, guide
research, and inform practices
What is the difference between a fact, theory, and hypothesis? correct answers A hypothesis is an
unproven statement that can be tested; relies on suggestions, predictions, or projects.
Graded A+.
What is science? correct answers The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the
physical, natural, and social world through observation and experiment.
A systematically organized body of knowledge on a particular subject.
Science builds and organized knowledge inthe form of testable explanations and predictions.
What is pseudoscience? correct answers a collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded
as being based on scientific method.
Claims or practices which are presented as scientific but lack a valid scientific methodology or
supporting evidence
What are the main differences between science and pseudoscience? correct answers Science:
1. Follows the evidence wherever it leads
2. Embraces Critism
3. Uses precise terminology with clear definitions
4. Claims are conservative and tentative
5. Properly considers all evidence and arguments
6. Uses rigorous and repeatable methods
7. Engages with peers and community
8. Follows careful and valid logic
9. Changes with new evidence.
Pseudoscience:
1. Starts with a conlcusion, then works backwards to confirm
2. Hostile to criticism
3. Uses vague jargon to confuse and evade
4. Grandiose claims that go beyond the evidence
5. Cherry picks only favorable evidence, relies on testimonials or weak evidence
6. Uses flawed methods with unrepeatable results
7. Lone mavericks working in isolation
8. Uses inconsistent and invalid logic
9. Dogmatic and unyielding
What are some examples of pseudoscience that are popular today? correct answers Vaccines
cause autism, astrology and Zodiac signs, 2012 was the end of the world, etc.
What is the scientific method? correct answers a method of procedure that has characterized
natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and
experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.
, Steps:
1. Identify a problem or research question
2. Gather relevant data from previous research
3. Formulate a hypothesis
4. Decide on a research method and design
5. Collect data
6. Analyze data
7. Summarize and interpret results
8. State conclusion
What makes a good scientific study? correct answers Logically sound: easy to understand,
precise, no internal contradictions, everything should flow
Empirically sound: observations in the real world need to be present and what you are measuring
should relate to the questions you are asking, and your results need to be consistent with
conclusions
Unbiased: objective
According to Dr. Ben Goldacre, what are some examples of "bad science" in the areas of health
and medicine? correct answers Newspaper headings that stated divorce, wifi, toiletries, and
coffee can cause cancer. However, crust, red pepper, liquorice, and coffee prevent cancer; there's
a contradiction because coffee is in both lists.
Housework prevents breast cancer in women. However, for men shopping can make you
impotent.
A glass of red wine a day can prevent breast cancer.
What is a theory? correct answers A theory is a coherent set of ideas that helps explain
pehnomena and make predictions
What makes a good theory? correct answers Logically sound: internally consistent with no
statements that contradict each other
Empirically sound: not contradiction by scientific observations
Clear, testable, and parsimonious: definitions have to be clear, should be able to test your theory,
stated in the simplest most direct way
What is the value of theories? correct answers Theories function to organize information, guide
research, and inform practices
What is the difference between a fact, theory, and hypothesis? correct answers A hypothesis is an
unproven statement that can be tested; relies on suggestions, predictions, or projects.
