Science vs. Pseudoscience Quiz

What is (Not) Science?

• Astrology is not scientific; it's based on history and legends, not testable theories.
• Scientific inquiry requires a theory, testing, and a conclusion that aligns with expectations; it's replicable.
• Replicable knowledge is cumulative; non-scientific knowledge is not replicated.
• Climate change, global warming threat, and global warming being a scam are examples of claims that aren't necessarily scientific.
• Specific examples exist, where the same claim is constantly being made without scientific evidence to support it.
• Shadowy global elite control and wind turbines causing cancer are examples of unsubstantiated claims.
• Scientific claims are supported by multiple studies and replication across different contexts.

Scientific vs. Non-Scientific Inquiry

• Scientific inquiry focuses on "how things are and why," using the scientific method, being open to scrutiny, and evidence-based reasoning.
• Pseudoscientific inquiry pretends to be scientific but isn't based on scientific methods, ignoring contradictory evidence, and lacking room for challenge.
• Unscientific inquiry may use empirical data but blends observation, speculation, and ideas about how things should be.

Inquiry as an Activity

• Inquiry is a regular activity where we try to predict.
• Reasoning in inquiry is often causal and probabilistic.

Scientific Method Pillars

• Scientific inquiry pursues answers to "what" and "why" questions.
• Epistemology is the study of knowledge.
• Methodology is the study of finding out.

Scientific Approach Criteria

• Scientists require logical and empirical support for claims.
• Logical support focuses on whether something makes sense.
• Empirical support verifies that claims don't contradict observations.

Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

• Inductive reasoning: observing first, then formulating explanations.
• Deductive reasoning: starting with established theory and seeking applications.

Errors in Inquiry and Solutions

• Daily observations can be inaccurate, leading to overgeneralization and illogical reasoning.
• Scientific observations are deliberate, planned, and use tools for precision to avoid mistakes.
• Replication and sufficient sample size help avoid overgeneralization.

Scientific Inquiries in Social Sciences

• Social inquiries focus on probabilistic patterns rather than individual events.
• Social science studies collective actions and how groups and societies function.
• Social science theories aim to explain aggregated behavior patterns. Examples include differences in earnings between genders, the effects of organizations on society, among others.

Test your understanding of the differences between scientific and pseudoscientific claims. This quiz covers examples from astrology, climate change, and common unsubstantiated assertions. Explore the principles of scientific inquiry versus non-scientific beliefs.