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Questions and Answers
What is pseudoscience?
What is pseudoscience?
- A scientific idea that is not yet widely accepted
- A scientific theory that is no longer valid
- Any claim that is scientifically proven
- A claim that pretends to be scientific in nature but lacks the characteristics of true scientific inquiry (correct)
What is a common characteristic of pseudoscientific ideas?
What is a common characteristic of pseudoscientific ideas?
- They are always widely accepted by the scientific community
- They are only found in fringe journals
- They involve the supernatural or unmeasurable forces (correct)
- They are often supported by a large amount of evidence
What is the primary purpose of peer-reviewed scientific journals?
What is the primary purpose of peer-reviewed scientific journals?
- To promote new and unconventional ideas
- To provide a platform for scientists to share their opinions
- To publish research that is widely accepted by the scientific community
- To rigorously evaluate and validate research through a system of oversight (correct)
How can you determine if a claim is scientifically proven?
How can you determine if a claim is scientifically proven?
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What happens to a piece of research before it gets published in a peer-reviewed journal?
What happens to a piece of research before it gets published in a peer-reviewed journal?
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Why is it important to check the source of a claim to see if it is scientifically proven?
Why is it important to check the source of a claim to see if it is scientifically proven?
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What is a characteristic of truly scientific research?
What is a characteristic of truly scientific research?
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How can you get information about a scientific study?
How can you get information about a scientific study?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Pseudoscience
- Pseudoscience involves claims that pretend to be scientific but lack the characteristics of true scientific inquiry.
- Often involves the supernatural or claims about unmeasurable forces or processes.
- Pseudoscientific claims are often dramatic and seem unlikely or strange to most scientists.
Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journals
- Publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals is a clear indicator of real science.
- These journals are run by scientific societies or academic publishing companies.
- Research is carefully reviewed by two or more researchers in the same field of study before publication.
- Methods and logic are evaluated, and bold or unusual claims are subject to close scrutiny.
- Reviewers and editors may demand rewrites and additional evidence if a claim is weakly supported.
Distinguishing Between Science and Pseudoscience
- To verify a scientifically proven idea, check the source for reference to a scientific journal.
- Track down the article to ensure it supports the claim.
- Verify that the publication is a respected peer-reviewed journal.
- Consult with a scientist, librarian, or conduct a careful internet search to get this information.
Importance of Scientific Literacy
- Being able to distinguish between science and pseudoscience makes you a scientifically literate citizen.
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