Big Idea 2:

The Characteristics of
Scientific Knowledge
Description :

A: Scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence and is
appropriate for understanding the natural world, but it provides only a
limited understanding of the supernatural, aesthetic, or other ways of
knowing, such as art, philosophy, or religion.
B: Scientific knowledge is durable and robust but open to change.
C: Because science is based on empirical evidence it strives for
objectivity, but as it is a human endeavor, its processes, methods, and
knowledge of science include subjectivity, as well as creativity and
discovery.

Benchmark Number &
Descriptor

SC.8.N.2.1
Distinguish between scientific and
pseudoscientific ideas.
SC.8.N.2.2
Discuss what characterizes science
and its methods.

Believe it or
Not?
TRUE SCIENCE
It means understanding
the nature of science
Having specified criteria
of evidence
Designing meaningful
experiments
Testing of hypotheses
Draw reliable
conclusions about the
physical universe
Theories can change as
new knowledge is
gained.
The knowledge is
reliable because it is
continually tested and
retested.
http://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/0_0_0/ho
wscienceworks_02
Pseudoscience
A theory, methodology, or
practice that is considered
to be without scientific
foundation
Usually lacks carefully
controlled and thoughtfully
interpreted experiments
The idea is usually
politically or ideologically
biased.
Types of pseudoscience
commercial advertising
99.9% pure
pathological science correct
answer comes after the
publicity

Is that Scientific?
http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/pseudo.html)

Scientific Ideas
Pseudoscientific
Ideas
Their findings are expressed primarily through
scientific journals that are peer-reviewed and
maintain rigorous standards for honesty and
accuracy.
Reproducible results are demanded; experiments
must be precisely described so that they can be
duplicated exactly or improved.
Failures are searched for and studied closely,
because incorrect theories can often make correct
predictions by accident, but no correct theory will
make incorrect predictions.
As time goes on, more and more is learned about
the physical processes under study.
Convinces by appeal to the evidence, by
arguments based upon logical and/or mathematical
reasoning, by making the best case the data
permit. When new evidence contradicts old ideas,
they are abandoned.
Does not advocate or market unproven practices
or products.
The literature is aimed at the general public. There
is no review, no standards, no pre-publication
verification, no demand for accuracy and precision.
Results cannot be reproduced or verified. Studies,
if any, are always so vaguely described that one
can't figure out what was done or how it was done.
Failures are ignored, excused, hidden, lied about,
discounted, explained away, rationalized, forgotten,
avoided at all costs.
No physical phenomena or processes are ever
found or studied. No progress is made; nothing
concrete is learned.
Convinces by appeal to faith and belief.
Pseudoscience has a strong quasi-religious
element: it tries to convert, not to convince. You
are to believe in spite of the facts, not because of
them. The original idea is never abandoned,
whatever the evidence.
Generally earns some or all of his living by selling
questionable products (such as books, courses,
and dietary supplements) and/or pseudoscientific
services (such as horoscopes, character readings,
spirit messages, and predictions).
Knowledge Check

1. What does pseudoscience lack?

2. What process does traditional
science follow?

3. Why does pseudoscience appeal to
the population?

Knowledge Check

1. What does pseudoscience lack?
Carefully controlled and thoughtfully
interpreted experiments
2. What process does traditional science
follow?
Scientific method
3. Why does pseudoscience appeal to
the population?
Usually because people want a quick fix to a
problem