Course Summary

Question 1

Medicine based on the ___ has the greatest measurable successes.

Answer 1

scientific method

Question 2

What are CAMs?

Answer 2

Medical treatments not supported by convincing empirical evidence.

Question 3

What aspects of a CAM might not be supported by science?

Answer 3

1. Mode of Action
2. Efficacy
3. Safety

Question 4

Which types of evidence are the most convincing?

Answer 4

Meta-analyses and systematic reviews.

Question 5

What is the weakest type of evidence?

Answer 5

Anecdotes

Question 6

Why are anecdotes the weakest type of evidence?

Answer 6

They’re not controlled.

Question 7

Observational studies can show ….

Answer 7

correlations between phenomena.

Question 8

What is a limitation of observational studies?

Answer 8

They can’t show causation.

Question 9

Best way to determine cause and effect?

Answer 9

Controlled experiments.

Question 10

The best experiments have…

Answer 10

Large sample sizes.
Randomized groups.
Blinding.
Use of appropriate statistical tests.

Question 11

Statistical tests are used to…

Answer 11

decide if we should reject the null hypothesis.

Question 12

Statistical tests generate a…

Answer 12

probability-value (p-value)

Question 13

What p-value is usually used?

Answer 13

0.05

Question 14

Research reports are more reliable if published in…

Answer 14

refereed journals.

Question 15

Are all referred journals of equal quality?

Answer 15

No

Question 16

Examples of modes of action may be at odds with science…

Answer 16

Qi.

Potentization.

Question 17

Examples of some treatments that may be effective…

Answer 17

Acupuncture for lower back pain.

Active ingredients in some herbs.

Question 18

Examples of treatments with a sensible mode of action but aren’t effective…

Answer 18

Many dietary supplements.

Some herbs with non-standardized amounts of active ingredients.

Question 19

Examples of CAMs that lack supporting scientific evidence for mode of action and for their treatments…

Answer 19

Homeopathy.
Energy therapies. Magnet therapy.
Iridology.
Cranial & visceral osteopathy.

Question 20

Why do people report positive results for ineffective CAMs?

Answer 20

Placebo effect. Condition was going to get better on its own anyway. Hope. Will to please. Positive effects of touch and being listened to.

Question 21

What does being critical of a therapy require from a person?

Answer 21

A level of scientific literacy.

A willingness and ability to survey the evidence.