Pseudoscience Flashcards
What did Lilienfeld do?
Devised a list of features which distinguish science and pseudoscience
Who devised a list which distinguished science and pseudoscience?
Lilienfeld
Briefly, what are the features Lilienfeld lists?
Pseudoscience has a tendency to place a burden of proof on sceptics claims
Pseudoscience has an excessive reliance on anecdotal and testimonial evidence to substantiate claims
Pseudoscientists avoid scrutiny done by peer review
There’s an absence of connectivity
Explain Lilienfeld’s ‘burden of proof’ feature…
Pseudoscientists assume that if sceptics cannot provide an explanation for each case they should claim it’s valid. They adopt the approach that the claim should be proved wrong rather than right which opposes that of science where the burden of proof rests on those making the claim
Explain Lilienfeld’s ‘reliance on anecdotal evidence’ feature…
This type of reliance is typical, particularly with those in favour of psychic healing
But, for it to be scientific and valid the best way to test claims if by subjecting participants to double blind, randomised clinical trials
Explain Lilienfeld’s ‘evasion of scrutiny’ feature…
Pseudoscientists will avoid peer review by publishing in books, magazines or directly onto the Internet. Peer review is an important mechanism of quality control of research which science must undergo
Explain Lilienfeld’s ‘absence of connectivity’ feature…
Pseudoscientists fail to build a link between existing scientific knowledge. Alcock said many claims within parapsychology counter normal science. But if this were the case and science were to be over turned there must be stronger evidence that what has been currently provided by parapsychology
What is pseudoscience?
Evidence that appears to be scientific but upon closer inspection it does not adhere to scientific principles
