Science, Pseudoscience, and Scientific Skepticism

Vocabulary flashcards covering the core principles of science, hypothesis testing, key historical examples, pseudoscience red flags, and scientific skepticism.

Empirical

Based on direct observation or experience rather than theory or belief.

Objective

Observations that the vast majority of people will agree on, contrasting with subjective experiences.

Subjective

Information or experiences that are accessible only to a single individual.

Systematic Study

An investigation designed to eliminate alternative explanations for findings by anticipating and eliminating potential research problems.

Theory

An explanation for a large number of findings in the natural world.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction, often derived from a theory.

General Adaptation Syndrome

A three-stage physiological response model to stress—Alarm (fight or flight), Resistance (cortisol increase), and Exhaustion (illness)—proposed by Hans Selye.

Engram

A hypothesized specific location in the brain responsible for memory, investigated by Karl Lashley.

Self-Correction

The principle that when empirical evidence demonstrates an idea is wrong, scientists must admit it and revise their ideas.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to seek out evidence that supports pre-existing beliefs while denying, dismissing, or distorting evidence that contradicts them.

Scientific Proof

An absolute standard indicating a claim has been established without any doubt; scientists rarely use this term, preferring to state that data supports a hypothesis.

Critical Thinking

The purposeful, reasoned, and goal-directed process of exploring a situation or problem.

Ad Hoc Immunizing Hypothesis

An excuse or loophole created to explain away negative findings and protect a hypothesis from falsification.

Pseudoscience

Claims or practices presented as scientific that lack key scientific features, characterized by exaggerated claims, lack of peer review, overuse of ad hoc hypotheses, and over-reliance on anecdotes.

Scientific Skepticism

An approach that involves keeping an open mind while requiring claims to be tested and supported by evidence before acceptance.

Falsifiable

A property of a scientific claim or hypothesis meaning it can be proven false through empirical testing.

Rebirthing Therapy

A pseudoscientific treatment for attachment problems highlighted by the tragic death of Candace Newmaker in 2000.

Hans Selye

The researcher who observed consistent physiological stress patterns in rats, leading to the formulation of General Adaptation Syndrome.

Karl Lashley

The researcher who tested the engram hypothesis by lesioning rat brain tissue, finding that memory impairment correlated with the amount of tissue destroyed rather than a specific region.

Theory-Data Cycle

The iterative process of scientific inquiry connecting theory, hypothesis generation, experimental design, data collection, and comparison of results to predictions.

Phrenology Head Shape Diagram

An example illustration reflecting pseudoscientific claims that the form and shape of the head determine character.

APA Reference Citation Structure

A standardized reference format detailing authors, year of publication, article title, journal name, volume number, issue number, page numbers, and URL/DOI.

Correlation vs Causation Diagram

An illustration demonstrating that a correlation between two variables does not prove causation, as the direction of causality may differ or an unmeasured third factor may be responsible.