Introduction to Science vs. Pseudoscience and Evidence Evaluation

Vocabulary flashcards covering basic scientific principles, the evidence hierarchy, the Bradford Hill Criteria for causation, science literacy, and the differences between science and pseudoscience.

Evidence based

A practice or approach grounded in strong research evidence.

Evidence informed

An approach that integrates research evidence with individual needs and context.

Replicability

A core scientific principle where a study can be conducted again and produce the same results.

Meta Analysis

A method on the pyramid of evidence that compiles multiple studies and statistically analyzes their statistics and relationships.

Systematic Review

A study design that identifies and evaluates research addressing a specific question.

Randomized Controlled Trials

Experimental study designs involving intervention groups and comparison groups.

Cohort Studies

Observational studies that involve following a group over a period of time.

Case Control Studies

Observational studies that compare individuals with specific outcomes to those without outcomes.

Case Series / Case Reports

Descriptive evidence based on clinical experiences.

Bradford Hill Criteria

A framework of nine considerations used to evaluate whether an observed association reflects a true causal relationship where one thing contributes to producing another.

Strength (Bradford Hill Criteria)

A consideration assessing how large the association is between exposure and outcome.

Consistency (Bradford Hill Criteria)

A consideration checking whether results repeat across different studies and areas rather than being an isolated occurrence.

Specificity (Bradford Hill Criteria)

A consideration looking for a very specific association between a factor and an effect.

Temporality (Bradford Hill Criteria)

The essential requirement that exposure must occur prior to the outcome; causation is not possible unless this condition is met regardless of other criteria.

Biological gradient (Bradford Hill Criteria)

A consideration evaluating whether a greater exposure leads to a greater effect.

Plausibility (Bradford Hill Criteria)

A consideration examining whether there is a reasonable biological mechanism explaining the relationship.

Coherence (Bradford Hill Criteria)

A consideration evaluating whether findings align with and exist within existing scientific knowledge.

Experiment (Bradford Hill Criteria)

A consideration testing whether changing or removing the exposure alters the outcome.

Analogy (Bradford Hill Criteria)

A consideration assessing whether similar causal relationships are already known and recognized.

Science literacy

The capacity to comprehend, evaluate, and apply scientific information to engage effectively and make choices regarding health and wellness, public policy, and global challenges.

Science

A discipline characterized by empirical evidence, methodology, peer review, falsifiability, consensus, progress, repeatability, and critical thinking.

Pseudoscience

Claims and practices presented as scientific without adhering to scientific standards; characterized by lack of peer review, biased points of view, absence of testing, lack of repeatability, persuasive presentation, and unfalsifiability.