Question

Write/type S or V next to the item number and write/type the letter(s) of the criteria (listed below) and write out the answer

(S) science or (V) pseudo science.

Example: V b-changes, d-ad hoc explanation, f-does not use operational definitions

Criteria (Choose left hand side if science. Choose the right hand science if voodoo science.

(a) self-correcting; or not.

(b) theory changes; or resists change.

(c) produces fruitful spin-off investigations; or doesn’t.

(d) explains its observations; or uses ad hoc explanation.

(e) is consistent with other fields of study; or is anomalous.

(f) uses operational definitions; or does not.

1. Thera:P Magnetic therapy kits claims to restore the balance between the magnetic fields of human bodies and the earth. Restoration of magnetic field balance results in better circulation because the magnets used (800 gauss or 1600 times the strength of earth’s magnetic field) attracts the iron present in the hemoglobin molecule of red blood cells. [Hypothesis: Thera: P Magnets provide therapeutic relief.]

2. The Project to Reduce Violent Crime in Washington D. C. declared their analysis showed a significant reduction in psychiatric emergency calls, fewer complaints against the police, and an increase in President Clinton’s approval ratings during the weeks the project’s participants conducted group transcendental meditation sessions. John Hagelin, the head of the project, explained that TM accesses a collective consciousness. This collective consciousness is one of the many forces of nature unified by Superstring theory. Therefore, TM is capable of influencing the social actions of large groups that do not practice TM.

3. There are a number of documented cases of human remains being found where the central portion of the body—even the bones--are burned to ashes, while the legs and surrounding area (the house or woods) is not burned. Typically the body will be almost entirely destroyed by fire that begins in the torso, and leaves a limb or two intact. These documented conditions contrast markedly with most burn injuries, where the limbs are affected first. Because the area where victims are found has no apparent source of fire, the indicated explanation is that the victims suffered from spontaneous human combustion.

4. A number of tribes in the Amazon basin believe that there are invisible animals in some sources of water that cause disease. Thus, they have a taboo against drinking water unless it has been boiled for at least 20 minutes before drinking it. Water borne diseases have decreased, and in some areas, have been eliminated, since adopting this practice.  

Answer 1

1.S. science , c- produces fruitful spin-off investigations , d-explains its observations ,e-is consistent with other fields of study.   as the study is proved over time in a scientific manner by citoig evidence which are valid over time.

2. V. pseudoscience. d- uses ad hoc explanation, b- changes, a- doesnt produce spin-off investigation.

3. V. pseudoscience. b- changes, a- self correcting, e- anomalous, d-uses ad hoc explanation.

4. S. science. e- is consistent with other fields of study, d- explains its observations, c- produces fruitful spin-off investigations