Articles tagged with Pseudoscience
A study found that traditional paranormal beliefs are linked to increased stress and distress, while new age philosophy is not. The research used a new scale to measure paranormal belief and found that higher scores for traditional paranormal belief were associated with elevated distress and reduced coping abilities.
A systematic review of existing methods for reducing conspiracy beliefs found that most approaches are ineffective, but those fostering critical thinking show promise. Effective interventions include exposing participants to factual inaccuracies before presenting conspiracy statements.
New research highlights the dangers of AI-powered recruitment tools that claim to remove discrimination from hiring. The tools reduce race and gender to trivial data points and often rely on personality analysis that is
A team of scholars at the University of Bologna revived and studied ancient alchemical texts, then put procedures into practice in the laboratory. The results revealed unexpected methods for mercury extraction and the use of substances like natron and iron in sublimation processes.
Illinois Tech philosopher J.D. Trout argues that journalists should prioritize settled science and dismiss 'alternative facts' as cons. He suggests that reporters should not engage with disputed claims when the scientific consensus is clear, and instead promote epistemic humility and respect for expert knowledge.
Researchers analyzed 60 billion tweets to understand vaccine hesitancy on social media. They found that anti-vaxxer profiles often share links to YouTube videos and commercial sites selling alternative health products, highlighting the spread of misinformation in echo chambers.
The 2018 survey revealed that government corruption remains Americans' primary concern, and the state of the environment represents fully half of Americans' top 10 fears. Most Americans do not currently share President Trump's immigration concerns.
A study by NC State University researchers found that teaching critical thinking skills in a humanities course significantly reduces student beliefs in pseudoscience. Students who received critical thinking instruction had lower beliefs in pseudoscientific claims, especially in topics covered in class.
The Chapman University Survey of American Fears reveals the top 10 things Americans fear most, including government corruption, cyber-terrorism, and economic collapse. Nearly a fourth of Americans report engaging in actions driven by fear, such as voting for a candidate or purchasing a gun.
Research by Chong Oh found that Twitter activity has a direct positive effect on movie attendance and online word-of-mouth chatter. Engaging with followers on social media increases the likelihood of higher box office performance.
A study published in Science Communication found that media messages describing paranormal investigators as 'scientific' make people more likely to believe in ghosts and haunted houses. Researchers found that such descriptions increase credibility ratings and lead to increased belief in paranormal claims.
Berkeley Lab scientists create thinnest possible films of gold-silicon eutectic alloys and observe peculiar patterns of circles surrounded by blisters. The team finds that thinner gold layers lead to faster reaction rates and the formation of perfect squares in the center of the circular denuded zones.
A study by Johns Hopkins University biologist Gary K. Ostrander reveals over 40 examples of shark tumors, debunking the myth that sharks don't get cancer. The research warns against pseudoscientific claims and calls for increased scientific literacy and critical thinking skills.