2682 - COMBATTERE LA PSEUDOSCIENZA; COMBATTING PSUEDOSCIENCE

Session: D05S005 - Learning processes 2
AUTHORS:
Meyersburg Cynthia (Harvard University, Division of Continuing Education ~ Cambridge, MA ~ United States of America) , Burney Azam (Harvard Extension School ~ Cambridge, MA ~ United States of America) , Garrett Krista (Harvard Extension School ~ Cambridge, MA ~ United States of America) , Davidson Andrew (DePaul University ~ Chicago, IL ~ United States of America)
Abstract text:
Pseudoscience is a controversial term. Pseudoscience refers to material presented as if the conclusions reached were achieved by evaluating the claims using a scientific approach when this is not the case. Pseudoscience undermines public support for and understanding of science, negatively impacts economic and public policy health choices, and can lead to negative outcomes for individuals and their families, as well as being costly for society as a whole. Learning about the problems posed by pseudoscience , and how to examine evidence for claims, can help students improve their decision making ability. Yet few university classes explicitly help students learn to delineate science from pseudoscience, and resources for the public may be difficult to access or unavailable. This presentation will highlight impacts of pseudoscience and provide ideas for how to help students develop stronger critical thinking skills, as well as improving their ability to identify relevant cognitive biases and logical fallacies. In this interactive oral presentation, participants can learn strategies to address this pressing social issue.