Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
Learning about Junk Science598 views
Author
Yacob, Seyenie, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia
Advisors
Robins, Gabriel, Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia
Gorman, Michael, Department of Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Abstract
Society puts a lot of faith in technology and theories presented by scientific research. Unfortunately many scientific claims being made today are not based on sound scientific principles. They are a result of junk science. Some motivation factors behind junk science are the media, political influences, legal and social issues, economic pursuits, the experimental procedure itself, peer review, and the lack of science education of the public. One reason why the public so readily accepts information based on insubstantial scientific principles is due to the major decline of our science educational programs. The objective of my thesis project was to create a web page for use as a teaching tool for high school science classes. Through the process of researching and investigation existing cases dealing with junk science, the goal is to promote thought and encourage students to question scientific claims and theories. As educated and conscientious citizens equipped with the ability to process relevant information, we as a public will be able to better process scientific information and be less tolerant of junk science and its implications on society.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Notes
Thesis originally deposited on 2011-12-28 in version 1.28 of Libra. This thesis was migrated to Libra2 on 2016-11-30 15:20:47.
Rights
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
Yacob, Seyenie. Learning about Junk Science. University of Virginia, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, BS (Bachelor of Science), 1997-12-17, https://doi.org/10.18130/V3T315.
