The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Lots of people believe in Bigfoot and other pseudoscience claims – this course examines why

  • Written by Craig A. Foster, Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology, State University of New York Cortland
Lots of people believe in Bigfoot and other pseudoscience claims – this course examines why
Text saying: Uncommon Courses, from The Conversation
Uncommon Courses[1] is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching. Title of course “Psychology of Pseudoscience” What prompted the idea for the course? While teaching a course on research methods at the United States Air Force Academy, I concluded that the course needed a bigger emphasis on broad scientific reasoning skills. So I incorporated material about the difference between science – the systematic process of evidence-based inquiry[2] – and pseudoscience[3], which is the promotion of unreliable scientific claims as if they are more reliable than other explanations. I wanted to understand why people promote claims that conflict with science. I jumped at the opportunity to develop this type of course at SUNY Cortland. What does the course explore? We look at some of the common scientific reasoning failures that pseudoscience exploits. These include hand-picking anecdotes[4] to support a belief, developing a set of beliefs[5] that explain every possible outcome, promoting irrelevant research[6], ignoring contradictory information[7] and believing in unsubstantiated conpiracies[8]. We particularly highlight motivated reasoning[9], the tendency for people to process information in a way that helps them confirm what they already want to believe. For example, someone might accept scientific consensus about cancer treatments but question it with regard to vaccines – even though both are supported by strong scientific evidence and expert consensus. We also review group polarization[10], in which people develop more extreme positions after interacting with similarly minded group members. Some of the topics we examine include the flat-Earth[11] belief, creationism[12], Bigfoot and other cryptozoology ideas[13], psychic ability[14], conversion therapy[15], anti-vaccination[16], astrology[17], ghosts[18] and climate change denial[19]. Students complete two papers to reinforce their knowledge. First, students develop their own bogus scientific claims and a corresponding plan to convince people that their claims are legitimate. Allowing students to invent and promote novel forms of pseudoscience gives them a safe context in which to examine specious scientific arguments. Second, students review old issues of Skeptical Inquirer[20], the leading national magazine about science and critical thinking, to summarize the topics that were being addressed at that time. Students also dive more deeply into a specific topic like unexplained cattle mutilations or the Bermuda Triangle. Then they write a paper based on an example I recently published[21] in Skeptical Inquirer. I’m hopeful that future column installments will include students’ work. Why is this course relevant now? The internet has provided pseudoscience communities with the unprecedented ability to promote their false claims. For instance, flat-Earthers have relied on YouTube[22] to create doubt about Earth as a globe. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization uses Facebook to support Bigfoot belief. These platforms take advantage of people’s tendency to believe material posted by their friends[23] or authoritative-sounding sources[24]. This course is also relevant now because the consequences of poor scientific reasoning are so significant. People who believe these sorts of false claims risk their own health and that of the planet, by avoiding helpful, safe vaccines[25] or useful discussions about the problems presented by climate change[26]. What’s a critical lesson from the course? It’s important for students to understand that reasonable, intelligent people promote pseudoscience[27]. When people encounter pseudoscience they don’t personally believe, they sometimes conclude that the pseudoscience supporters are unintelligent or mentally unwell. This type of explanation is shortsighted. Everyday people are drawn into believing pseudoscience because they have limited cognitive resources and they use cognitive strategies, like relying on anecdotes, that can lead to erroneous belief. Human scientific reasoning is particularly flawed when humans really want to reach a particular conclusion[28]. Belief in pseudoscience also develops out of social interactions. Friends and family members commonly share their reasons for believing in creationism, ghosts, fad diets and so forth. This type of social influence goes into overdrive when people join communities that collectively promote pseudoscience[29]. I have attended Bigfoot and flat-Earth conferences. These conferences create powerful social experiences, because so many friendly people are available to explain that Bigfoot is alive or the Earth is flat, both of which are, clearly, false. What materials does the course feature? The “Defining Pseudoscience and Science” chapter by Sven Ove Hansson in “Philosophy of Pseudoscience: Reconsidering the Demarcation Problem[30]” sets up what I call the psychological puzzle of pseudoscience: How do people convince themselves and others that an unreliable scientific claim is actually reliable? We also have guest speakers, including philosophy of science scholar Massimo Pigliucci[31], journalist and folklorist Ben Radford[32], exposer of psychics Susan Gerbic[33], a local Bigfoot enthusiast, and Janyce Boynton, who discussed facilitated communication[34], a discredited communication technique in which some people physically assist nonverbal people with their communication, for example, by guiding their hands as they type. What will the course prepare students to do? The course prepares students to identify dubious scientific claims. In so doing, they should become less vulnerable[35] to being drawn into pseudoscience. The course also enhances familiarity with specific forms of pseudoscience. I expect climate change denial, anti-vaccination and creationism to remain major points of contention in American society for decades. Educated people should understand the discussions that occur around these kind of social problems.

References

  1. ^ Uncommon Courses (theconversation.com)
  2. ^ systematic process of evidence-based inquiry (sciencecouncil.org)
  3. ^ pseudoscience (press.uchicago.edu)
  4. ^ hand-picking anecdotes (aiptcomics.com)
  5. ^ developing a set of beliefs (plato.stanford.edu)
  6. ^ promoting irrelevant research (skepticalinquirer.org)
  7. ^ ignoring contradictory information (press.uchicago.edu)
  8. ^ believing in unsubstantiated conpiracies (doi.org)
  9. ^ motivated reasoning (doi.org)
  10. ^ group polarization (doi.org)
  11. ^ flat-Earth (blogs.scientificamerican.com)
  12. ^ creationism (global.oup.com)
  13. ^ Bigfoot and other cryptozoology ideas (skepticalinquirer.org)
  14. ^ psychic ability (skepticalinquirer.org)
  15. ^ conversion therapy (www.apa.org)
  16. ^ anti-vaccination (cup.columbia.edu)
  17. ^ astrology (www.nature.com)
  18. ^ ghosts (skepticalinquirer.org)
  19. ^ climate change denial (cup.columbia.edu)
  20. ^ Skeptical Inquirer (skepticalinquirer.org)
  21. ^ example I recently published (skepticalinquirer.org)
  22. ^ relied on YouTube (theconversation.com)
  23. ^ friends (doi.org)
  24. ^ authoritative-sounding sources (doi.org)
  25. ^ avoiding helpful, safe vaccines (doi.org)
  26. ^ useful discussions about the problems presented by climate change (cup.columbia.edu)
  27. ^ reasonable, intelligent people promote pseudoscience (centerforinquiry.org)
  28. ^ want to reach a particular conclusion (www.jstor.org)
  29. ^ join communities that collectively promote pseudoscience (doi.org)
  30. ^ Philosophy of Pseudoscience: Reconsidering the Demarcation Problem (press.uchicago.edu)
  31. ^ Massimo Pigliucci (massimopigliucci.org)
  32. ^ Ben Radford (benjaminradford.com)
  33. ^ Susan Gerbic (skepticalinquirer.org)
  34. ^ facilitated communication (www.facilitatedcommunication.org)
  35. ^ become less vulnerable (doi.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/lots-of-people-believe-in-bigfoot-and-other-pseudoscience-claims-this-course-examines-why-196919

Times Magazine

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

Senior of the Year Nominations Open

The Allan Labor Government is encouraging all Victorians to recognise the valuable contributions of older members of our community by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.  Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today annou...

The Times Features

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...

Ways to Attract Tenants in a Competitive Rental Market

In the kind of rental market we’ve got now, standing out is half the battle. The other half? Actually getting someone to sign that lease. With interest rates doing backflips and ...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifes...

The Home Buying Process Explained Step by Step

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone, but it can also feel like navigating a maze without a map. With paperwork, finances, and decisions at every turn, understanding the home-b...

Thinking of Selling Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

Selling a home is more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. It’s a strategic process that involves preparation, pricing, and negotiation - all aimed at getting the best value ...

Smart Ways to Earn Passive Income from Real Estate

Imagine making money without doing much work. You get paid even while you sleep, travel, or do fun things. This is called passive income. Indeed, real estate has great ways to do...