On this short (4:05) clip from Last Week Tonight, John Oliver outlines how to be a better consumer of scientific information (e.g., don’t give too much significance to individual studies) and how communication to the public can misinterpret findings altogether.
Video: Misunderstanding Scientific Studies (with John Oliver) Read More »
This assignment helps students practice scientific literacy and literature searches. Students find a media posting that makes a psychology-related scientific claim and a peer-reviewed research article that speaks to that claim. Students then write an essay evaluating the media claim based on the scientific conclusions. Please click here for the file.
Investigating Claims Made by the Media Read More »
A clip (5:30) from the The Daily Show with Jon Stewart that demonstrates how sampling bias and demand characteristics can lead to misleading conclusions. “Poll Bearers: Cable news polls might not reflect public opinion so much as the ability of viewers to repeat the ideas they just heard.” View the episode here.
Examples of Sampling Bias and Demand Characteristics through a Daily Show Clip Read More »
Abstract When people interpret the outcome of a research study, do they consider other relevant information such as prior research? In the current study, 251 college graduates read a single brief fictitious news article. The article summarized the findings of a study that found positive results for a new drug. Three versions of the article
In the article “A history of FLICC: the 5 techniques of science denial” places five strategies (Fake experts, Logical fallacies, Impossible expectations, Cherry picking, and Conspiracy theories.) into a the acronym FLICC. This article, elaborates on many other techniques within these broad 5 categories, including examples of each. The article includes links to a three
The 5 Techniques of Science Denial Read More »
This activity gives students practice evaluating statistical information by placing them in the role of a therapist who needs to purchase software for her practice. It also helps show students the value of understanding concepts from research/statistics in contexts other than doing research. This activity should take approximately 15-20 minutes. Students could work individually or
Activity: Evaluating Statistical Information: Product Selection Read More »
This resource (created by Dr. Suzanne Wood and Vanessa Chan with support from an Instructional Resource Award) describes five writing assignments designed to help students build critical thinking skills related to reading empirical research. Each activity has an overview, guidelines for students, and a rubric for instructors. This is a fantastic activity for students taking
Assignment: Reading and Evaluating Research Read More »
