Activity 5 - Science or pseudo science? - What is critical thinking?

Science and pseudo-science are two distinct approaches to understanding the world around us. Here's an overview of each:

Science:
Science is a systematic and evidence-based method of inquiry that aims to understand and explain natural phenomena. It relies on empirical evidence, rigorous observation, experimentation, and the formulation of testable hypotheses. The scientific method involves making observations, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

Pseudo-science:
Pseudo-science refers to beliefs or practices that claim to be scientific but lack the empirical evidence, testability, and rigor of genuine scientific methods. These claims often rely on anecdotal evidence, testimonials, or non-standardized methodologies. Pseudo-scientific ideas may be presented in a way that resembles genuine scientific discourse, but they typically lack the critical scrutiny and empirical foundation of true science.

Examples of pseudo-science can include various forms of alternative medicine, astrology, paranormal phenomena, and certain conspiracy theories.

It's crucial to distinguish between science and pseudo-science to ensure that knowledge and beliefs are based on reliable evidence and robust methodology rather than unfounded claims or beliefs.

This activity will promote an understanding of the differences between science-based and pseudo-science-based news.

After completing this activity, learners will:

develop the ability to distinguish between scientifically supported information and pseudoscientific claims;
engaging in the role-play activity will foster critical thinking skills, requiring learners to assess the validity and credibility of presented information;
learn to evaluate news based on its adherence to scientific research principles, allowing them to make informed judgments about the information's reliability;
role-playing as news announcers will enhance learners' communication skills, enabling them to present information clearly and persuasively;
gain experience in making decisions based on evidence and reasoning, rather than accepting information at face value;
through discussions and justifications, learners will acquire skills to critically examine and debunk pseudoscientific claims;
become more adept at discerning trustworthy sources of information, which is a crucial aspect of media literacy in today's information-rich environment;
working in groups to create and present news articles encourages teamwork and collaborative problem-solving as learners navigate the distinction between science and pseudoscience;
reflect on the ethical implications of disseminating information, particularly in the context of distinguishing between science and pseudoscience.

Through this activity, learners will gain a deeper understanding of the scientific method and how it applies to discerning legitimate scientific information from pseudoscientific claims.

Sheets of paper with marks "S" (Science) and "PS" (Pseudoscience)
Pens and notebooks or sheets of paper

90 min.

Work in pairs.

Beginner (no prior knowledge required)

The trainer begins by presenting the theoretical background and then allows each pair to choose one of the pages.

1. Trainer presentation and instruction.
5 min.

2. The trainer, without the others seeing, divides them into "S" (Science) and "PS" (Pseudoscience) groups
5 min.

3. The "S" groups create news based on scientific research, while the "PS" groups create news based on pseudoscience.
30 min.

4. Each group role-plays their news (similar to news announcers on TV or radio), and the other participants, using various questions, try to determine whether it is based on research or pseudoscience. They must justify their answers.
40 min.

Each learner is requested to share how the experience will help navigate between science-based news and pseudo-science-based news?

This activity can easily be done in an online setting in the same way as described above, just split in breakout rooms for pairs work.

No further resources needed.

Paul Sutter. What is the difference between science and pseudoscience?:
https://www.space.com/science-pseudoscience-what-is-the-difference

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Science and Pseudo-Science:
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pseudo-science/

Encyclopedia.com. Pseudoscience:
https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/culture-magazines/pseudoscience

What is a conspiracy theory?

The information bubble

Why do we believe in conspiracy theories?

Fact checking

What is critical thinking?

How to escape the rabbit hole?

What is critical thinking?

Activity 5 - Science or pseudo science?