in http://scienceornot.net/science-red-flags/
There I was browsing through this article...
... Which has a table with several of these red flags and, for each, a link to an in-depth description, like
.... When I come across this familiar name:
and the link leads to
Not exactly what our apo is doing around here.... I think!
There I was browsing through this article...
Quote:Science red flags
These red flags are indicators of either bad science or unscientific nonsense. The more of them you can identify in a claim, the less reliable it will be. They should be compared to the Hallmarks of science, which indicate science that’s conducted properly.
... Which has a table with several of these red flags and, for each, a link to an in-depth description, like
Quote:Empty edicts – absence of empirical evidence .. This tactic shows up when people make claims in the form of bald statements – “this is the way it is” or “this is true” or “I know/believe this” or “everybody knows this” – without any reference to supporting evidence.
.... When I come across this familiar name:
Quote:Perceiving phoney patterns: apophenia .. This happens when you convince yourself, or someone tries to convince you, that some data reveal a significant pattern when really the data are random or meaningless.
and the link leads to
Quote:Why do people use this tactic?
This is one of those tactics we use on ourselves – a cognitive bias which prevents us from thinking rationally. We have all evolved the ability to detect patterns and regularities in our environment. Our ancestors used patterns they found in the seasons, in animal behaviour, in the earth’s crust, in materials, to help them survive. It is the major task of science to uncover patterns. Unfortunately, we often succumb to wishful thinking and ‘discover’ patterns that we want to be there, but are not. That’s apophenia. And scammers are quite prepared to exploit it.
What’s wrong with this tactic
Apophenia leads you to believe, wrongly, that you have evidence to support a position when you don’t. You believe you can continue to gamble because you’re on a winning streak, or that Mars is inhabited because some observers see canal-like patterns on its surface. It can lead you to ignore evidence that falsifies your position, or that supports a contrary position.
What to do when confronted by this tactic
Since it’s usually wishful thinking that leads us to find non-existent patterns, we need to guard against it first. Look for the signs, and guard against the temptation to dismiss evidence that doesn’t support your wishes. Beware of those who try to exploit your tendency for wishful thinking and discipline yourself to accept only conclusion that are supported by real-world evidence.
Not exactly what our apo is doing around here.... I think!
