December 5, 2022
Anti-science movements are rapidly expanding and evolving. Our tools, as skeptics and critical thinkers, must also evolve to meet this growing threat.
Free Article: Skeptical Inquirer Sep/Oct 2022
Discussion Questions:
- What is the difference between Debunking and Prebunking? Why is it important?
- What is an echo chamber? What problems can they cause?
- A study cited in the article (p. 41) showed that rational arguments were more effective in reducing conspiratorial beliefs when compared to “ridiculing” these beliefs. “Empathizing” with the targets of conspiracy theories was found to be ineffective. Why do you think this is the case, and what sort of problems does it introduce to skeptical activists?
- The author highlights a few reasons why schools and universities have failed to teach critical thinking skills(p. 43). Discuss this and brainstorm potential ways in which an organization like yours can provide resources to combat this.
- A number of scientific studies have shown that if you expose people to weak forms of misinformation, they can build up an “immunity” so that stronger forms of misinformation will have less influence on them. How might skeptical activists “expose” people in controlled and productive ways? (You might use the group activity as an example)
Group Activity:
Use our guide on Melanie Trecek-King’s article “How to Sell Pseudoscience” and have your group develop their own campaign to promote a fictional pseudoscientific product, using each of Trecek-King’s techniques to help your group recognize the tactics being used by peddlers of nonsense.
Important Citations:
- McIntyre 2021-Talking to Science Deniers and Sceptics is Not Hopeless (Nature)
- Cook 2020 – Using Humor and Games to Counter Science Misinformation (SI)
About the Author:
Nick Tiller (MRes, Ph.D) is a researcher in applied physiology at Harbor-UCLA, an accredited physiologist, and author of the award-winning book The Skeptic’s Guide to Sports Science (Routledge). Contact Nick.