1.2 Controversy and Complexity
Key Questions:
- What are the nature of controversial issues?
- How do the scientific method and the peer review process function?
- What are some of the possible consequences of misinterpreting or misusing data?
Many of the issues that are covered in this class are the result of long existing situations and institutions. Our ability to understand why "the world is the way it is" depends on looking very thoroughly at evidence, examining conflicting perspectives, and sorting through statistics.Why is measles making a comeback?
Together in class we will listen to a short segment about a medical procedure that seemed to be progressive but ended up have significant negative consequences. The piece is from a great program called RadioLab that is on public radio. (start listening around 10:45)
After you have read the linked article below about the retracted study related to immunization consider an issue that you feel is particularly controversial and find three articles that reflect varied viewpoints or outlooks. Use these to start your own introduction on your website using the criteria below.
What are the impacts of this discredited theory?
This documentary charts the rise of diseases and ailments that were thought to be nearly wiped out a generation ago. What is herd immunity and how are the clusters of non-inoculated people doing to the rest of the population?
Website Criteria for Global Issues
Each of you will be required to build and maintain a webpage or wikispace that will be organized around each the units of the class (seven in total). When you have established the site you will give me the address and I will add it to my links page.
The individual pages should have 3-5 articles related to the unit topic. For example, if we are examining health issues you can choose to focus on a specific topic such as cancer treatments or DNA research. The linked materials should be related to one another and have contrasting or competing approaches or viewpoints.
Additionally, individual pages should also include 4 images AND an imbedded element such as a video or audio clip or some other form of media such as flash animation or GIFFs'.
The introduction to the unit page will be a 500-700 word reflection that summarizes the information and varied arguments or approaches in the linked articles and other media. How did your topic relate to the topics that we examined in the unit? What potential hazards or benefits are revealed by your research and should be considered? What are the local, national, and global implications for your particular topic?
Spend some time personalizing the page and tailoring it to what you perceive to be the needs of the assignment. The page’s layout and overall look is entirely up to you. If you use Wikispaces, you may choose to include all of your unit and commentary on one page, or you can create a separate page for each unit (which can be easier to organize and follow).
Protect your Privacy! For all internet related assignments and products you should protect your privacy and manage your permissions. If you need help, please let me know!
LINKS:
Read this article before you respond to the discussion question.
Read this interesting article to understand our evolving and often re-considered knowledge on brain function. (very graphic!)
From the Statistics site hosted by Nate Silver.
Consider this article in the context of what people are willing to believe versus what they are capable of proving.