HSC Chemistry 27 October 2023
Sometimes, Science is done well, and it has a positive impact on the community.
Other times, Science is done poorly or it is represented poorly. This has negative impacts on Science, in addition to negative impacts on the community.
Understanding what "good" Science looks like is important
Dr Ben Goldacre is the author of several books on "Bad Science"; he looks at how and why Science can be poorly conducted in a research setting in addition to tackling pseudoscientific claims.
Designing an experiment properly is important for ensuring you collect valid data.
Experimental design can vary depending on what you wish to test.
We have discussed how to set out a graph correctly. Sometimes this is not done out of ignorance, other occasions it is done intentionally to mislead.
Further to misleading graphs, this website highlights the important difference between correlation and causation
The Checkout, while not a Science show, analysed a range of claims made by the cosmetic industry and others.
Ann Reardon does an excellent job of debunking some ridiculous and dangerous "food hacks" and "life hacks", and touches on some significant elements of experimental design, reliability and intellectual (dis)honesty in advertising.