Keys to Science Thinking

The simple rules of Science Thinking can help you determine the truth of claims like:

  • "Product A" will result in weight loss with no change in life style required.
  • "Product B" will prevent colds.
  • "Product C" will slow the aging process.
  • "Product D" will help you reduce stress and maintain a positive outlook.
  • "Product E" will improve mental clarity and focus.
  • "Product F" will improve your immune system function.

When evaluating a claim, ask the following questions:

  1. Do I want to believe it?
    We all have our own personal biases, which often do not act in our best interests. When health, weight, intelligence, wealth, or beauty are at stake we are vulnerable. We want to believe that these areas can be affected with little or no effort on our parts.

    Wanting to believe a claim, or becoming excited by a claim, should set off a Science Thinking Alert (STA) that causes you to be particularly diligent in using the tools of Science Thinking.
  2. How reliable is the source?
    Science Thinking requires that the credentials of the claimant(s) be scrutinized. Does it make sense, for example, to call on an electrician when you have a plumbing problem? Does it make sense to act on medical advice received from a doctor of musicology? a lawyer? a pre-school teacher?

    If the person making the claim is not an expert in the field - STA!
  3. Is there corroborating evidence?
    Science Thinking requires that new claims be confirmed by more than one source. It is only after claims withstand repeated challenges that they should be accepted. The more extraordinary the claim, the greater the importance of supporting evidence.

    Claims that have minimal or no corroborating evidence should trigger an STA.
  4. Who benefits from my belief?
    Exaggerated claims are accepted in many areas, but are unacceptable in the realm of Science Thinking. Science Thinking requires that the person making a claim is ethically above reproach.

    Claimants who have a personal financial stake in your believing their claim may deceive themselves and you for their own financial gain. This is an example of what is called a conflict of interest. Science Thinking requires that any conflict of interest on the part of a claimant be revealed and scrutinized.

    If the claimant has a personal financial stake in your believing the claim, this should prompt an STA.
  5. Does the claim make sense?
    If psychics can see into the future, why aren't they all rich? If mind-readers can read minds, why can't they help in the courtroom? If a weight-loss product works without any "change in life-style," why isn't everyone skinny? What benefit is it to the medical profession to keep secrets from the public about possible cures for cancer and other illnesses?

    Claims that intuitively make little sense should activate an STA.