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Science Literacy Sketchnotes: Critical Thinking Pt. 2

Wow, this module was a doozy, which likely means that I had a lot to learn in the area of CRITICAL THINKING. Here are my notes where I ended up going on a personal journey regarding my recent purchase of some aromatherapy for sleep.

And then, slowly begin to recollect all the conspiracy theories I have seen in Instagram Stories… the little video I’ve included at the end is worth a watch for some clarity on falsifiability and how that concept is not used in conspiracy theories.

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence - Carl Sagan
The strength of evidence. Where is the evidence? Does the evidence support? Is the source and evidence reputable? Revise claim based on evidence.
Going through the process of researching if aromatherapy can help me sleep. I sort through claims (does this sound too good to be true?), be picky about evidence sources, the findings are complex depending on use. Do not use as replacement for medical treatment. The essential oil ingredients in my roll-ons have seen some calming benefits in people.
Wow, there is so much to think about when I'm researching and trying to remain critical and logical. Main point - Slow down to the speed of science!
What is Falsifiability? Ideas or statements that can be disproven through testing and evidence. "A theory which is not refutable by any conceivable event is unscientific. " Karl Popper.
Risky Predictions - basically, they provide addition contingencies on a theory to make it EXTRA falsifiable. This is something pseudoscience doesn't do.
Occam's Razor - the simplification of explanations that increase our understanding. Accounts for what is supported by evidence, to simplify explanations.
Wait a second, Occam's Razor is for what? My take is that if someone was telling me a theory they heard or read and it is complex and bewildering, I can use Occam's razor to cut through the B.S. FTI: conspiracy theories are usually 1) complex 2) Unfalsifiable.

This is a great little video that was shared in my class.

Science Literacy MOOC Sketchnotes



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