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Hauntings, homeopathy, and the Hopkinsville Goblins: using pseudoscience to teach scientific thinking

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Last modified
  • 03/05/2025
Type of Material
Authors
    Rodney Schmaltz, MacEwan UniversityScott Lilienfeld, Emory University
Language
  • English
Date
  • 2014-04-17
Publisher
  • Frontiers Media
Publication Version
Copyright Statement
  • © 2014 Schmaltz and Lilienfeld.
License
Final Published Version (URL)
Title of Journal or Parent Work
ISSN
  • 1664-1078
Volume
  • 5
Abstract
  • With access to information ever increasing, it is essential that students acquire the skills to distinguish fact from fiction. By incorporating examples of pseudoscience into lectures, instructors can provide students with the tools needed to understand the difference between scientific and pseudoscientific or paranormal claims. We discuss examples involving psychics, ghosts, aliens, and other phenomena in relation to scientific thinking. In light of research literature demonstrating that presenting and dispelling scientific misconceptions in the classroom is an effective means of countering non-scientific or pseudoscientific beliefs, we provide examples of pseudoscience that can be used to help students acquire healthy skepticism while avoiding cynicism.
Author Notes
  • Correspondence: Rodney Schmaltz, Department of Psychology, MacEwan University, City Centre Campus, 6-370, 10700-104 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, Canada e-mail: rodney.schmaltz@macewan.ca
Keywords
Research Categories
  • Psychology, General

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