Science Archives

Good vs. Bad Blinding in Research: What’s the Difference?

What is blinding in research? How can you tell when a researcher is practicing good blinding? Blinding is a controlled research technique that involves the placebo effect, where neither the patients nor doctors don’t know which drug is being given. However, some researchers use bad blinding techniques to influence the participants in some way. Continue reading to learn how blinding in research works, according to Ben Goldacre’s book Bad Science.

Is There a Creator? Why It Might Be the Most Likely Possibility

Is there a creator? Was the universe designed? Where does the weight of evidence lie? Either the universe was created, or it’s here by chance. Mo Gawdat argues that the materialist view is so improbable that we’re left with the likelihood of intelligent design. He believes that this is a good reason for us to be happy. Continue reading to understand Gawdat’s argument.

Observing Space: How the Full Spectrum of Light Helps Us See

How do astronomers see exploding stars and black holes? How do they observe pulsars and the birth of stars? Astronomers figured out over time that various frequencies of light make it possible to observe space. The full spectrum of light allows them to study the universe in more and more ways. Keep reading for an explanation by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.

What Are Scientific Controls? (Definition & Purpose)

What are scientific controls? Why are they instrumental in experiments? In Bad Science, Ben Goldacre explains that scientific studies are designed to test one treatment at a time, without any influence from other factors. To do this, good researchers make use of scientific controls. Let’s go into more detail on a scientific control’s role in studies.

The Basic Assumptions of Science: Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains

What are the basic assumptions of science? What has been confirmed through experiments and observations? Neil deGrasse Tyson explains that science is universal: we can depend on the laws of nature. Science relies on certain assumptions that we’ve made after sufficient experimentation and observation. Still, there’s room for mystery and discovery. Read more to learn the basic assumptions of science that undergird our understanding of the universe.

The 3 Forms of Data Manipulation in Research

What is data manipulation in research? What are methods of data manipulation you should avoid? Unfortunately, some researchers manipulate data to fit their hypothesis. In Bad Science, Ben Goldacre discusses the ethics of altering data in an unprofessional way. Check out how to spot data manipulation in research.

Distorted Memories: How They Misrepresent the Present

How do memories impact the here and now? How can you minimize the distortions? Humans don’t remember everything exactly the way it happened. While the past is the past, your perception of it is now—and it’s affecting the present. Your distorted memories can cause you to see the present inaccurately. Continue reading to understand how this works and learn what you can do about it.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson

Why should we study astrophysics? What’s dark matter? Are we stardust? In Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Neil deGrasse Tyson explains the current state of astrophysics in layman’s terms. He argues for the real-world benefit of looking at ourselves as part of a larger universe. Keep reading for an overview of this fascinating book.

Mental Filtering: How It Keeps You From Being Happy

How does your brain filter information? How does that mental filtering affect your outlook? Your brain struggles to handle all of the information it takes in. It has to sift out some data. The way it filters impacts your perceptions and ultimately your happiness. Continue reading to understand how mental filtering works and discover what you can do about it.

How the Environment Affects Human Behavior Positively

How does the environment affect human behavior? Is the environment a positive influence on us? In Influencer, the authors claim that you can make the environment a positive influence on your life by taking the necessary steps. If you do, your environment (whether man-made or not) will be instrumental in improving your life. Keep reading to learn how the environment affects human behavior.