The Nature of Scientific Research

Currently, you are competing in the The Great Immigration Debate in your U.S. History classes. Because pseudosciences are also generally connected to controversial topics, this is a great time to practice transferring research skills across subjects. Use the following guides to help you with both this and your U.S. history project. .     Thinking about Think Tanks  CONSIDER: How might "think tanks" might be used and abused in the study of science.   Asking Essential Questions CONSIDER: How can the habit of asking questions encourage real science?

Remember that in research, determining an author's personal knowledge level (that is, education) is not enough. Consider, again, the pyramid of evidence for scientific research.  The ideas or opinions of a single expert are considered the least credible of scientific sources. Be prepared to determine research affiliations and potential biases.

Using Google or another  search engine, identify and make a list of  think tanks or "official" organizations associated with the pseudoscientific claim you are investigating. Select one and submit an evaluation of the organization below: