What is science?

Science proposes the world around us can be explained based on observation.  Below is a video and an article about autism.

  "Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior." (See Wikipedia).

1. Listen to a few minutes of the linked video of Jenny McCarthy talking about her son's autism.

Do you think the mercury present in vaccines played a role in her son's autism?

a. Yes, probably.

b. Maybe.

c. No, I don't think so.

2. Now read the following article on mercury (called thimerosal) and vaccines in Denmark.

After reading this article, do you think mercury in vaccines played a role in her son's autism?

a. Yes, probably.

b. Maybe.

c. No, I don't think so.

3.  List some of the differences between Jenny McCarthy's evidence and the study from Denmark.

    a. _______________________

    b._________________________

    c._________________________

What makes a good scientific experiment?

As you read the statements below, see if they apply to Jenny McCarthy's evidence or to the study from Denmark.

1. Is there a control group? (Control groups provide a baseline value to compare with the experimental group).

2.  How many subjects were involved in the study? (Because normal variation exists among people, if the study size is too small, differences between the control and experimental group may be due to chance alone).

3. Were variables other than the topic of study adequately controlled? (The control and experimental group should be similar except for the variable under study).

4.  Are the results of the study presented in the research? (Science depends of critical evaluation of the evidence).

5.  Can the study be replicated? (If the effect is real, it should be able to be repeated).

6.  Is anecdotal evidence the basis for claims? (Anecdotal evidence are stories of individuals, and may not represent the population.  Anecdotal reports are often the starting point for scientific studies).

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