2. Provide a real-life example of how this topic is relevant or interesting for you.

I chose this topic because Amelia was so much more than just a disappearance theory. She was a pioneer in the aviation industry, an author and an inspiration to many women. I was interested to learn more about the theories behind her disappearance to get a better understanding of why people are mostly interested in finding out what happened to her instead of focusing on the extraordinary things she accomplished in life. 

3. Which research did you find most interesting?  Why?

The research that I found most interesting was the findings on Nikumaroro Island. Many artifacts were found on the island that were made in America and could have belonged to Earhart. The most compelling artifact found was a jar of anti-freckle cream that Earhart was known to use. Although there could have been other reasons as to why those things were found on the Island, the theory that she crash landed and was a castaway on Nikumaroro Island appears to be the most likely of theories that are currently out there. 

4. What are you most likely to remember from this research?

I am most likely to remember from this research how damaging conspiracy theories can be and just how out of control they can get. Irene Bolam's life became entirely consumed by the theory that she was Earhart and her privacy was invaded for years following. Most people after her death continue to believe that she was Earhart almost erasing the person she actually was.

5. Having completed all the course content, which pseudoscience belief do you think is most harmful?  Which is least harmful?  

Having completed all the course content, I believe that the pseudoscience belief relating ideologies is the most harmful. I think its dangerous that some people won't go see a doctor when they are ill because it's against their beliefs can be very dangerous especially when they have a very young child who is sick. In cases like this you cannot just pray away an illness. This belief can also put others at risk. For example, people who don't believe in vaccinations are not only putting their own children at risk they are also putting others at risk. 

The pseudoscience belief that I think is the least harmful is mystical energy. I think there is little harm in people using crystals or "energy" healing to make themselves feel better. Your health is also greatly related to your mental state so if people believe mystical energy is helping them heal, then in a way it is, because they are more likely to have a positive mindset that is beneficial to their overall health. On the flip side, if mystical energy isn't doing anything at all then it still isn't harming anyone (unless they're trying to use it for serious health issues but in most cases people don't). 

6. If you could pass on your knowledge to a family member or friend, what do you think is the most important thing to pass on?

The most important thing to pass on from this course is how to apply the critical thinking process. Critical thinking applies to so many things in life not just pseudoscience. It's especially useful now with the state of the world and the differing opinions on how to manage the virus and whether or not you should get the vaccine. I've already heard so many rumors about the vaccine and if some people just applied critical thinking I believe there would be so much less confusion and false information spreading around.