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      <title>Paranormal and Psuedoscience Assignment #1 by </title>
      <link>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf</link>
      <description>Noah Anderson</description>
      <language>en-us</language>
      <pubDate>2021-10-06 17:18:27 UTC</pubDate>
      <lastBuildDate>2023-02-27 07:28:49 UTC</lastBuildDate>
      <webMaster>hello@padlet.com</webMaster>
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         <title>Post #1 Title: Assignment #1</title>
         <author>noahanderson7</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797281546</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<div>Made by Noah Anderson, working independently.</div>]]></description>
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         <pubDate>2021-10-06 17:20:01 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797281546</guid>
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         <title>Post #2 Red Flag: Confusion of Correlation With Causation</title>
         <author>noahanderson7</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797317966</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<div>Definition: <br>Correlation means that two variables move in the same direction, though this does not mean that either affect one another or are even remotely related.&nbsp; <strong>Confusion of Correlation With Causation</strong> is when one believes that the variables are similar because of causation between then despite them not influencing each other at all.<br><br>Connection:<br>The graph shown (Found from <a href="http://www.tylervigen.com/view_correlation?id=1703#:~:text=%20%20%20%20%20%202000%20,%20%20%20%20%20%20%20">tylervigen.com</a>) connects to the <strong>Confusion of Correlation With Causation </strong>Red Flag. It shows the correlation between the divorce rate in Maine and the USA per capita consumption of margarine. There is no way these two can be related because the divorce rate within one state cannot influence the entire nations consumption of margarine. Vice versa, the national consumption of margarine cannot cause divorce within a single state. This goes to show that correlation does not always suggest causation and the belief that it does can be misleading. One should be sure to analyze the variables and acknowledge how they may or may not be affecting one another.&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="http://i1.wp.com/flowingdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Divorce-rate-in-Maine-vs-margarine.png?fit=620%2C457" />
         <pubDate>2021-10-06 17:32:53 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797317966</guid>
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         <title>Post #3 Red Flag: Red Herring</title>
         <author>noahanderson7</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797574405</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<div>Definition: <br>A <strong>Red Herring</strong> is a clue or piece of information that serves the purpose of misleading or distracting from a present issue. This can be in the form of shifting focus to irrelevant evidence to distract from an investigation, or an irrelevant defense which serves the purpose of distracting opposition. <br><br>Connection:<br>This article contains information regarding Donald Trump's impeachment defense. House impeachment managers and&nbsp; Senate Democrats wished to force additional testimony through witnesses. In response, Trump's lawyers claimed that any attempts to do would compromise the presidents ability to tend to his responsibilities of national security. This response was a <strong>Red Herring</strong> to prevent support against Trump.</div>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="https://www.wired.com/story/trump-national-security-impeachment-defense/" />
         <pubDate>2021-10-06 19:13:43 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797574405</guid>
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         <title>Post #4 Red Flag: Mystical Energy</title>
         <author>noahanderson7</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797605472</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<div>Definition:<br><strong>Mystical Energy</strong> is a common theme in pseudoscience that includes Life Force, Chi, Negative Energy and Positive Energy. Within pseudoscience, <strong>Mystical Energy </strong>is commonly treated as a spiritual energy that one can draw power from through the use of meditation, crystals or other means to heal themselves or to ward off negative emotions and evil spirits.<br><br>Connection:<br>&nbsp;The website linked within this post (reikiinfinitehealer.com), contains a service intended to teach individuals to become masters of a&nbsp;<strong>Mystical Energy&nbsp;</strong>technique called Reiki. Reiki involves meditations, "Reiki Breath", sacred symbols, healing techniques and crystals, which are all intended to "heal" the user. It also makes claims that crystal healing may cause physical problems to go away, as well states that experiences may vary. This extraordinary claim, followed by a no-guarantee disclaimer and the fact that it costs money as well as contains additional purchase options makes it a <strong>Mystical Energy </strong>red flag. &nbsp;</div>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="https://www.reikiinfinitehealer.com/lp/reiki-home-course" />
         <pubDate>2021-10-06 19:29:05 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797605472</guid>
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         <title>Post #5 Red Flag: All Natural</title>
         <author>noahanderson7</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797656177</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<div>Definition:<br>There is a common misconception that <strong>All Natural </strong>substances and remedies are more beneficial than artificial ones and that they cannot be harmful. This belief can lead to consumption or usage of harmful substances believed to be safe due to them being completely natural and unaltered. <br><br>Connection:<br>An <strong>All Natural </strong>herb known as "Kava" has been used by Polynesians for centuries and was later adopted by the west in the late 20th century. This herb has been known to alleviate stress, help insomnia and reduce anxiety. Commonly being consumed as a beverage, it had been reported to cause liver damage due to its rising popularity supported by its <strong>All Natural </strong>status. The belief that natural remedies are always safe can be dangerous as many natural substances such as lead, mercury and even excessive consumption of nutmeg are harmful. Substances should always be researched and should not be dismissed if modified, as modifications can be solely for the purpose of removing the harmful attributes. <br><br>
</div>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="https://www.sonima.com/food/dangerous-herbal-remedies/" />
         <pubDate>2021-10-06 19:54:24 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797656177</guid>
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         <title>Post #6 Red Flag: Appeal to Authority</title>
         <author>noahanderson7</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797742038</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<div>Definition:<br><strong>Appeal to Authority </strong>is a fallacy/argument using the claim that because something is approved, supported or believed by an authority, it must be true. This can be incredible common within endorsements, religion and the media.<br><br>Connection:<br>Thalidomide was a drug marketed in 1956 which then spread to many countries around the world and was described as a "miracle" drug that was intended to alleviate pregnancy nausea with no risk. Thousands of samples were given to medical professionals which were then encouraged to prescribe it. Due to it being considered safe by said professionals, its credibility was trusted by consumers. Only four years after its release as a nausea drug, reports of side effects affecting the nervous system and severe birth deformities were reported. Despite this, the drug was not pulled off of all markets until 1963. This tragedy caused by the <strong>Appeal to Authority </strong>stretched from doctors being influenced by authorities and then consumers being convinced of its safety by medical professionals goes to show how dangerous and tragic this red flag can be.&nbsp;<br><br><br><br>
</div>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="https://thalidomide.ca/en/what-is-thalidomide/" />
         <pubDate>2021-10-06 20:39:29 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797742038</guid>
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         <title>Post #7 Reason for Belief: Unexplained</title>
         <author>noahanderson7</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797808080</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<div>Definition:<br>The <strong>Unexplained </strong>reason for belief is when one cannot explain an event, optical illusion or phenomenon, so instead they create their own explanation that may relate to greater or unseen forces, such as magic, ghosts or a far fetched semi-scientific reason. This can also tie in with <strong>Perception and Observation.</strong><br><br>Connection:<br>Gravity Hills are optical illusions that were commonly attributed to supernatural forces or magnetism through the <strong>Unexplained </strong>reason for belief. Gravity Hills cause their illusion by obscuring the horizon, causing their small downhill slope to appear uphill due to the altered perception. This makes rolling objects such as vehicles appear as if they are being pulled uphill by a magnetic or supernatural force, an assumption made by the lack of a prior scientific explanation.&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="https://www.geographyrealm.com/what-are-gravity-hills/" />
         <pubDate>2021-10-06 21:19:23 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797808080</guid>
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         <title>Post #8 Reason for Belief: Agenticity</title>
         <author>noahanderson7</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797834363</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<div>Description:&nbsp;<br><strong>Agenticity&nbsp;</strong>is when reason or intention is assigned to invisible entities or organizations to otherwise explain natural events. This is heavily due to humans natural tendency to seek meaning behind actions and events. <br><br>Connection:<br>Due to the large amount of speculation as to how the Great Pyramids may have been built, many people attribute their construction to aliens through <strong>Agenticity</strong>. There was no methods of photography in ancient Egypt and this fact is falsely used as reasoning as to why alien construction may be a possibility due to no images proving otherwise. There is still many questions and speculations as to how the Egyptians had built their pyramids and the lack of an absolute answer causes individuals to assign the reasoning to aliens. <br><br>
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         <enclosure url="https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/1390215383/726812f066a17c00154c63fb4c8d5012/alien_pyramid.webp" />
         <pubDate>2021-10-06 21:34:47 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797834363</guid>
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         <title>Post #9 Reason for Belief: Emotional Connection</title>
         <author>noahanderson7</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797856373</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<div>Definition:&nbsp;<br><strong>Emotional Connection</strong>s can obscure reasoning, rational thought and logical conclusions. Emotional ties with an individual or event can cause belief based purely off of emotion, devoid of reason. <br><br>Connection:<br>The vulnerability that can be caused by deep <strong>Emotional Connection </strong>is commonly taken advantage of, notably by practitioners of psychic pseudoscience. Psychic scammers, are self proclaimed psychics that will prey upon the emotional vulnerabilities of clients. They will take advantage through giving readings that tell the client exactly what they wish to hear, whether it be a message from a departed loved one or a prediction indicating good fortune. The <strong>Emotional Connection </strong>will cause the client to return, to which the psychic will continue to capitalize off of said connection. <br><br>
</div>]]></description>
         <enclosure url="https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/psychic-scam#:~:text=Psychic%20scams%20deprive%20citizens%20of%20both%20money%20and,future%2C%20or%20even%20help%20them%20find%20their%20soulmate." />
         <pubDate>2021-10-06 21:49:15 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797856373</guid>
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         <title>Post #10 Critical Analysis: Appeal to Authority - Thalidomide</title>
         <author>noahanderson7</author>
         <link>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797870712</link>
         <description><![CDATA[<div>Define Problem:<br>The issue at hand was the <strong>Appeal to Authority&nbsp;</strong>from doctors and mothers having believed that Thalidomide was safe due to an authority above each promoting it. <br><br>Gather Information:<br>The source <a href="https://thalidomide.ca/en/"><strong>Thalidomide Victims Association Of Canada</strong></a><strong> </strong>provides information regarding the history and effects of Thalidomide. It provides its arguments against the drug by providing said history and highlighting the tragic effects caused by its usage. It further supports its argument through photographic evidence of the deformities caused and by calling out the negligence of the authorities that promoted its usage. <br><br>Evaluate Evidence:<br>The source is indeed credible due to the involvement of first hand Thalidomide survivors providing information based off of their experiences. There is proof in the form of photographic evidence. The facts have been checked and the link between Thalidomide and birth defects has been confirmed due to the magnitude of its aftermath. The scale of its aftermath eliminated the need for the scientific method due to its clearness. <br><br>Recognize Assumptions, Emotions, Biases:<br>Personal assumptions. biases and emotions relating to the <strong>Appeal to Authority </strong>are a sense of ease and security caused&nbsp; by receiving information from an authority who is assumed to be knowledgeable. The bias is towards those who claim otherwise but are ignored due to their lack of authority on the matter. The impact of the Personal assumptions. biases and emotions was the large scale usage of the drug and approval from authorities and doctors, giving the sense that it was harmless and that their judgement could be fully trusted. <br><br>Synthesize Evidence, Identify Alternatives:<br>Due to the turbulent history of anti-nausea medication for pregnant mothers, alternatives to Thalidomide should be proven safe over a longer period of time so that short term and long term effects can be accounted for. One such alternative is ginger. Ginger is proven to assist in reducing nausea and is completely harmless (excluding allergies), though it falls short due to having much more limited effectiveness as opposed to medications. As researched on <a href="https://www.pillcheck.ca/2019/01/22/pregnancy-and-nausea/"><strong>pillcheck.ca</strong></a>, medications including Ondansetron are considered safe for use. Though recent studies have discovered a small yet concerning risk of oral clefts within the first trimester. Fortunately, there is no increased risk of overall birth deformities for infants. Depending on the mother's metabolism of the CYP2D6 enzyme, the drug can either have no effect or build up depending on how quickly it passes through the body.&nbsp;<br><br>Select Best Alternative:<br><br>The best alternative to Thalidomide in this situation comes down to ones own metabolism and willingness to take a risk. If one wishes for no risk at the cost of less effectiveness, then ginger is the best alternative. If one is willing to consider risk and wants greater effectiveness, then they should consider getting their CYP2D6 metabolism checked and take&nbsp;Ondansetron as their best alternative. <br><br><br><br><br><br>
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         <pubDate>2021-10-06 21:59:29 UTC</pubDate>
         <guid>https://padlet.com/noahanderson7/bx3dujltpugvbwmf/wish/1797870712</guid>
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