Paranormal and Pseudoscience by Alison Childs https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7 Assignment #1 en-us 2018-02-20 18:35:07 UTC 2025-05-19 17:27:32 UTC hello@padlet.com Paranormal and Pseudoscience Assignment #1 ac_childsa https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233440410 By Alison Childs]]> 2018-02-20 18:37:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233440410 Red Flags ac_childsa https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233442858 Watch for these!]]> 2018-02-20 18:42:08 UTC https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233442858 1. Appeal to Authority ac_childsa https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233443808 Definition: A distraction that points to the impressiveness of the claim, such as celebrity endorsement or an actor wearing a lab coat. You may be tricked into thinking that a product will work based on the authoritative figures who support them.
Connection: Kylie Jenner is a celebrity who is endorsing this product, Fit Tea. It is a body detox system that is supposed to help you lose weight. Will it work? You'd have to try it for yourself to know, but people will probably be more willing to give it a shot when their is a celebrity endorsing a product.

]]> 2018-02-20 18:43:45 UTC https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233443808 3. Confirmation Bias ac_childsa https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233443874 Definition:  The act of finding evidence that would confirm or prove your ideas or beliefs while ignoring evidence that would contradict or disprove your ideas or beliefs. This can relate to your political or spiritual beliefs, as some people may go out of their way to ignore contradicting evidence that may hurt their cause.
Connection: A silly cartoon showing that some people will truly go out of their way to seek evidence that only supports their point of view. This extends to many different parties of people, from those who believe in psychics to anti-vaccination groups.

]]> 2018-02-20 18:43:54 UTC https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233443874 2. Suppression by Authorities ac_childsa https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233443905 Definition: A conspiracy of the medical establishment, a statement to entice you into using a product that works so well, that pharmacies or doctors don't want anyone to know about it. This could include diet pills or hair growth products.
Connection: I know everyone has seen this advertisement on TV before or something similar to it. It's claims are so extraordinary and maybe you've been interested in putting it to the test. Unfortunately, most things that claim to be, "too good to be true," are mostly false rather than fact.

]]> 2018-02-20 18:43:57 UTC https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233443905 4. All-Natural ac_childsa https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233443974 Definition: A statement used by marketers to describe ingredients used in a product they are selling. This will give the buyer the impression that the product must work and be healthier, simply because the product is All-Natural. Unfortunately, just because something is all natural, doesn't mean its better. For example, Snake Venom is all natural, but lethal to humans.
Connection: Some products are marketed as being, "all-natural" or "wellness" products, even when science disproves these claims. I have linked below a website that sells magnetic, gold, and copper bracelets. They are said to cure arthritis and sooth aching joints, but again these claims are not true.]]> 2018-02-20 18:44:04 UTC https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233443974 5. Confusing Causation and Correlation ac_childsa https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233444008 Definition: A coincidence that is mistaken for evidence of change. The most common misconceptions include taking an herbal supplement to lose weight or using homeopath remedies. If you are actively trying to lose weight and are also taking a diet pill, you might be likely to believe that your weight loss is the cause of the medication, rather than your eating and exercise habits.
Connection: This brief clip of 'The Simpsons' shows that Lisa claims that the rock keeps tigers away. Homer automatically assumes that the rock is the cause of the lack of tigers, rather than understanding the two instances are unrelated.]]> 2018-02-20 18:44:08 UTC https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233444008 Reasons for Belief ac_childsa https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233555626 Why are people so quick to believe?]]> 2018-02-20 23:43:53 UTC https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233555626 1. Agenticity ac_childsa https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233555883 Definition: The belief that unexplained events are the cause of unidentified agents, such as angels, aliens or ghosts. Some people believe good or lucky things happen to them for a reason, maybe they have a guardian angel, someone watching over them to help them walk through life.
Connection: I chose to use this image to represent the Illuminati. There is a heavy belief that the Illuminati control much of the world, from politicians to pop stars around the globe. Not only are their thought to be celebrities in this inner circle, but conspiracies that the Illuminati control which celebrities die each year.]]> 2018-02-20 23:45:19 UTC https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233555883 2. Emotional Connection ac_childsa https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233555894 Definition: Our emotions can confuse us, it can put a line between rational thought and the need to believe. This can be especially dangerous when dealing with situations where a loved one has passed away. Some people will reach out to mediums or psychics in hopes for answers, or the change to speak to their loved ones again.
Connection: The following link to ABC News is an article on psychic Sylvia Brown and kidnapping victim Amanda Berry. Berry's parents approached Brown while she was filming a television show, desperate for answers on their missing daughter. Brown told the family that Berry had passed away, but years later Berry was found alive after being held hostage for 10 years.]]> 2018-02-20 23:45:24 UTC https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233555894 3. Unexplained ac_childsa https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233555905 Definition: When something happens to you or a friend that seemingly has no explanation, we jump to conclusions and attempt to solve the puzzle ourselves. A magicians trick could be so complex that you'd have no way to explain it, and although a delight to see, most people know that magic is not real.
Connection: If you haven't seen this program, I suggest it as it is very entertaining. Essentially, the Las Vegas Magic act of Penn and Teller, host their own television program that seeks out the most talented Magicians in an attempt to fool the pros. Watch these acts and see if you can figure out their trick, because if it can fool Penn and Teller, it certainly fooled me.]]> 2018-02-20 23:45:28 UTC https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233555905 Critical Analysis ac_childsa https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233573101 2018-02-21 01:34:18 UTC https://padlet.com/ac_childsa/qiqn7dypudw7/wish/233573101