Perhaps the most valuable skill one can learn in life is critical thinking. Critical thinking is not just for scientists and researchers. It can be used to guide decision making for life's choices large and small. Science and technology are an increasingly important part of all of our lives but unfortunately the information is not being communicated to the population at large. Scientists comfortably communicate with other scientists, particularly those in fields related to theirs, but not to the general public. The media and the internet are intermediaries that transmit scientific advances to the public but journalists are not trained scientists and, by in large, do not sufficiently communicate the appropriate limitations on the conclusions drawn and present any caveats of the findings. On the other hand, the ability of the individual to understand the science has its own limitations. The non-scientist probably does not understands the basic concepts of science work and may not appreciate the balance between well established theories and "cutting edge" new findings. Thus, communications between scientists and the general public is highly flawed.
The advent of the internet and its use as a medium for information distribution has brought about a revolution comparable to the invention of the printing press. Unfortunately, the internet does not help people sort through this information, which can often contradictory. People feel confused and overwhelmed and, unfortunately, often simply withdraw leaving the decision making to the experts. Is it possible for the average person to learn how to determine whether the information they hear or read is trustworthy or fraudulent? Or to tell if you are being scammed? Manipulated? Lied to?
There is a way - develop critical thinking skills! Learn to use the Scientific Method to evaluate information and solve problems. It sound difficult but it is not. It just takes practice but, like anything else, the more you use it the better you get. The "Open Science Forum" section of the website is designed to communicate science and scientific critical thinking skills to anyone willing to take the time.
This site is hosted by Dr. Corinne A. Michels, an internationally respected research scientist and educator. She believes that finding the truth is an adventure into the unknown and scientists are the explorers. Join her in the adventure. All you need is a skeptical eye, an open mind, and a willingness to see things as they are not as we wish them to be.
The advent of the internet and its use as a medium for information distribution has brought about a revolution comparable to the invention of the printing press. Unfortunately, the internet does not help people sort through this information, which can often contradictory. People feel confused and overwhelmed and, unfortunately, often simply withdraw leaving the decision making to the experts. Is it possible for the average person to learn how to determine whether the information they hear or read is trustworthy or fraudulent? Or to tell if you are being scammed? Manipulated? Lied to?
There is a way - develop critical thinking skills! Learn to use the Scientific Method to evaluate information and solve problems. It sound difficult but it is not. It just takes practice but, like anything else, the more you use it the better you get. The "Open Science Forum" section of the website is designed to communicate science and scientific critical thinking skills to anyone willing to take the time.
This site is hosted by Dr. Corinne A. Michels, an internationally respected research scientist and educator. She believes that finding the truth is an adventure into the unknown and scientists are the explorers. Join her in the adventure. All you need is a skeptical eye, an open mind, and a willingness to see things as they are not as we wish them to be.
Browse my projects
