Category Archives: Nature of Science

Basic Statistics Part 5: Means vs Medians, Is the “Average” Reliable?

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Fallacy Man

To many people, this may seem like the most boring topic in the world, but it is actually vitally important not only for understanding scientific results, but also for understanding much of the data that we are presented with on … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature of Science | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Who reviews scientific papers and how do reviews work?

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Fallacy Man

I spent my afternoon reviewing a paper for a scientific journal and making a recommendation about whether or not the paper should be published. As a scientist, this is not an uncommon task for me, but it is a process … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature of Science | Tagged | 10 Comments

Are scientists arrogant, close-minded, and dismissive?

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Fallacy Man

I spend a lot of time debating people who reject science, and I have observed a common tendency for people to try to dismiss scientific results by attacking scientists with accusations that they are, “arrogant,” “close-minded,” “dismissive” and don’t “take … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature of Science | Tagged , , , | 27 Comments

If cannabis and vitamin B17 kill cancer, why aren’t they approved by the FDA? Let me explain

Posted on July 4, 2016 by Fallacy Man

It seems like hardly a week goes by without some news article claiming that a simple cure to cancer has been found. Similarly, social media is full of images like the one to right claiming that cannabis oil, vitamin B17, … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature of Science, Vaccines/Alternative Medicine | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Understanding grants in science: doing research without selling your soul

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Fallacy Man

Last week was a good week for me, because I received a several thousand dollar grant for my research, so I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about exactly what that means. Many people seem to be under … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature of Science | Tagged , | 8 Comments