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Shadow of a Doubt - 2000 05
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Title: Shadow of a Doubt Issue: May, 2000 Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) Focus: This issue of the NCAS monthly calendar delves into the topic of "Voodoo Science," examining the blurring lines between genuine scientific inquiry and pseudoscience. It also…
Magazine Overview
Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: May, 2000
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Focus: This issue of the NCAS monthly calendar delves into the topic of "Voodoo Science," examining the blurring lines between genuine scientific inquiry and pseudoscience. It also provides resources for understanding statistics in the media and highlights activities within the skeptical community.
Voodoo Science
The lead article, "Voodoo Science," is presented by Bob Park, a Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland, College Park. Park raises critical questions about how the public perceives science, particularly in light of popular beliefs in spiritual healing grounded in quantum theory, alien visitations, and the use of magnets for health. He questions whether the eagerness to explore speculative ideas has led to a message that "anything is possible," making it difficult for people to distinguish between science and pseudoscience. A talk on this topic by Bob Park was scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2000, from 2pm to 3:30pm at the Bethesda Public Library in Maryland. The NCAS Skeptic Line is provided for further information. The issue also notes that the May 15th issue of Forbes magazine contains an article adapted from Dr. Robert L. Park's book, "Voodoo Science," with a web link provided for access.
Math and the News
This section addresses the use and misuse of statistics in critical thinking, referencing past talks by NCAS member Chip Denman. Two web resources are recommended for those interested in the topic. The first is a monthly web column by John Paulos, author of the book "Innumeracy," available at abcnews.go.com/sections/science/WhosCounting/whoscounting.html. The May column discusses the frequent changes in "top 10" lists, even when the underlying population surveyed remains consistent. The second resource is a monthly newsletter from the Statistical Assessment Service, which objectively analyzes the use and misuse of numbers in newspapers and television. This newsletter is available online at www.stats.org.
How to Raise a Skeptic
This brief section refers to research conducted by NCAS member Stephanie Hall. Two years prior, at an NCAS Weekend event, Hall surveyed attendees on their beliefs. This led to further study, a preliminary version of which is published in "IMPROMPTU JOURNAL ISSUE 4: MARCH, 2000." A web link to this research is provided: www.temple.edu/isllc/newfolk/skeptics.html.
Randi Back on the Radio
Professional skeptic James Randi has launched a weekly radio show airing on Saturdays at 7pm. In South Florida, the show is broadcast on WINZ/Supertalk 940 (AM) and can also be heard on the internet via www.supertalk940.com. An exception to the regular schedule is noted for specific dates: May 20th, July 1st, and September 9th.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The NCAS publication "Shadow of a Doubt" consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific literacy, and skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims and the misrepresentation of data in the media. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and a rigorous understanding of scientific principles, as evidenced by the featured topics on "Voodoo Science" and the analysis of statistical reporting.