Mar 11, 2021 19:00:00

What are the five points to identify those who are trying to reach a 'scientifically wrong conclusion'?

As the pandemic of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is making noise around the world, more and more people are making scientifically false claims about vaccines and COVID-19.

Hassan Vally , an associate professor of public health at La Trobe University , Australia, on the 'five points' of spotting those who try to get into the hearts of anxious people and draw scientifically incorrect conclusions. Explains.

5 ways to spot if someone is trying to mislead you when it comes to science
https://theconversation.com/5-ways-to-spot-if-someone-is-trying-to-mislead-you-when-it-comes-to-science-138814

◆ 1: Bring out the composition of 'we VS them'
Named someone as an 'untrustworthy person or group' in order to discredit those who have scientific evidence is a tactic often used by those who make scientifically false claims. Taking advantage of people's distrust of authority, this technique is simple, but by inciting conflicts as 'there are enemies trying to harm us,' we are irrespective of scientific evidence. It will be easier to trust.

Vally names Australian Parliamentarian Craig Kelly as an example of using this technique. Kelly argued that a 'big government' conspiracy was working as the reason why hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin were not approved for the treatment of COVID-19.

Although these drugs have not been proven effective as treatments for COVID-19, Kelly's claim that 'someone is blocking drug approval' distracts people from scientific evidence. It tries to lead to the wrong conclusion. This is a valid claim to those who believe that their rights are restricted by someone.

◆ 2: Say 'I'm not a scientist'
People who claim to be scientifically wrong tend to think that the first 'I'm not a scientist' is an indulgence to say what you like, ignoring scientific accuracy. Also, the phrase 'I know what science is saying, but I have an open mind' also has a rational idea, ignoring scientific evidence. Used by those who want to remind.

In Australia,

Senator Jim Molan said in a debate about whether climate change was caused by humans, 'I don't rely on evidence.' He claimed that he was thinking about climate change with an open mind, without relying on scientific evidence.

◆ 3: Claim that 'scientifically uncertain'
'This is probably one of the most powerful strategies used to be misleading,' said Vally. It is true that there are many things that science has not made clear conclusions about, and there are many scientific uncertainties, especially regarding COVID-19, which is in the process of being researched. But even when no clear conclusions can be drawn, scientists seek the most accurate view possible based on the available evidence.

Those who make scientifically false claims tend to blame science for not making accurate conclusions in order to exaggerate uncertainty in a field. Attempts to raise doubts about science, confuse people, and undermine science to push through their claims are said to be easy methods to adopt in a digital world.

◆ 4: Oversimplify the explanation
Oversimplifying or generalizing the explanation of things is a factor in creating a conspiracy theory that connects every event to a conspiracy theory. People hate complex explanations that are difficult to understand, but unfortunately science tends to be explained with messy and subtle nuances, which can be confusing. By taking advantage of the human nature that is easily drawn to brief explanations, conspiracy theorists are convinced of scientifically false claims that

'5G is the cause of COVID-19.'

◆ 5: Adopt only convenient evidence
Cherry picking, which employs only the ones that are convenient for you from numerous cases and evidence, is a technique often used by people who make scientifically false claims. Vally points out that cherry pickers treat scientific research like chocolate in a box, taking only evidence that is in line with their views and ignoring evidence that can be disproved. ..

Not all studies in the world have equal credibility, with some credible evidence and some unreliable evidence. It is difficult for the general public to spot evidence of cherry picking, so the final decision should be left to an expert who is familiar with scientific research and has the ability to assess the reliability of the evidence.

Vally pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the speed at which false information spreads in a digital society and how dangerous it is. He argued that the key to avoiding being fooled by misinformation is understanding the tactics used to mislead.