Pathological Science

Prof. Smoot's Physics 10 class


An important scientist, Langmuir investigated why sometimes there are occassionally very incorrect scientific findings that persist and cause great controversey. After all the scientific method is designed to uncover the best results and explanations independent of the experimenter's authority and rank but based upon the results of observation of Nature. Langmuir found that in certain cases there was a failure of the scientific approach that resembled an ``illness''. He called these cases pathological science and suggested how one might recognize pathological science. His "textbook case" was the discovery of N-rays but one could as easily use the more modern version cold fusion.

Symptoms of Pathological Science

The maximum effect that is observed is produced by a causative agent of barely detectable intensity, and the magnitude of the effect is substantially independent of the intensity of the cause.

The effect is of a magnitude that remains close to the limit of detectability or, many measurements are necessary because of the very low statistical significance of the results.

There are claims of great accuracy.

Fantastic theories contrary to expenence are suggested.

Criticisms are met by ad hoc excuses thought up on the spur of the moment.

The ratio of supporters to critics rises up to somewhere near 50% and then falls gradually to oblivion. Often a cult forms.