Pathological Science
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.