STEMskiller: Skill Set Map for Mentors of Early Career Researchers

RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP: Academic reading and writing

[Preparing to write]

Evaluating use and misuse of scientific information

Definition:

Mentees should be able to evaluate the use and misuse of scientific information (e.g., recognize a valid scientific course of action, distinguish the appropriate use of science in making societal decisions). Ways for mentees to learn about “proper” use of scientific information include understanding scientific argumentation (see section: Justifying inferences, predictions, conclusions) and the analysis of scientific articles respected in one’s field in order to understand scientific argumentation in the context of the scientific literature. 

Useful resources on Evaluating use and misuse of scientific information:

Hansson, S. O. (Summer 2017 Edition). Science and Pseudo-Science. Zalta, E.N., (Ed.), The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2017/entries/pseudo-science/

Detailed description of current understandings of the demarcation line between “science” and “pseudo-science.” Includes an area mentees may encounter in their daily lives, “3.2 Non-science positing as science.” Links to additional reading of this topic.

Jarry, J. (2018). Correactology® or How to Identify a Pseudoscience. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/general-science-quackery/correactologyr-or-how-identify-pseudoscience

Case study including tips for identifying pseudoscience in the commercial health sphere.

UC Museum of Paleontology at the University of Berkeley. (2007). Understanding Science: How Science Really Works: Scientific scrutiny. https://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/0_0_0/socialsideofscience_04

Describes the checks and balances the scientific community typically employs to evaluate evidence and ideas.

UCLA Libraries WI+RE Team. (2020). C.R.E.A.T.E.S.: An Innovative Method for Understanding Scientific Articles. https://uclalibrary.github.io/creates/index.html 

This self-guided online tutorial with six modules helps students understand the components of scientific articles.

Tags: IPS IA; IPS QL; IPS PS; IAL IntL; CompQ; CompTS

Peer Review: None

Table of contents:

1.2. Academic reading and writing


1.2.1. Preparing to write


1.2.1.1. Searching the literature
1.2.1.2. Analysis and synthesis
1.2.1.3. Critical reading
1.2.1.4. Critical thinking


1.2.1.5. Evaluating use and misuse of scientific information
1.2.1.6. Reading and interpreting graphs, plots, statistical data
1.2.1.7. Organizing a writing project
1.2.1.8. Citing correctly and reference/citation management tools
1.2.1.9. Copyright: definition, why considered important/or not important, things to consider


1.2.2. Writing specifics for different academic formats


1.2.3. Grant proposals


1.2.4. Corresponding with others

 

Author: Stephanie Krueger

Peer Reviewer(s): None

Last Updated: October 22, 2021