Scientific Literacy

    Tool for Success—Being a Critical Reader—continued

    You can test these claims by asking yourself a series of questions:

    Is the person making the claim an expert in that particular area of science?

    Answer

    No, he/she is a salesperson, not a scientist.

    Does the product work the way it is supposed to?

    Answer

    No, colourful images by themselves do not make good science.

    How do you know the product works safely?

    Answer

    If half the rats died after moderate exposure, you shouldn't go near the stuff!

    Did the evidence being presented come from scientific experiments that support the product or from personal testimonials?

    Answer

    The evidence came just from testimonials.

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