Look at your Facebook newsfeed – how many things do you see there that talk about science or scientific studies? Do you believe them all? Here’s John Oliver to help us separate the good from the bad:
2:20 He wants to help us distinguish “bullshit currently masquerading as science.” What are some examples he gives?
2:49 What’s the first factor which may influence the quality of scientific studies?
3:05 What are some ways that scientists “tweak” (manipulate) their results?
4:20 Why is replication important? What’s the current problem with replication studies?
5:21 What happens to scientific studies as they reach the media? What’s the example he gives?
7:36 Who else is to blame?
9:01 What details were missing from the champagne study?
12:31 What were the “red flags” in the hydration study?
14:38 What is Al Roker’s advice on scientific studies?
15:12 Why is that dangerous?
15:33 What is John Oliver’s recommendation?
