Final Examination, Fall 1999

This  final examination is a take home exam, due to Dr. Zimmerman by  December 15 at 4:30 PM.  It may be delivered to his office (418 Jefferson), his secretary (404 Jefferson), or sent to him by e-mail (larry-zimmerman@uiowa.edu). If you send by e-mail, do not remove it from your computer until you have received acknowledgment of receipt.

Answer only five (5) questions  from the list of questions below. Each question you answer will receive equal weight for the exam grade.

When you answer each question, be certain to provide detailed examples to support your contentions. Make certain the relevancy of the example is spelled out.

1. What do you think the obligations of scientists are in "debunking" pseudoscientific claims or beliefs? Should they actually confront pseudoscientists? Give at least two detailed examples from classroom materials.

2. Harrold and Eve note that within five years after taking this class, most of you will have lost the benefit of class in terms of recognizing pseudoscientific claims. How do you think this might successfully be avoided?

3. What is the danger or impact of pseudoscience? Give several examples.

4. Why do people seem so desperate to hold onto their belief in the occult, pseudoscience, and similar claims or approaches in spite of all the evidence to the contrary? 

5. Most pseudoscientific beliefs fail to give much credit to human creativity and resourcefulness. Why do some people think that humans were incapable of building the pyramids, for example? Take one instance where this is evident -- the pyramids of Egypt and Mexico, the Moundbuilder myth, Easter Island statues, or ancient astronauts -- and analyze the key issues in it relating to how little or no confidence is placed in human ability. What are the inherent "dangers" of such a view in terms of its impact on people?

6. Hoaxes have played an important role in the history of science and pseudoscience. What are motivations for hoaxes? What is their danger? Give at least one detailed example.

7. Explain what is meant by "extraordinary claims demand extraordinary proof." Give several examples.

 8. "Straw man" arguments are among the most common logical fallacies or tactics used by pseudoscientists. What does that mean? Give at least one specific example from the class where you've seen this. What are some of the other forms of fallacies or tactics? Give examples.

9. Why is intuitive science so difficult to overcome? How could scientists improve science education? What obligations do scientists have to the public?

10. Humans seem to have a drive to make sense out of reality. Where does science fit in that process? Is science the best way of "knowing?" What are its strengths? Weaknesses?

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larry-zimmerman@uiowa.edu
University of Iowa Anthropology
12/2/99