Bad Science

© Copyright 2004 Herbert J. Bernstein

There are many ways in which to do science badly. We can formulate untestable hypothesis. We can formulate sensible hypotheses and then test something else. We can collect bad data. We can analyze our data incorrectly. We can present our results badly. We can fail to reason logically. We can accept unproven or even false premises as if they were proven.

Much of the public does not appreciate science. Distaste for a small amount of science done badly can overwhelm appreciation of the vast amount of science done well.