Re: Pseudoscience and Cyberspace

Actually, I have created my own anti-quackery site for a controversial treatment called thought field therapy. At the site, I review the topic and come to some conclusions that are based more on the evidence than word of mouth reports from proponents. The site is called "Debunking Thought Field Therapy" at:

www.geocities.com/pseudoscience_2000.

I would encourage anyone who is interested to put up similar sites on various topics in psychology with dubious evidence (there's plenty). The goal of such a project is public education. Often you will find the Internet filled with praise for the wackiest things while things written about the topic in scientific journals come to different conclusions. Unfortunately, only scientists read the journals and the public is left in the dark. I'm not saying that we have all the answers yet, far from it. But even if we can't state definatively what works we can state plainly what doesn't. In an age where we have scientifically supported treatments, it would only seem reasonable to put them to use first. You will find that proponents of pseudoscientific therapies do now have any stomach for scientific research. They are only interested in making money. If we don't protect our profession against such things then what are we really good for.

For those interested in the topic, I have some advice on how to do it at my site in my "How to" section. A good site should present the claims and then analyze them against the evidence (or lack there of). In addition, you will find that most of these things share many characteristics of pseudoscience and not real science. Point them out!

My goal would be to have a web ring of alternative treatments that those seeking treatment could utilize. Right now only one side of the argument is presented, it's our job to present the other side.

If anyone is interested in the topic or the project feel free to contact me and I can give you more information.

pseudoscience_2000@yahoo.com

Brian

Replies:

Re: Pseudoscience and Cyberspace, by John, 2/9/00

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