Junk Science: Definition, History, and Characteristics
The term “junk science” is used to describe research that is lacking in scientific rigor and is based on incomplete or inadequate data or assumptions. It is typically used to discredit or dismiss scientific studies whose results are seen as inconvenient or contradicting the accepted view. Junk science is often used to persuade the public or decision makers, and can be found in both research and advocacy.
Definition
Junk science is most commonly defined as the use of dubious scientific evidence to support a predetermined conclusion. It is characterized by a lack of scientific accuracy, validity, reliability, and objectivity. This includes data that is incomplete, biased, or manipulated to support a particular point of view. Junk science often uses faulty reasoning, such as making broad generalizations from a limited set of data points or extrapolating beyond the scope of the data. Additionally, it may involve exaggeration, mischaracterization of the data, or misinformation. In all cases, the results are not based on sound scientific methods.
History
The term “junk science” was first used in the 1950s by journalist Irving Langmuir, who was a member of the Atomic Energy Commission. In his article, “Pathological Science”, he used the term to describe research that was poorly designed and lacked proper scientific methodology. Over the years, the term has been used by various groups to discredit or dismiss scientific studies whose results are seen as inconvenient or contradictory to the accepted view. It has been used to support political or economic agendas, as well as to oppose certain public policies.
Characteristics
The characteristics of junk science can be broken down into three categories: a lack of scientific rigor, an incomplete or inadequate data set, and biased or manipulated data.
Lack of Rigor: Junk science is often characterized by a lack of scientific accuracy, validity, reliability, and objectivity. It may involve faulty reasoning, such as extrapolating beyond the scope of the data, or making broad generalizations from a limited set of data points. Additionally, junk science may involve exaggeration, mischaracterization of the data, or misinformation.
Incomplete or Inadequate Data Set: Junk science is often based on an incomplete or inadequate data set. This includes data that is biased, manipulated, or misrepresented to support a particular point of view.
Biased or Manipulated Data: Junk science may involve the use of biased or manipulated data to support a predetermined conclusion. This includes data that is incomplete, biased, or manipulated to support a particular point of view.
Conclusion
The term “junk science” is used to describe research that is lacking in scientific rigor and is based on incomplete or inadequate data or assumptions. It is typically used to discredit or dismiss scientific studies whose results are seen as inconvenient or contradicting the accepted view. Junk science is often used to persuade the public or decision makers, and can be found in both research and advocacy. Characteristics of junk science include a lack of scientific rigor, an incomplete or inadequate data set, and biased or manipulated data.
References
Adams, C.E., & Kleiner, K.B. (2017). Junk science: How bad science and bad journalism are ruining our lives. Oxford University Press.
Gross, S. R. (2010). Pathological science and ‘junk science’. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 24(3), 459-468.
Langmuir, I. (1953). Pathological science. Physics Today, 7, 36–48.
National Research Council. (1996). Science and judgment in risk assessment. National Academies Press.
Rohwer, T. (2012). How junk science creeps into health and environmental policy. Guardian News and Media.