1775 Y2019-20 Lies Damned Lies and Science Assignment Guidelines PDF

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2019-20 NATS 1775 Book Assignment Guidelines Instructor: Dr. Vera Pavri 1. Which book do I have to read for this assignment? One of the books that you have been assigned in this course is Sherry Seethaler’s, Lies, Damned Lies and Science: How to sort through the noise around Global Warming, the latest health claims, and other scientific controversies (FT Press, 2009). 2. What is the point of this assignment? The purpose of this assignment goes back to one of the main objectives in the course: to make you a more informed and knowledgeable citizen, a better student, and a more critical and confident consumer. In addition, it will also help you to: a) Survey and investigate the risks and benefits as well as intended and unintended consequences of scientific and technological development on both humans and the environment. b) Adopt a multi-perspective approach (e.g. consider economic, social, cultural, religious, political, legal and environmental factors) when attempting to understand, solve problems or make informed decisions about science and technology in both past and present day contexts. c) Interpret quantitative information (presented numerically and graphically) when studying and analyzing science and technology related issues. d) Effectively communicate an understanding of course content and respect ownership of data by correctly summarizing, paraphrasing, and/or quoting information and appropriately cite sources relevant to research. e) Differentiate between legitimate scientific methods (e.g. model building, hypothesis testing, experimentation, measurement, data management and analysis) and poor (“bad”) science practices by examining a variety factors including (but not limited to): study bias, sample sizes, placebo effect, and correlation versus causality. For example, if you are unfamiliar with how scientists work, then how can you tell the difference between “good” and “bad” scientific practices? How can you unpack evidence and statistics in a science or technological controversy and determine who the stakeholders are, and whether they are telling the truth or making exaggerated claims?

If you are interested in buying the latest cream/pill/potion that promises to make you stronger and more attractive, how can you determine if these claims are true or false? This is an excellent book that provides non-scientists (like you!) with a number of important tools and resources that can be used to help answer these questions. This book also contains a lot of information that you will find useful when doing your technological controversy paper next semester. 3. What do I have to do for this assignment? How long should it be? What is the format? I want you to tell me what you learned from reading this book that you did not know before you started reading it. Please note that I am NOT asking you to write a traditional book review where you provide me with an overview about the book and then your general opinion about it. You will describe and analyze four things that you learned from reading this book. Of the four concepts you describe, at least three must come from different chapters. For each topic, you should first summarize Seethaler’s general argument and then provide me with your own thoughts about the topic. For example, why do you think this is important information to know? Has this new knowledge changed the way you think about certain science or technical controversies? Will it change the way you purchase products that are advertised using so-called scientific evidence? Feel free to agree with the author or be critical about what she has to say. In terms of format, please separate each topic that you introduce in your paper. In addition, separate your summary and analysis. You do not need an introduction or conclusion for this paper – just start with your first point. This assignment should be about 5 to 6 pages double spaced. It should not exceed 7 pages. No title pages please. You should use Times New Roman font ONLY and one inch margins. You can use first person when doing this assignment. Please make sure to reference the book (INCLUDING PAGE NUMBERS) when discussing Seethaler’s ideas as this will also allow me to see whether you have actually read the book. If you are using an e-book, you will have to make sure that you refer to page numbers from the hard copy. There will be opportunities for you to ask questions about the book and this assignment in class during our book seminar and after class. FORMAT EXAMPLE Heading: Understanding the problem with statistics Location: Chapter 7 (Fun figures: see through the number jumble) Summary: (describe the key points in Seethaler’s argument about how stats can be manipulated by stakeholder. Don’t forget to include page numbers when referring to

information taken from the text. This does not just refer to direct quotes – it refers to ideas and other people’s opinions in general) Analysis: (discuss why you think this is important information to know. Does it relate to a personal situation you have experienced? Has it changed your viewpoint about a particular issue? How does this relate to the interplay between science/tech and society in general?) 4. I am still confused. What is the difference between a summary and analysis? What kind of examples should I be using? 1. The summary part of your report should answer the following question: WHAT topic, issue or idea did I learn about in this chapter? This means I do not want you to simply regurgitate all of the information from an entire chapter, randomly write down facts, or provide me with examples that lack context. Instead, state what you have learned by summarizing Seethaler's argument(s), and then provide an example from the book which supports those arguements. Don't forget to cite using page numbers! Again, I want to remind you that you do not have to summarize an entire chapter. For example, if you enjoyed reading about statistics, you might want to focus your attention on Seethaler's discussion of statistics that are "insignificant" because of small sample size. It is perfectly okay to focus your attention on one particular idea instead of many. 2. In terms of your analysis, you should answer the following question: WHY is this topic, issue or idea important to know about? Here, you may want to relate the issue to personal experience, society in general or a course theory or theme. You do not have to apply all three criteria to each discussion point - the best papers will have a mix of all three types of analyses throughout the report. Be selective. In your analysis, it is also important to include examples. However, you don't want to simply restate an example you used in your summary. If you are going to explore the same example, expand on it, or bring new information to the table. Better yet, apply what you have learned by bringing in a new example. Either method is acceptable. 3. In your analysis, the examples you use should be science and/or technology related. For example, if you are discussing stakeholders, use examples that deal with a current scientific or technology controversy (e.g. climate change) as opposed to debate that has nothing to do with these disciplines. 5. When is this assignment due? This assignment is due on Sunday December 1 2019. It is worth 15% of your total grade. A marking rubric has posted on Moodle for your reference. You will find specific information about how your paper will be graded and what you need to do to get the mark you desire. If you do not hand in the assignment on this day, you will get a ZERO

for it - no exceptions except for medical and non-medical emergencies. These assignments will be returned to you when we start the second semester....