The Scientific Method and Public Opinion

Catalog description

Public opinion is often dictated by preconceived notions, tradition and superstition. This class uses the power of the scientific method, experimental design and statistics to explore some of the things accepted by the public as givens: lunar cycle effects; life, death and holidays; and superstition and old wives’ tales. Data-mining techniques are employed, followed by a discussion and application of the appropriate quantitative methods to explore the phenomena under scrutiny. This course has field trips, with one overnight stay. Relations with local hospitals and police officials are developed for access to data.