Critical thinking instruction in humanities reduces belief in pseudoscience

[marvin100]

https://phys.org/news/2017-03-critical-humanities-belief-pseudoscience.html

A recent study by North Carolina State University researchers finds that teaching critical thinking skills in a humanities course significantly reduces student beliefs in “pseudoscience” that is unsupported by facts.

“Given the national discussion of ‘fake news,’ it’s clear that critical thinking - and classes that teach critical thinking - are more important than ever,” says Anne McLaughlin, an associate professor of psychology at NC State and co-author of a paper describing the work.

[ucbalumnus]

If only people could remember the logic used in proofs in high school geometry and apply it to arguments encountered in daily life…

[marvin100]

Considering this, @ucbalumnus , I wouldn’t hold my breath:
https://cdn.theatlantic.com/assets/media/img/posts/pisa-2012-results-overview%20graph%201_larger.jpg

We’re Number Seventeen! We’re Number Seventeen!

[Fishnlines29]

Oh, but what about “Shark Week” when Discovery Channel had the special about the prehistoric shark, supposedly extinct, was actually still thriving in our oceans - Megaladon!! ^#(^

[marvin100]

Yeah, that was cool. What about it?