Praise for Lies, Damned Lies, and Science “Comprehensive, readable, and replete with current, useful examples, this book provides a much-needed explanation of how to be a critical consumer of the scientific claims we encounter in our everyday lives.” —April Cordero Maskiewicz, Department of Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University “This book treats a topic that is very important to any citizen: How to sort through the maze of information and interpretations that are put forward in the name of science. One of the most important institutions in society, science is often misunderstood and manipulated. Seethaler’s book helps the reader look inside the workings of science and gain a deeper understanding of the pathway that is followed by a scientific finding—from its beginnings in a research lab to its appearance on the nightly news.” —Jim Slotta, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto “How I wish science was taught this way! Seethaler builds skills for critical thinking and evaluation. The book is rich with examples that not only illustrate her points beautifully; they also make it very interesting and fun to read.” —Julia R. Brown, Director, Targacept, Inc. “Using accessible and engaging examples, Dr. Seethaler presents a clear framework for making sense of the science information we often receive incompletely through the popular media. This book is an important contribution toward the better understanding of and use of scientific knowledge in making decisions that impact our lives and our society.” —Stephanie Sisk-Hilton, Department of Elementary Education, San Francisco State University “As Sherry Seethaler says herself, the book gives you tools to understand science, and she delivers them with simplicity, clarity, and wit. Seethaler helps us all decipher the Rosetta stones of modern science.” —Raymond Hardie, author of Abyssos and Fleet This page intentionally left blank Lies, Damned Lies, and Science This page intentionally left blank Lies, Damned Lies, and Science How to Sort through the Noise around Global Warming, the Latest Health Claims, and Other Scientific Controversies Sherry Seethaler Vice President, Publisher: Tim Moore Associate Publisher and Director of Marketing: Amy Neidlinger Senior Acquisitions Editor: Amanda Moran Editorial Assistant: Myesha Graham Development Editor: Russ Hall Digital Marketing Manager: Julie Phifer Publicity Manager: Laura Czaja Assistant Marketing Manager: Megan Colvin Cover Designer: Stauber Design Operations Manager: Gina Kanouse Managing Editor: Kristy Hart Project Editor: Anne Goebel Copy Editor: Geneil Breeze Proofreader: Water Crest Publishing Indexer: Erika Millen Senior Compositor: Gloria Schurick Manufacturing Buyer: Dan Uhrig © 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as FT Press Science Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 FT Press Science offers excellent discounts on this book when ordered in quantity for bulk purchases or special sales. For more information, please contact U.S. Corporate and Government Sales, 1-800-382-3419,
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[email protected] Company and product names mentioned herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America First Printing January 2009 ISBN-10: 0-13-715522-0 ISBN-13: 978-0-13-715522-4 Pearson Education LTD. Pearson Education Australia P