Does a scientific lecture decrease causal illusions?

*copy provided in the uploaded files
-provide simplest form of research method and results (and in simple terms)
-Include data collection (data can be made up but has to make sense)
-Write only Method, Results, and Discussion sections
-Include one table or chart
-IV: Lecture – on aspects of the scientific method (how does science determine if a causal relationship exists?)
DV: Causal illusions – believing there is a relationship between two events that are unrelated (or haven’t been scientifically tested).
-Research question: Does a scientific lecture decrease causal illusions? Idea inspired by the following peer reviewed paper: Implementation and Assessment of an Intervention to Debias Adolescents against Causal Illusions by Itxaso Barberia, Fernando Blanco, Carmelo P. Cubillas and Helena Matute
– Use the Pseudoscience endorsement scale (PES) to determine the treatment’s effectiveness. All the items on the PES are causal illusions (scale included below).
– Make sure the study is not time consuming for subjects
-Assure that data collection could be completed in 20 days time
Power Point instructions
-power point presentation for the (1) Method and (2) Results/discussion of the research project.
– explain in simplest language

Pseudoscience endorsement scale (PES) – taken from the following peer reviewed article: Causal illusion as a cognitive basis of pseudoscientific beliefs by Marta N. Torres, Itxaso Barberia, and Javier Rodriguez-Ferreiro
Answer the following questions with the greatest sincerity possible. There are no right or
wrong answers, they simply indicate personal opinions, and it is to be expected that there
exist some variability between individuals.
To what degree do you agree with the following statements?
Answer each question using a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree).
1. Radiation derived from the use of a mobile phone increases the risk of a brain tumour.
2. A positive and optimistic attitude towards life helps to prevent cancer.
3. We can learn languages listening to audios while we are asleep.
4. Osteopathy is capable of causing the body to heal itself through the manipulation of
muscles and bones.
850 Marta N. Torres et al.
5. The manipulation of energies bringing hands close to the patient can cure physical
and psychological maladies.
6. Homeopathic remedies are effective as complements in the treatment of some
diseases.
7. Stress is the principal cause of stomach ulcers.
8. Natural remedies, such as Bach flower remedies, help overcome emotional
imbalances.
9. By means of superficial insertion of needles in specific parts of the body one can treat
problems with pain.
10. Nutritional supplements like vitamins or minerals can improve the state of ones
health and prevent diseases.
11. Neuro-linguistic programming is effective in curing mental disorders and the
improvement of quality of life in general.
12. By means of hypnosis, it is possible to discover hidden childhood traumas.
13. Ones personality can be evaluated by studying the form of their handwriting.
14. The application of magnetic fields on the body can be used to treat physical and
emotional alterations.
15. Listening to classical music, such as Mozart, makes children more intelligent.
16. Our dreams can reflect unconscious desires.
17. Exposure to Wi-Fi signals can cause symptoms such as frequent headaches,
problems sleeping, or tiredness.
18. The polygraph or lie detector is a valid method for detecting if someone is lying.
19. Diets or detox therapies are effective at eliminating toxic substances from the
organism.
20. It is possible to control others behaviour by means of subliminal messages.

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