Myths Under Investigation

Myths, in the context of my work, are conceptualized as incorrect beliefs or claims. A large portion of my work is aimed at the study of myths. Presenting a strong case against myths requires elaborative refutational strategies (text, demonstrations, videos, verbal destruction, comparative outcommes etc...). Myth shattering is time consuming, and requires exceptional knowledge in the area being addressed.

Vaccines & Autism

Does vaccination increase the likelihood of autism? One hypothesis is that vaccination in general, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) virus live vaccine, and vaccines that contain mercury cause autism. Actress Jenny McCarthy is one of the most outspoken proponents of the autism-vaccine hypothesis. She has appeared on numerous TV shows, radio shows and other media outlets where she has claimed that there is definitely a link between vaccines and autism....
 
Myths About Memory



Memory is important in everyday judgments and decision-making.  In some way or another, memory affects most aspects of our lives.  It is no surprise that there are many myths about memory...

What's Your Learning Style



Do a Google search for the words “learning styles” and you will find a large number of websites claiming they can identify your preferred learning style in a matter of minutes. Are you a verbal learner? Are you a auditory learner? Are you a kinesthetic learner? Supposedly, those with expertise in the VAK (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) classification system can answer those questions; they can provide a diagnosis regarding your best learning style....
 
A New Understanding of the Human Brain


College students are taught that the human brain consists of 100 billion neurons.  This claim can be found in numerous textbooks.  College instructors often promote the 100 billion neuron claim.  This claim is also promoted by widespread media sources. If you have read much about the brain or engaged in dialogue regarding the human brain there is a good chance you have encountered......

Drinking 8 glasses of Water Per Day?



It’s common knowledge that we should drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Or at least many people think it’s common knowledge....
 




For The Love of Myth Busting

Books, seminars and articles on myths are popular. My most popular seminar is Interrogating Nutrition Claims. It is not uncommon to see one acquire myth killer status in a specific domain, while promoting myths in another domain. Ostensibly, it isn't that people who like shattering myths are concerned with truth value as much as they are concerned with domain specific knowledge, and the concern is often demonstrating smarts in a specific area. A consistent concern with epistemic rationality (evidential rationality) involves consistent use of logic, and the plethora of cognitive mechanisms that underpin critical thinking (cognitive faculties of scientific thinking and reflective processing).

Myth Shattering: A Comprehensive Model

A comprehensive approach to the study of false beliefs and claims involves the investigation of- psychological, social, mimetic processes, critical / rational thinking and sources of myths. The approach requires a multidisciplinary approach.