Anthropology 270 Lab 1 (1)

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Anthropology 270 Lab 1: Science, Scientific Method, and Scientific Claims Name: Section Time: Part 1: Introduction The goal of this activity is to think critically about where your information comes from. Most of us get our ‘science news’ from social media, blogs, or television programs. These articles/clips usually start by saying something like ‘A recent study shows…’ and then might go on to claim that eating a piece of chocolate every day is as effective as a daily workout. Sounds great! But how do we know if what they claim is accurate? You might be a bit suspicious about the example I just gave but what if the claim was more believable to you? The accessibility and speed that comes with todays’ Digital Age means that falsehoods are spread just as quickly as facts. Too often we are inundated with news articles that make sweeping or bold claims. With such a high volume of content being produced from a variety of sources, it is important to be able to quickly and effectively evaluate the validity of these claims. Why is critical thinking an important skill? There are a number of ways misinformation about science can be spread. First, a claim can be intentionally labeled as ‘scientific’ when it has not been rigorously tested using the scientific method. Second, scientific studies can be exaggerated or misinterpreted by a secondary source (e.g., the press, a company, an individual). Third, scientific studies themselves can be problematic (e.g., lack of adherence to the scientific method, exaggerated or unclear claims, speculation sold as fact, and occasionally falsification of data). When misinformation about science is spread widely it can have very serious ramifications for both the individual and society. As a result, it is extremely important that everyone (not just scientists) possess and apply critical thinking skills. When reading a science news article, ask yourself the following questions: ● What is the claim being made? Who is making this claim? ● Is this claim based on a scientific study or opinion? ● If it is based on a scientific study, what is the evidence for this claim? Was this study relevant to the claim being made? ● Who funded this work? Who carried it out? ● What were the methods used for this scientific study? How were data analyzed? How were results interpreted? Was this a rigorous study? ● Was the study peer-reviewed in a respected journal? How was it received within the scientific community? ● Have other studies refuted the findings of this study? ● Do you feel this claim is valid? If not, don’t share it!

In-Class Lab Activity During lab today you will meet your GE and your lab group for the term. We will then watch a brief video in lab about lateral reading and discuss how we as consumers and producers of scientific knowledge can best protect against the spread of misinformation. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZvsGKvqzDs) Part 2. Evaluating scientific claims Now that you are familiar with lateral reading , we are going to put those critical thinking skills to the test! Over the course of the next few months you will learn about the evolution of our species and how this evolution has shaped the biology of modern humans. This includes our health. Every so often someone develops a new diet that they claim is optimized for modern humans based on our evolutionary history. These diets often get a lot of press, but how accurate are these claims? Let's take a look at one of these diets, the Blood Type Diet. Start by examining the Blood Type Diet website . Next, using the lateral reading technique you learned about in the video, complete Part 3 below. This assignment should be done collaboratively, during class. Part 3. Questions Answer the following questions. Use proper spelling, grammar and complete sentences. Each question will require ~1 short paragraph. You can work as a group, but each person will turn in their own lab worksheet. 1. What is the Blood Type Diet? The Blood Type Diet is a dietary approach that claims to facilitate weight loss, enhance energy levels, and mitigate illness risk through the consumption of foods that elicit specific chemical reactions based on an individual's blood type. The diet was established by naturopath Peter J. D’Adamo, who asserts that the foods you consume undergo chemical reactions with your blood type. Adhering to a diet tailored to your blood type enhances the efficiency of your body's digestion process. By adopting this lifestyle, you will experience weight loss, increased vitality, and reduced risk of illness. 2. What are the qualifications of the author of this website? Does he stand to profit if people believe his claim? Peter J. D'Adamo is a naturopathic physician, author, researcher-educator, Ivesian (a follower of the teachings of Arnold Ives), amateur horologist (a person who studies timekeeping devices), emerging software developer, and air-cooled enthusiast (someone who is passionate

about air-cooled engines). He has authored numerous books on the Blood Type Diet and has made appearances on multiple television programs. It is unclear whether he stands to gain financially if individuals believe his assertion. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that the Blood Type Diet is a commercial dietary regimen that necessitates the acquisition of books, supplements, and other merchandise. 3. Is this claim based on scientific study or opinion? Do you all agree? Explain your answers. A recent study conducted by researchers affiliated with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics refutes the validity of the "blood type diet". The study found no correlation between blood type and the impact of a plant-based diet on factors such as body weight, body fat, plasma lipid concentrations, or glycemic control. According to the website, lectins found in specific foods attach to your blood type antigen and cause your blood to agglutinate, leading to symptoms such as weariness, headaches, digestive problems, skin disorders, and several other health complications. Nevertheless, there is a lack of empirical data to substantiate the notion that one's blood type has an impact on their response to specific foods. After some lateral reading, I have concluded that the Blood Type Diet lacks legitimacy. The diet lacks empirical evidence and is primarily subjective in nature. There is a lack of empirical data to substantiate the notion that one's blood type has an impact on their response to specific foods. 4. Have any scientific studies refuted or support claims made on this website? Explain what you found. A study conducted by researchers from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found no correlation between blood type and the impact of a plant-based diet on body weight, body fat, plasma lipid concentrations, or glycemic control. The 2013 review conducted by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found no high-quality studies supporting the claim that adhering to the Blood Type Diet reduces the likelihood of developing diseases or enhances general health. Another article from TODAY similarly stated that no empirical evidence exists to substantiate the notion that different diets yield superior results based on an individual's blood type. Dietitians caution against the hazardous and useless practice of following a diet based on blood type, as there is a dearth of scientific evidence substantiating the effectiveness of the Blood Type Diet.

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5. Based on the results of your lateral reading, do you think that the Blood Type Diet is legitimate? Why or why not? After some lateral reading, I have concluded that the Blood Type Diet lacks legitimacy. The diet lacks empirical evidence and is primarily founded on subjective viewpoints. There is a lack of empirical data to substantiate the notion that one's blood type has an impact on their response to specific dietary choices. 6. Briefly discuss today's activity with your group. Explain one thing that stood out to your group as important, interesting, relevant and/or otherwise noteworthy. An intriguing aspect is the author's assertion, put forth by Peter J. D'Adamo, that adhering to a diet tailored to one's blood type can enhance one's well-being. As per the website, 75% of individuals who shared their outcomes after adhering to the Blood Type Diet for one month or longer experienced notable enhancement in various health conditions. Nevertheless, there is a lack of empirical data to substantiate the notion that one's blood type has an impact on their response to specific foods.

Anthropology 270 Lab 1 (1)

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