Introduction to Scientific Information

Magnetic Water and Fuel Treatment: a Case Study

As a part of the introduction to scientific information, you need to read three items in the order listed below:

1) An article entitled “Experimental Magnetic Fuel Efficiency Boosters and Water Treatment Systems”

2) The worksheet entitled “evaluation of a claim”

3) An article entitled “Magnetic Water and Fuel Treatment: Myth, Magic, or Mainstream Science?” from the Skeptical Inquirer magazine

After you read the first article on your own look over the worksheet (2) to begin critically thinking about what you just read. Next read the second article on your own. Meet with your discussion group and answer the following questions. Write down you answers so we can discuss these as a class.

1) Does the Skeptical Inquirer article influence your evaluation of the first article? Why or why not?

2) Is there a major difference in how the two articles are written? Do they have different styles, structures, points-of-view, etc.?

3) Which article appears to be more credible? Justify your answer

4) Is there a major difference between the articles in how evidence is presented? Explain

5) Do either of the authors have an agenda or other reason that may affect their objectivity? Explain