This book tackles the pervasive issue of misinformation and disinformation in the age of abundant data. It emphasizes the critical need for everyone to develop scientific thinking skills to discern fact from fiction, especially in addressing pressing global challenges like climate change and public health. Written by David Helfand, a prominent astronomer and educator, the book offers practical tools and insights to help readers navigate complex information landscapes with clarity and precision. It aims to empower readers to overcome fear of numbers, interpret graphs accurately, grasp probability concepts, and apply logical reasoning effectively. Ultimately, it promotes the cultivation of a scientific mindset as a vital defense against the misinformation epidemic.
The most important thing today's students can learn is how to find and evaluate information. This book provides in-depth discussion of aspects of media literacy and how they can be used to manipulate information. Classroom exercises are provided to help instructors teach vital media literacy skills to their students.
This textbook aims to engage students by demonstrating the practical relevance of research literacy across various disciplines such as Economics, Education, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. Unlike traditional research methods textbooks, it focuses on the WHY behind research rather than just the mechanics, using real-life examples to illustrate the impact of research errors in daily contexts. The book is designed to be accessible with a nonmathematical approach, structured around clear objectives, key concepts, descriptions of research errors, best practices, and relevant examples. It seeks to foster understanding and appreciation of research methods among students who may initially find the topic daunting or irrelevant to their future careers.