Studies Junk Science Scientific Term Eslpod Health Present

The "term" (word or phrase) "junk science" is used to show "criticism" (dislike or anger with someone or something) of studies that do not present "valid" (truthful or honest) "conclusions" (what one realizes after studying a lot of data) or claims. To a "layperson" (a person who is not an expert), the studies often seem to be valid, but experts find that the studies present "invalid" (not truthful or honest) scientific "evidence" (facts that can be used to support an idea or theory).

The term "junk science" became common in the mid-1980s and 1990s. It is a "pejorative" (showing disapproval) term that is often used when talking about studies related to "controversial" (with strong opinions on both sides of an issue) topics, such as "climate change" (how human behavior may be changing the temperature of the earth), politics, and religious "matters" (topics). For example, "climate scientists" (scientists who study weather and the earth's temperature) might use the term "junk science" to refer to studies that claim temperature "variations" (changes) are related to variations in the sun rather than human activity.

Many respected scientists argue that junk science is dangerous not only because it "misrepresents" (presents dishonest information about something) particular issues, but also because it "casts a cloud of doubt" (makes people question whether they should believe something) over "legitimate" (real; truthful; valid) scientific studies.

In 1995, the Union of Concerned Scientists "launched" (began using) "strategies" (plans and techniques) to "debunk" (show that something is not true) junk science. The organization tries to educate the media and members of the public about how they can identify which scientific claims are valid and which ones are not.