https://www.thisamericanlife.org/450/so-crazy-it-just-might-work Learning Object

https://www.thisamericanlife.org/450/so-crazy-it-just-might-work
Learning Objectives:
Reflect on the tools for evaluating research you have gained over the semester,
Weigh the differences between research and intuition in experimentation.
Consider the role of objectivity in scientific inquiry.
Learn about the importance of experimental control.
Think about research ethics.
Instructions:
Listen to this 35-minute radio clip (http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/450/so-crazy-it-just-might-work?act=1 (Links to an external site.)). Listen to the Act 1, “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” Think about the cognitive biases we have discussed in lecture and how they play out in this story. How do Jonathan and Anthony differ in their approach to curing cancer? Which biases does Anthony demonstrate? What are the problems with the experiments that Anthony conducted? What would be a better way to run the experiment? And how does Anthony violate the ethics of good scientific practice?
Written Assignment:
Turn in a 1-page, double-spaced paper reflecting on this radio story. Make sure to describe the differences between how Jonathan and Anthony approach experimentation. Why are Anthony’s methods so problematic? Conclude with a discussion about what would need to happen to fairly and accurately test the hypothesis that sound waves can kill cancer cells.
Grading Rubric:
4 points – discusses the importance of control in experiments
2 points – discusses confounds
2 points – includes a thoughtful discussion of ethical considerations
2 points – reasonable proposal for how the study should be conducted to isolate the causal impact of sound wave on cancer cells