In Search Of... Skepticism in Science Museums (Bruce Behrens, PhD)

National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) August 22, 2024
Video Thumbnail

About

No channel description available.

Video Description

Are science museums doing enough to promote critical thinking? Museums excel at presenting scientific facts--but what about the scientific method, skepticism, and how we know what we know? In this presentation to the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS), Dr. Bruce Behrens examines science museum exhibits to evaluate whether they include skeptical content--or miss opportunities to challenge pseudoscience, conspiracy theories, and common misconceptions. Based on a multi-method analysis including field visits, content analysis, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted assessments, the findings raise important questions about how science is communicated to the public in these critical institutions. This talk was a preview of Dr. Behrens’ Sunday Morning Papers presentation at CSICon Las Vegas 2024, the world’s premier conference dedicated to science and skepticism. Rather than just focusing on whether exhibits are factually accurate, this study explored whether they go further--by helping visitors understand why we believe the things we do and how to test those beliefs. Unfortunately, many museums fall short. Real-world examples illustrate common themes: --"Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches", a beautifully designed exhibit that included a chupacabra alongside mosquitoes and leeches--but missed the opportunity to apply scientific skepticism or explore the likely origin of this cryptid. --Optical illusions and pareidolia appear in many museums, but rarely as gateways to discussions about the fallibility of human perception. These could be powerful tools to explain why eyewitness accounts, memory, and intuition are often unreliable--key ideas in skepticism and the scientific method. --Many exhibits describe scientific discoveries but omit the underlying methods that made those discoveries possible--such as blinding, control groups, randomization, and peer review. As a result, visitors learn what scientists believe, but not how science corrects itself or distinguishes reality from illusion. The analysis used a combination of field observation and AI-assisted assessment to search for the presence (or absence) of skeptical content across dozens of museum displays. This approach revealed consistent patterns--showing that even well-regarded institutions often treat pseudoscience and misinformation as topics to be ignored, rather than opportunities to teach. About the speaker: Dr. Bruce Behrens received his Ph.D. in High Energy Physics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and conducted postdoctoral research at Cornell. He is a research scientist at the Center for Naval Analyses, providing evidence-based advice to U.S. military leaders. In 2023, he founded the Behrens Science Museum (https://bsmuseum.org) to promote critical thinking and the scientific method through exhibits about pseudoscience and the paranormal. Views expressed in this presentation are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS). Hashtags: #Skepticism #ScienceMuseums #CSICon2024 #CriticalThinking #Pseudoscience #BehrensScienceMuseum #MuseumStudies #ScienceEducation #ScientificMethod #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #ScienceCommunication #Pareidolia #Chupacabra #SkepticalThinking #OpticalIllusions #NCAS

Upgrade Your Everyday

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
Kasa Smart Outdoor Smart Plug by TP-Link (KP400) - Smart WiFi Outlet with 2 Sockets, IP64 Waterproof, Works with Alexa and Google Home, 2.4GHz WiFi Required, No Hub Required, Sunset & Sunrise Offset

Kasa Smart Outdoor Smart Plug by TP-Link (KP400) - Smart WiFi Outlet with 2 Sockets, IP64 Waterproof, Works with Alexa and Google Home, 2.4GHz WiFi Required, No Hub Required, Sunset & Sunrise Offset

(28,846)
$21.99$17.99
FREE delivery Wed, Aug 20 on your first order
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Oraolo Open Ear Headphones, Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Earbuds with Stereo Sound, ENC Clear Call, 21H Playtime, Type-C Charging, Touch Control, IPX6 Waterproof Open Ear Clip-On Earbuds for outdoor workout

Oraolo Open Ear Headphones, Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Earbuds with Stereo Sound, ENC Clear Call, 21H Playtime, Type-C Charging, Touch Control, IPX6 Waterproof Open Ear Clip-On Earbuds for outdoor workout

(4)
$29.99
FREE delivery Sat, Apr 11 on your first order
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
Open Ear Wireless Earbuds, Sports Bluetooth Headphones with Real Time Translation, 80Hrs Playtime with LED Power Display, Noise Canceling Headset, IP55 Waterproof Earphones for Workout/Running (Black)

Open Ear Wireless Earbuds, Sports Bluetooth Headphones with Real Time Translation, 80Hrs Playtime with LED Power Display, Noise Canceling Headset, IP55 Waterproof Earphones for Workout/Running (Black)

(109)
$79.99
FREE delivery Sat, Apr 11
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Earbuds, Sports Bluetooth Headphones, 80Hrs Playtime Ear Buds with LED Power Display, Noise Canceling Headset, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones for Workout/Running Z(Black)

Wireless Earbuds, Sports Bluetooth Headphones, 80Hrs Playtime Ear Buds with LED Power Display, Noise Canceling Headset, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones for Workout/Running Z(Black)

(3)
$29.99
FREE delivery May 1 - 22
Loading...
Monster Wireless Earbuds Open Ear AC311, Bluetooth 5.4 Open Ear Headphones, Up to 30 Hours Playtimes Bluetooth Ear Earphones with Stereo Sound, Touch Control and IPX5 Waterproof Open Ear Buds

Monster Wireless Earbuds Open Ear AC311, Bluetooth 5.4 Open Ear Headphones, Up to 30 Hours Playtimes Bluetooth Ear Earphones with Stereo Sound, Touch Control and IPX5 Waterproof Open Ear Buds

(2)
$89.99
FREE delivery Fri, Apr 3
Loading...
Brita Stainless Steel Premium Filtering Water Bottle, BPA-Free, Reusable, Insulated, Replaces 300 Plastic Water Bottles, Filter Lasts 2 Months or 40 Gallons, Includes 1 Filter, Carbon - 20 oz.

Brita Stainless Steel Premium Filtering Water Bottle, BPA-Free, Reusable, Insulated, Replaces 300 Plastic Water Bottles, Filter Lasts 2 Months or 40 Gallons, Includes 1 Filter, Carbon - 20 oz.

(2,652)
$81.37$76.36
FREE delivery Sep 29 - Oct 2
Loading...
Simple Modern Filtered Water Bottle | Insulated Stainless-Steel Carbon Filter Travel Water Bottles | Reusable for Clean Drinking Water On The Go | 24oz, Sea Glass Sage

Simple Modern Filtered Water Bottle | Insulated Stainless-Steel Carbon Filter Travel Water Bottles | Reusable for Clean Drinking Water On The Go | 24oz, Sea Glass Sage

(26)
$30.13
FREE delivery Tue, Sep 23 on your first order
Loading...
FITVII Health & Fitness Tracker (Answer/Make Calls), Smart Watch with 24/7 Heart Rate and Blood Pressure, Sleep Tracking Monitor, 120+ Sport Mode Activity Tracker

FITVII Health & Fitness Tracker (Answer/Make Calls), Smart Watch with 24/7 Heart Rate and Blood Pressure, Sleep Tracking Monitor, 120+ Sport Mode Activity Tracker

(198)
$59.99
FREE delivery Sun, Aug 10
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
AYATAHA AYATAHA Smart Watch for Kids, Smartwatch Fitness Tracker for Boys Girls, Children's Activity Watch 37 Sports Modes SMS Notification, HD Full Touchscreen IP67 Waterproof, Blue

AYATAHA AYATAHA Smart Watch for Kids, Smartwatch Fitness Tracker for Boys Girls, Children's Activity Watch 37 Sports Modes SMS Notification, HD Full Touchscreen IP67 Waterproof, Blue

(55)
$41.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
Iaret Iaret Smart Watch for Women, 1.83" HD Fitness Tracker with 4 Bands, Answer/Make Calls, Heart Rate/Sleep/SpO2/Step Tracking, 100+ Sport Modes, Android/iPhone Compatible Gift (Rose Gold)

Iaret Iaret Smart Watch for Women, 1.83" HD Fitness Tracker with 4 Bands, Answer/Make Calls, Heart Rate/Sleep/SpO2/Step Tracking, 100+ Sport Modes, Android/iPhone Compatible Gift (Rose Gold)

(42)
$59.99
FREE delivery Thu, Jun 19
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Smart Watch for Men Women 1.8" Fitness Tracker, Bluetooth Call, DIY Dial, Heart Rate Sleep Blood Oxygen Monitor, 100+ Sports Modes, IP68 Waterproof Smartwatch for Android iPhone, Alexa Built-in

Smart Watch for Men Women 1.8" Fitness Tracker, Bluetooth Call, DIY Dial, Heart Rate Sleep Blood Oxygen Monitor, 100+ Sports Modes, IP68 Waterproof Smartwatch for Android iPhone, Alexa Built-in

(980)
$39.99
FREE delivery Sun, Sep 21
300+ bought in past month
Loading...
Hand Warmers 2 Pack, 14000mAh Rechargeable Hand Warmers, Electric Hand Warmer Reusable, Portable Power Bank USB Hand Warmers 4 Levels 8 Heating, Gifts for Raynauds Ski Golf Camping

Hand Warmers 2 Pack, 14000mAh Rechargeable Hand Warmers, Electric Hand Warmer Reusable, Portable Power Bank USB Hand Warmers 4 Levels 8 Heating, Gifts for Raynauds Ski Golf Camping

(683)
$74.08$59.47
FREE delivery Jun 13 - 18
Loading...
Hand Warmers Rechargeable, 10000mAh Electric Heated Gloves Power Bank Portable Graphene Handwarmers Pouch with 3 Levels & Double-Sided Heating for Hunting Camping Golf Xmas Gifts for Women Men Kids

Hand Warmers Rechargeable, 10000mAh Electric Heated Gloves Power Bank Portable Graphene Handwarmers Pouch with 3 Levels & Double-Sided Heating for Hunting Camping Golf Xmas Gifts for Women Men Kids

(651)
$44.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sun, Jun 15
Loading...
2Pack Rechargeable Hand Warmer, 8000mAh Electric Hand Warmer Power Bank, Portable USB-C Hand Warmer for Pocket, Reusable Hand Warmer Up to 8 hrs Each, Warm Gift for Men Women, for Hunting, Camping
Amazon's Choice

2Pack Rechargeable Hand Warmer, 8000mAh Electric Hand Warmer Power Bank, Portable USB-C Hand Warmer for Pocket, Reusable Hand Warmer Up to 8 hrs Each, Warm Gift for Men Women, for Hunting, Camping

(1,128)
$15.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
Loading...
GTOCE Portable Charger,40000mAh Power Bank with 22.5W Fast Charging LED Digital Display Battery Pack with 6 Outputs 2 Inputs, Type C Powerbank Portable Charger for iPhone 16 pro Samsung AirPods,Black

GTOCE Portable Charger,40000mAh Power Bank with 22.5W Fast Charging LED Digital Display Battery Pack with 6 Outputs 2 Inputs, Type C Powerbank Portable Charger for iPhone 16 pro Samsung AirPods,Black

(334)
$42.99
FREE delivery Thu, Oct 16
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Monster Sleep Ear200, Wireless in-Ear Headphones, Bluetooth 6.0 Sleep Headphones, with ANC Active Noise Cancellation Designed for Side Sleepers, 30 Hours of bass Stereo Sound.

Monster Sleep Ear200, Wireless in-Ear Headphones, Bluetooth 6.0 Sleep Headphones, with ANC Active Noise Cancellation Designed for Side Sleepers, 30 Hours of bass Stereo Sound.

(10)
$39.99
FREE delivery Tue, Mar 24
Loading...
Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, White

Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, White

(4)
$39.99
FREE delivery Mon, Mar 2
Loading...
Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, Black

Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, Black

(15)
$39.99
FREE delivery Mon, Feb 23
Loading...
Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, Black

Monster Sleep Ear100 Ear Buds, Sleep Earbuds with Stereo Sound, Design for Side Sleeper, 32H Playtime, Bluetooth 6.0, ENC Noise Cancelling, IPX6 Waterproof Mini Headphones, Black

(6)
$39.99
FREE delivery Sat, Dec 27
Loading...
Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden - Herb Garden with Grow Light, 15 Pods Stainless Steel Indoor Garden Kit, Auto Timer, Gardening Gift for All Ages

Hydroponics Growing System Indoor Garden - Herb Garden with Grow Light, 15 Pods Stainless Steel Indoor Garden Kit, Auto Timer, Gardening Gift for All Ages

(24)
$206.57$200.61
FREE delivery Jun 13 - 17
Loading...
Umbra Triflora Hanging Planter for Window, Indoor Herb Garden, Set of 5, White/Black

Umbra Triflora Hanging Planter for Window, Indoor Herb Garden, Set of 5, White/Black

(7,808)
$71.52
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
Large Hydroponics Growing System 14 Pods, Indoor Herb Garden with LED Grow Light, 5L Water Tank, Hydroponic Grow Kit with 3 Auto-Timers, Rotatable Light Panel and Child Lock for Home School Gardening

Large Hydroponics Growing System 14 Pods, Indoor Herb Garden with LED Grow Light, 5L Water Tank, Hydroponic Grow Kit with 3 Auto-Timers, Rotatable Light Panel and Child Lock for Home School Gardening

(119)
$167.81
FREE delivery Jun 16 - 20
Loading...
Hanging Planter Hanging Plant Holder, 6 Inch 4 Indoor Plant Pots, Wall/Window Plant Hanger Indoor Herb Garden

Hanging Planter Hanging Plant Holder, 6 Inch 4 Indoor Plant Pots, Wall/Window Plant Hanger Indoor Herb Garden

(269)
$35.99$28.90
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
slopehill Multi Hair Stylers & Hair Straightener - 2 in 1 Wet to Dry Air Straightener and Hair Dryer Combo with High Speed Air + Rapid Heat-Up + Customizable Temperature(Pink)

slopehill Multi Hair Stylers & Hair Straightener - 2 in 1 Wet to Dry Air Straightener and Hair Dryer Combo with High Speed Air + Rapid Heat-Up + Customizable Temperature(Pink)

(177)
$139.99
Prime
Loading...
Hi.FANCY Portable Laptop Stand with Dual Cooling Fans for 14-17inch Laptops, Grey, 23.5 x 25.9 x 0.95cm

Hi.FANCY Portable Laptop Stand with Dual Cooling Fans for 14-17inch Laptops, Grey, 23.5 x 25.9 x 0.95cm

(0)
$36.99
FREE delivery Aug 18 - 28
Loading...
Laptop Stand for Desk, Adjustable Laptop Riser ABS+Silicone Foldable Portable Laptop Holder, Ventilated Cooling Notebook Stand for 10-15.6” Laptops,Tablet-Black

Laptop Stand for Desk, Adjustable Laptop Riser ABS+Silicone Foldable Portable Laptop Holder, Ventilated Cooling Notebook Stand for 10-15.6” Laptops,Tablet-Black

(11,679)
$14.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
500+ bought in past month
Loading...
JETech 5 in 1 Case for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G with 2-Pack Each Tempered Glass Screen Protector and Camera Lens Protector, Non-Yellowing Shockproof Bumper Phone Cover (Clear)

JETech 5 in 1 Case for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G with 2-Pack Each Tempered Glass Screen Protector and Camera Lens Protector, Non-Yellowing Shockproof Bumper Phone Cover (Clear)

(197)
$15.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case 6.9" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

(0)
$10.76
FREE delivery Thu, Oct 16 on your first order
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Case 6.3" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard
Best Seller

TAURI for iPhone 17 Pro Case 6.3" with 1-Pack Screen Protector, Camera Lens Full Protection, Military-Grade Protection, Shockproof Transparent Back Bumper Phone Cover - Clear Global Recycled Standard

(61,696)
$10.76
Prime
2K+ bought in past month
Loading...
JOINPAYA 1Set Rechargeable Hand Warmer Hand Heater for Winter Heating Levels Compact

JOINPAYA 1Set Rechargeable Hand Warmer Hand Heater for Winter Heating Levels Compact

(0)
$9.29
FREE delivery Jun 20 - Jul 4
Loading...
Shakven Rechargeable Hand Warmer | Cute Comfortable Portable Hand Warmers,Ergonomic Adjustable Energy-Efficient Small Heater for Travel, Outdoor, Winter

Shakven Rechargeable Hand Warmer | Cute Comfortable Portable Hand Warmers,Ergonomic Adjustable Energy-Efficient Small Heater for Travel, Outdoor, Winter

(0)
$26.93
FREE delivery Jun 19 - Jul 2
Loading...
OCOOPA IP45 Waterproof Hand Warmer Rechargeable, Up to 15hrs Heat,10000mAh Durable Quick Charge Electric Hand Heater, PD Compatible, 3 Levels for Outdoors, Heavy Duty, H01-PD PRO

OCOOPA IP45 Waterproof Hand Warmer Rechargeable, Up to 15hrs Heat,10000mAh Durable Quick Charge Electric Hand Heater, PD Compatible, 3 Levels for Outdoors, Heavy Duty, H01-PD PRO

(50)
$39.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14
Loading...
OCOOPA IP45 Waterproof Hand Warmer Rechargeable, Up to 15hrs Heat,10000mAh Durable Quick Charge Electric Hand Heater, PD Compatible, 3 Levels for Outdoors, Heavy Duty, H01-PD PRO

OCOOPA IP45 Waterproof Hand Warmer Rechargeable, Up to 15hrs Heat,10000mAh Durable Quick Charge Electric Hand Heater, PD Compatible, 3 Levels for Outdoors, Heavy Duty, H01-PD PRO

(649)
$39.99
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14