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The following is a list of fields of endeavor and concepts that critics believe or have been characterized as having skepticism or scientific skepticism aspects. The definition refers to any concept, method, profession, organization, or person who has ever (including historical) been associated with the concept of critical skepticism. The subject or person may have been on the receiving end of accusations, on the accusing end, or on the study end (hence the inclusion of various terms related to medicine, science, psychology, logic, law, etc.). Some of these concepts, or certain parts of them, may be the subject of scientific research and may not be wholly dismissed by the scientific community. See the individual articles for detailed information.

Characteristics

1. This list is about skepticism as well as its association with criticisms, which is the reason for the inclusion of some topics about criticisms. The two topics are intimately related. The characteristics of scientific skepticism utilizes critical thinking in evaluating claims to reach a well-justified conclusion or logical answer, and attempts to oppose claims made which lack suitable evidential basis. Like a scientist, a scientific skeptic aims to decide claims based on verifiability and falsifiability rather than accepting claims on faith, anecdotes, or relying on unfalsifiable categories. Skeptics often focus their criticism on claims they consider to be implausible, dubious or clearly contradictory to generally accepted science. The term pseudoskepticism is often used by the opponents of skepticism as a way of summarizing their critique.

2. Some items are included simply because there has been debate from skeptical critics that have characterized it as its possible involvement of being or having a relationship to criticism, regardless of whether it was or was not. Other items are included as educational aids, as an understanding of these subjects, to enable one to better understand the subject of skeptical topics, and hopefully, making the whole process of scientific skepticism much more transparent.

3. Therefore, inclusion here is definitely not a statement that the subject matter is skeptical, that solely it has aspects regarded as rational skepticism by certain groups or people. It is only listed here because scientific skeptics, debunkers, consumer protection advocates, and/or government officials (FDA, FTC, etc.) consider the subject to be in some manner related to the subject of skepticism or criticisms, and therefore of possible value when researching the subject.

List

Alternative medicine

The following is a list of alternative medicine topics that are often criticized by scientists, mainstream medicine, or skeptics.

• Alternative medicine
• Acupuncture Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very thin needles in specific acupuncture points or combinations of points on the body to improve health and well-being. "There are over 1,000 acupoints that can be stimulated through the insertion of needles. Most claims of acupuncture have not been proved to the scientific standards of evidence-based medicine (cf. Cochrane Collaboration).
• Acupuncture point
• Applied kinesiology
• Ayurveda
• Chelation therapy
• Chiropractic Chiropractic is a popular form of alternative medicine whose physical mode of action is spinal manipulations that allegedly unblock nerve signals sent by the brain so that the body can heal itself. This care involves the adjustment of the spine and joints to influence the body’s nervous system and natural defense mechanisms to alleviate pain and improve general health. It is primarily used to treat back problems, headaches, nerve inflammation, muscle spasms, and other injuries and traumas.
• Craniosacral therapy
• Crystal power Crystal power, also known as crystal healing, is the belief that crystals have healing, mystical and/or paranormal powers. This belief has been part of several indigenous cultures for centuries. Today it is becoming popular among certain countercultures within Western society such as the new age movement, but is regarded as baseless by skeptics and the general scientific community.
• Electromagnetic therapy
• Faith healing Faith healing, or divine healing, is the use of spiritual means in treating disease, sometimes accompanied (in extreme instances) with the refusal of modern medical techniques. Another term for this is spiritual healing. Faith healing is a form of alternative medicine.
• Folk medicine Folk medicine refers collectively to procedures traditionally used for treatment of illness and injury, aid to childbirth, and maintenance of wellness. It is a body of knowledge distinct from "scientific medicine" and may coexist in the same culture. It is usually unwritten and transmitted orally until someone "collects" it. Folk medicine is sometimes associated with quackery when practiced as theatrics or otherwise practiced fraudulently, and sometimes with witchcraft and often with shamanism, yet it may also preserve important knowledge and cultural tradition from the past.
• Hair analysis (alternative medicine) Hair analysis is the chemical analysis of a hair sample. It is used in some branches of alternative medicine as a method of investigation to assist diagnosis. This use is controversial.
• Herbalism Herbalism, also known as herbal medicine, herbal therapy, herbology, and phytotherapy, is a folk and traditional medicinal practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. A common misconception about herbalism and the use of 'natural' products in general, is that 'natural' equals safe.
• Homeopathy Homeopathy holds the premise of treating the sick with extremely diluted agents that, in undiluted doses, produce similar symptoms in the healthy. Its adherents and practitioners assert that the therapeutic potency of a remedy can be increased by serial dilution of the drug, combined with succussion, or vigorous shaking. Critics describe it as pseudoscience and quackery. The theory that extreme dilution makes drugs more powerful is inconsistent with the laws of chemistry and physics. Placebo-controlled clinical trials have given mixed results, but most have methodological problems, with better-quality trials more likely to give negative results. Additionally, cases have been reported of life-threatening complications resulting from attempts to treat serious conditions solely with homeopathic remedies.

• Classical homeopathy
• Clinical homeopathy
• Complex homeopathy

• Hoxsey Therapy
• Innate intelligence It is well known that the use of the "innate intelligence" concept is controversial within the chiropractic profession, and is seen by many in the profession as antiquated metaphysical jargon which has no reference to reality. It is also a part of the "straight" vs. "mixing" battle that has been going on since the inception of chiropractic. Lon Morgan, DC, a reform chiropractor, expressed his criticism in this way: "Innate Intelligence clearly has its origins in borrowed mystical and occult practices of a bygone era. It remains untestable and unverifiable and has an unacceptably high penalty/benefit ratio for the chiropractic profession. The chiropractic concept of Innate Intelligence is an anachronistic holdover from a time when insufficient scientific understanding existed to explain human physiological processes. It is clearly religious in nature and must be considered harmful to normal scientific activity."
• Iridology Iridology, also known as iridodiagnosis, is an alternative medicine practice in which patterns, colors, and other characteristics of the iris are examined for information about a patient's systemic health. Practitioners match their observations to iris charts which divide the iris into zones that correpsond to specific parts of the human body. The eye, therefore, acts as a "window" into the body's state of health, although Iridology is a practice that is not recognized by mainstream medicine. Critics, mostly practitioners of mainstream medicine, dismiss iridology largely because published studies have indicated a lack of success for its claims. The proposed correlation between illness in the body and coinciding observable changes in the iris is unsupported by clinical data. In controlled experiments, practitioners of iridology have performed statistically no better than chance in determining the presence of a disease or condition solely through observation of the iris (See the scientific method).
• Isopathy
• Joint manipulation
• Magnet therapy Magnet therapy, or magnetic therapy, or magnotherapy is an alternative medicine claiming that certain medical disorders can be effectively treated by exposure to static magnetic fields. Scientific tests of magnetic therapy for the treatment of wrist pain from carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic low back pain have concluded that there is no health benefit from magnetic fields in those cases.
• Medical intuitive In alternative medicine, a Medical Intuitive is a person who feels that they have learned to apply their intuition to finding the cause of a condition. There are medical professionals, health care workers, scientists and others who are skeptical of such abilities and probably just as many who favor and use their services.
• Narconon is a Scientology front group which purports to rehabilitate drug addicts by means of saunas, very high doses of vitamins such as niacin, and Scientology 'training'.
• Natural hygiene
• Naturopathic medicine Naturopathic medicine is sometimes referred to as naturopathy.
• Orthomolecular medicine
• Osteopathy
• Prayer healing Prayer (sometimes called orison) is an active effort to communicate with a deity or spirit either to offer praise, to make a request, seek guidance, confess sins, or simply to express one's thoughts and emotions. The words of the prayer may either be a set hymn or incantation, or a spontaneous utterance in the praying person's own words.
• Radionics
• Reflexology
• Reiki
• Spinal adjustment
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Vertebral subluxation remains unsubstantiated and largely untested, and a debate about whether to keep it in the chiropractic paradigm has been ongoing for decades. In general, critics of traditional subluxation-based chiropractic (including chiropractors) are skeptical of its clinical value, dogmatic beliefs and metaphysical approach.
• Vision therapy
• Vitalism
• Vitamin O

Concepts and methods

The following is a list of subjects that are often criticized by the scientific community, in studies (scientifically unverified), from skeptics, or certain groups.

• Amygdalin In 1974, the American Cancer Society officially labelled Amygdalin, also labeled along with its derivative mixtures, Laetrile, as "quackery," but advocates for Laetrile claim a series of historical misunderstandings and misrepresentations hinder accurate evaluation.
• Aspartame controversy Aspartame has been the subject of a vigorous public controversy regarding its safety and the circumstances around its approval. A few studies have recommended further investigation into alleged connections between aspartame and diseases such as brain tumors, brain lesions, and lymphoma. These findings, combined with notable conflicts of interest in the approval process, have engendered vocal activism regarding the possible risks of aspartame.
• Aura (paranormal) In New Age belief, Aura refers to the energy field emanating from the surface of a person or object. This emanation is visualized as an outline of cascading color and may be held to represent soul vibrations, chakric emergence, or a reflection of surrounding energy fields. There is no scientific evidence for the existence of auras.
• Azeztulite Azeztulite (or Satyaloka Azeztulite quartz) is a misleading trade name for inexpensive quartz that is sold at inflated prices for its alleged crystal healing effects. Quartz is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's continental crust. Azeztulite is an example of a fake mineral.
• Bigfoot Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is believed by some to be an ape-like cryptid and by skeptics to be the product of the imagination.
• Biorhythm A biorhythm is a hypothetical cyclic pattern of alterations in physiology, emotions, and/or intellect. "Bio" pertains to life and "rhythm" pertains to the flow with regular movement.
• Chakra
• Colloidal silver Colloidal silver is a colloid of silver particles in water. It is also claimed by some to be a beneficial nutritional supplement and to be a powerful antibiotic. The ingestion of colloidal silver in large quantities or over a long period of time carries a high risk of argyria, a condition in which the skin turns permanently blue-gray. Continued ingestion of high doses (more than 1 gram of accumulated silver, or 5 mg per day) of colloidal silver may result in argyria, an extremely rare condition causing a permanent discoloration of the skin. A high-profile case of this is Stan Jones, a Montana Libertarian candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2002 and 2006, who overdosed on colloidal silver. The claims are anecdotal, and have not been confirmed by scientific study. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned over-the-counter sales of colloidal silver products claiming therapeutic value, or their advertisement as providing health benefits. The FDA has issued warnings to internet sites selling or promoting colloidal silver. If no health benefits are claimed, and colloidal silver is sold as a supplement, its sale is legal as long as the products comply with all other FDA regulations. In 2002, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration made a similar ruling.
• Conspiracy theory A conspiracy theory attempts to explain the ultimate cause of an event or chain of events (usually political, social, or historical events) as a secret, and often deceptive, plot by a covert alliance of powerful or influential people or organizations. Many conspiracy theories claim that major events in history have been dominated by conspirators who manipulate political happenings from behind the scenes. The term "conspiracy theory" is used by mainstream scholars and in popular culture to identify a type of folklore similar to an urban legend, especially an explanatory narrative which is constructed with methodological flaws. The term is also used pejoratively to dismiss claims that are alleged by critics to be misconceived, paranoid, unfounded, outlandish, irrational, or otherwise unworthy of serious consideration. For example, "Conspiracy nut" and "conspiracy theorist" are used as pejorative terms. Some whose theories or speculations are labeled a "conspiracy theory" reject the term as prejudicial.
• Coral calcium Coral Calcium is a salt of calcium derived from fossilized coral reefs. There have been many unsubstantiated claims made regarding coral calcium, perhaps the most controversial of which is that taking coral calcium can cure cancer by increasing "body pH." The FDA has prohibited disease treatments cures in advertising. Additionally, it can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions (such as kidney failure) to take excess coral calcium.
• Creation-evolution controversy The creation-evolution controversy (also termed the creation vs. evolution debate or the origins debate) is a recurring dispute about the origins of the Earth, humanity, life, and the universe, a debate most prevalent in certain regions of the United States, where the mass media often portrays it as part of the culture wars or a supposed dispute between religion and science. The debate concerns what should be taught as science in schools. The creationists argue that both creationism and evolution are beliefs, and should be given equal weight in science classes. Leaders of the large established churches and the scientific community maintain that creationism is not science, and therefore has no place in a science class.
• Crop circles Crop circles are geometrical formations of flattened crops found in England and elsewhere. They have been found in wheat, barley, canola, rye, corn, linseed and soy. A few of the people who made the elaborate field of circles said aliens from outer space carved messages in the crops. Today it is well known the designs were made by earthlings.
• Cryonics
• Dental amalgam controversy‎ Controversy exists regarding the use of mercury in dentistry, in dental fillings. A minority of dentists has always been opposed to amalgam use but evidence of adverse effects on patients from mercury in amalgam fillings is contradictory and there remains no conclusive evidence of measurable ill-effects despite the fact that amalgam has been in use for over 150 years and continues to be the most common material used in fillings. Overall, however, its use is declining due to improving dental health generally and increasing availability of new alternatives.
• Dermo-optical perception Dermo-optical perception (DOP) refers to the supposed ability to see without using the eyes (as distinct from blindsight). Typically, people who claim to have dermo-optical perception claim to be able to see using the skin of their fingers or hands. People who claim to have DOP often demonstrate it by reading while blindfolded. Dermo-optical perception is sometimes referred to as bio-introscopy. DOP has been discredited as pseudoscience, and explainable by the use of magicians' tricks.
• DHEA
• Dietary supplements
• Ear candling Ear candling, also called ear coning, is a folk medicine practice intended to remove earwax (cerumen) and "toxins" from a person's ear by means of a hollow candle placed in the ear. It involves placing one end of a hollow candle in the ear canal and lighting the other end. Proponents maintain the resulting vacuum can clean out the ear, but mainstream medical science discounts this theory due to lack of evidence supporting it.
• Energy (spirituality)
• Feng Shui
• Food faddism Food faddism and fad diet are terms which refer to the tendency for idiosyncratic diets and eating patterns. A fad diet is supposed and promoted to improve health but may do nothing at all, or even have the opposite results if it is nutritionally unbalanced and unconfirmed by scientific studies.
• Global warming controversy The global warming controversy primarily concerns what steps society should take in response to global warming, and whether it is in a country's economic interest to take action to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. There is a strong consensus among scientists that recent warming is caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, and that warming will continue with serious consequences if emissions continue; only a few scientists disagree. Most of those skeptical scientists who disagree are not climate specialists such as a climatologist and some of them have been funded by ExxonMobil to create uncertainty. Outside the scientific community, there is a greater amount of opposition to these conclusions from some corporations, advocacy groups, politicians, and individuals (see global warming skeptics).
• Grapefruit seed extract Grapefruit seed extract (GSE), also known as citrus seed extract, as a natural antimicrobial is not proven. Its effectiveness is scientifically unverified. It has been claimed to have strong antimicrobial with proven activity against bacteria and fungi. However, multiple studies have shown the efficacy of grapefruit seed extract as an antimicrobial is not demonstrated. Although GSE is promoted as a highly effective plant-based preservative by some natural personal care manufacturers, studies indicate the universal antimicrobial activity associated with GSE preparations is merely due to contamination with synthetic preservatives.
• HGH controversies There are many controversies around the claims, products, and businesses related to the use of growth hormone as an anti-aging therapy. Most of this controversy falls into two categories. The first, claims of exaggerated, misleading, or unfounded assertions that real growth hormone treatment slows or reverses the effects of aging The second is the sale of products that fraudulently or misleadingly purport to be growth hormone or to increase the user's own secretion of natural human growth hormone to a beneficial degree. Solid medical evidence is harder to find, and appears to indicate mixed results. It is likely that there is some advantage, but it is also evident that benefits are being exaggerated by some for commercial gain. Chronic use of hGH is not well studied, except when used in children for acute growth deficiencies. A long term increase in colon cancer and Hodgkin's Disease has been observed in these cases.
• Ionized bracelet Ionized bracelets, or ionic bracelets, are a type of metal jewelry purported to affect the chi of its wearer. The effect noticed by believers could very well have been the placebo effect. It is known, at least, that ionized bracelets have no significant effect on muscle pain relative to the placebo effect, despite claims to the contrary by manufacturers.
• Journalism scandals Journalism scandals are high-profile incidents or acts, whether intentional or accidental, that run contrary to the 'ideal' mission of journalism: to report news events and issues accurately and fairly. Journalistic scandals include plagiarism, fabrication and omission of information, breaking the law or violating ethical rules, staging or altering the event being documented, or making substantial reporting or researching errors that result lead to libelous or defamatory statements.
• Low-carbohydrate diet Low-carbohydrate diets or low carb diets are nutritional programs that advocate restricted carbohydrate consumption, based on research that ties consumption of certain carbohydrates with increased blood insulin levels, and overexposure to insulin with metabolic syndrome (the most recognized symptom of which is obesity). Under these dietary programs, foods high in digestible carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are limited or replaced with foods containing a higher percentage of proteins, fats, and/or fiber. In recent years, studies have expressed potential health risks with this type of diet.
• Lunaception Lunaception is a form of birth control that depends upon the woman practicing it to align her menstrual cycle with the phases of the moon. The method was developed by Louise Lacey in 1974 through her book, "Lunaception : a feminine odyssey into fertility and contraception." The fundamental premise of the method is that nature and the universe are full of rhythms and cycles. Women can come into balance with their own fertility by paying attention to the evolutionary connection between menstruation and the moon. The method has never been tested under controlled scientific conditions and is therefore termed a pseudoscience.
• Megavitamin therapy In nutrition and Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the term megavitamin therapy is used by its proponents to describe the use of large amounts of vitamins, often many times greater than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), to prevent or treat many types of diseases. Today it is an aspect of orthomolecular medicine that also employs other nutrients such as dietary minerals, enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids, natural antioxidants and fermentable dietary fiber for short chain fatty acids. Historically megavitamin therapies have been stigmatized, proponents say unfairly, by mainstream medical organizations and their associates.
• New Age New Age is a broad movement of late 20th century and contemporary Western culture, characterised by an individual eclectic approach to spiritual exploration.
• Paraben Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds are used primarily for their bacteriocidal and fungicidal properties. They can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, personal lubricants, topical pharmaceuticals and toothpaste. They are also used as food additives. Some public interest organizations are skeptical about the safety of parabens regarding over both its carcinogenicity, as well as its estrogenic effect, being expressed over the continued use of parabens as preservatives, although the scientific community has disproven any correlation with cancer and mostly agree that any causation is improbable. There is also significant scientific consensus that any estrogenic effect caused by the doses received from consumer products are insignificant when compared to natural estrogens and other xenoestrogens.
• Parapsychology
• Phrenology
• Radioactive quackery Radioactive quackery refers to various products sold during the early 20th century, after the discovery of radioactivity, which promised radioactivity as a cure for various ills. It is now well known that radioactivity can actually be harmful and cause, among other things, cancer.
• Snake oil (cryptography) In cryptography, snake oil is a term used to describe commercial cryptographic methods and products which are considered bogus or fraudulent. The name derives from snake oil, one type of quack medicine widely available in 19th Century United States.
• Subtle body
• Superstition A superstition is the irrational belief that future events are influenced by specific behaviors, without having a causal relationship.
• Trans fat Most Trans fatty acids (commonly termed trans fats) consumed today are industrially created as a side effect of partial hydrogenation of plant oils — a process that changes a fat's molecular structure (raising its melting point and reducing rancidity) but this process also results in a proportion of the changed fat becoming trans fat. Unlike other fats, trans fats are neither required nor beneficial for health. Eating trans fat increases the risk of coronary heart disease. For these reasons, health authorities worldwide recommend that consumption of trans fat be reduced to trace amounts. Trans fats from partially hydrogenated oils are generally considered to be more of a health risk than those occurring naturally.
• Trepanation
• UFO conspiracy theory A UFO conspiracy theory is any one of many often overlapping conspiracy theories which argue that evidence of the reality of unidentified flying objects is being suppressed. Such theories often incorporate the idea that governments are in fact in communication or cooperation with extraterrestrials. Some of these theories claim that the government is explicitly allowing alien abduction in exchange for technology. Though widely known amongst the general public (and a staple of some types of fiction, such as the X Files), such ideas have seen little support from mainstream society.
• Urban legends An urban legend is a kind of modern folklore consisting of stories often thought to be factual by those circulating them. The term is often used with a meaning similar to the expression "apocryphal story." Urban legends are not necessarily untrue, but they are often false, distorted, exaggerated, or sensationalized. Despite the name, urban legends do not necessarily take place in an urban setting. The name is designed to differentiate them from traditional folklore in preindustrial times.
• Vaccine controversy The practice of vaccination has been opposed by some since its inception in the late 18th century, but criticism has become more visible in the US and some other developed countries in recent years, roughly paralleling the widespread availability of online information. While positions vary from outright rejection of the practice to calls for more selective and cautious use of vaccination, some of the following arguments are typically invoked are: Critics claim that the public health benefits of vaccinations are exaggerated. They further claim that the mortality rates of some illnesses were already dramatically reduced before vaccines were introduced, and claim that further reductions cannot immediately be attributed to vaccines. Additionally, secondary and long-term effects on the immune system from introducing immunogens and adjuvants directly into the body are not fully understood. Some autoimmune diseases like Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Transverse myelitis and multiple sclerosis are known to be connected to vaccines, which suggests other autoimmune disorders might also be vaccine-related.
• Water fluoridation controversy Water fluoridation controversy refers to the debate surrounding the health benefits of public authorities fluoridating water supplies. Calcium fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral found in all water sources, such as lakes, rivers, groundwater and oceans. Community water fluoridation is the process of artificially adjusting fluoride levels in drinking water supplies with the intention of improving oral health. This is usually done by the addition of sodium fluoride, sodium fluorosilicate, or fluorosilicic acid.
• Yin and yang The concepts of Yin and Yang originate in ancient Chinese philosophy and metaphysics, which describes two primal opposing but complementary forces found in all things in the universe. In Western culture, Yin and Yang are often inaccurately portrayed as corresponding to "evil" and "good" respectively.

Phraseology

The following is a list of words that have been used on the receiving end of accusations, on the accusing end, or on the study end of skepticism debates, hence its inclusion of various terms in regard to phrases of logic and thought processes. Additionally, there are various words that are within the framework of skepticism topics.

• Ad hominem An ad hominem argument, also known as argumentum ad hominem (Latin: "argument to the person", "argument against the man") is a logical fallacy consisting of replying to an argument by attacking or appealing to the person making the argument, rather than by addressing the substance of the argument. It is most commonly used to refer specifically to the ad hominem abusive, or argumentum ad personam, which consists of criticizing or personally attacking an argument's proponent in an attempt to discredit that argument.
• Anecdotal evidence Information passed along by word-of-mouth but not documented scientifically is anecdotal evidence. In science, anecdotal evidence has been defined as: "information that is not based on facts or careful study" or "non-scientific observations or studies, which do not provide proof but may assist research efforts" or "reports or observations of usually unscientific observers" or "casual observations or indications rather than rigorous or scientific analysis"
• Anti-intellectualism Anti-intellectualism describes a sentiment of hostility towards, or mistrust of, intellectuals and intellectual pursuits. This may be expressed in various ways, such as an attack on the merits of science, education, or literature. Anti-intellectuals often perceive themselves as champions of the ordinary people and egalitarianism against elitism, especially academic elitism. These critics argue that heavily educated people form an insular social class that tends to dominate political discourse and higher education (academia).
• Antiscience Antiscience is a position critical of science and the scientific method. It has been considered the "self-defeating...essentially anti-intellectual, rhetoric of many activists."
• Charlatan A charlatan is a person practicing quackery or some similar confidence trick in order to obtain money or advantage by false pretenses. If the ascription is false, then "charlatan" is derogative; if it is true, then the description "charlatan" is not defamation.
• Confirmation bias In psychology and cognitive science, confirmation bias (or confirmatory bias) is a tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions, leading to statistical errors. Confirmation bias is a type of cognitive bias and represents an error of inductive inference toward confirmation of the hypothesis under study.
• Consciousness causes collapse Consciousness causes collapse is the theory that observation by a conscious observer is responsible for the wavefunction collapse in quantum mechanics. It is an attempt to solve the Wigner's friend paradox by simply stating that collapse occurs at the first "conscious" observer. Supporters claim this is not a revival of substance dualism, since (in a ramification of this view) consciousness and objects are entangled and cannot be considered as separate. Nevertheless, the doctrine that the world is made up of objects whose existence is independent of human consciousness turns out to be in conflict with Quantum Mechanics and with facts established by experiment."
• Controversial science The phrase controversial science describes ideas and theories at odds with mainstream science. These ideas have often been advanced by individuals either from outside the field of science, or by scientists outside the mainstream of their own disciplines.
• Crank (person) "Crank" is a pejorative term for a person who holds some belief which the vast majority of his contemporaries would consider false, clings to this belief in the face of all counterarguments or evidence presented to him. The term implies that a "cranky" belief is so wildly at variance with some commonly accepted truth as to be ludicrous, arguing with the crank is useless, because he will invariably dismiss all evidence or arguments which contradict his cranky belief. Common synonyms for "crank" include kook and crackpot.
• Folk science
• Fraud In the broadest sense, a fraud is a deception made for personal gain. The specific legal definition varies by legal jurisdiction. Fraud is a crime, and is also a civil law violation. Many hoaxes are fraudulent, although those not made for personal gain are not technically frauds. Defrauding people of money is presumably the most common type of fraud, but there have also been many fraudulent "discoveries" in art, archaeology, and science.
• Fringe science Fringe science is a phrase used to describe scientific inquiry in an established field that departs significantly from mainstream or orthodox theories.
• Intellectual dishonesty Intellectual dishonesty is the advocacy of a position known to be false. Rhetoric is used to advance an agenda or to reinforce one's deeply held beliefs in the face of overwhelming contrary evidence. If a person is aware of the evidence and the conclusion it portends, yet holds a contradictory view, it is intellectual dishonesty. If the person is unaware of the evidence, their position is ignorance, even if in agreement with the scientific conclusion.
• Junk science
• Logical fallacy
• Pejorative
• Pathological science Pathological science is a neologism that describes the process in science in which people are tricked into false results by subjective effects, wishful thinking or threshold interactions. It found resonance among skeptical scientists, who enjoy debunking recurrent pseudoscientific views and claims.
• Plagiarism Plagiarism is the practice of claiming, or implying, original authorship, or incorporating material from someone else's written or creative work in whole or in part, into ones own, without adequate acknowledgment. The written or creative work which is plagiarized may be a book, article, musical score, film script, or other work. Unlike cases of forgery, in which the authenticity of the writing, document, or some other kind of object, itself is in question, plagiarism is concerned with the issue of false attribution.
• Pseudoscience Pseudoscience, or junk science, is any body of knowledge, methodology, belief, or practice that claims to be scientific but does not follow the scientific method. Pseudosciences may appear scientific, but they do not adhere to the testability requirement of the scientific method and are often in conflict with current scientific consensus.
• Pseudoskepticism
• Quackery Quackery is a derogatory term that is defined as the "medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings. The dishonesty of a charlatan." A "quack" is "a fraudulent or ignorant pretender to medical skill. A person who pretends, professionally or publicly, to have skill, knowledge, or qualifications he or she does not possess; a charlatan." "Health fraud" is often used as a synonym for quackery, but this use can be problematic, since quackery can exist without fraud, a word which always implies deliberate deception. The word "quack" derives from "quacksalver," an archaic word originally of Dutch origin (spelled kwakzalver in contemporary Dutch), meaning "boaster who applies a salve." The correct meaning of the German word "quacksalber" is "questionable salesperson (literal translation: quack salver)." In the Middle Ages the word quack itself meant "shouting. The quacksalvers sold their wares on the market shouting in a loud voice."
• Scientific misconduct
• Self-deception Self-deception is a process of denying or rationalizing away the relevance, significance, or importance of opposing evidence and logical argument. When one can believe their own "lie" (i.e., their presentation that is biased toward their own self-interest), the theory goes, they will consequently be better able to persuade others of its "truth." Self-deception enables someone to believe their distortions, and they will not present such signs of deception and will therefore appear to be telling the truth.
• Self-serving bias A self-serving bias occurs when people are more likely to claim responsibility for successes than failures. It may also manifest itself as a tendency for people to evaluate ambiguous information in a way beneficial to their interests. This happens in a way that could be unknown consciously to the person, flattering their own views.
• Skepticism In ordinary usage, skepticism or scepticism (UK spelling) refers to an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object, the doctrine that true knowledge or knowledge in a particular area is uncertain, or the method of suspended judgment, systematic doubt, or criticism that is characteristic of skeptics (Merriam–Webster). In philosophy, skepticism refers more specifically to any one of several propositions. These include propositions about the limitations of knowledge, a method of obtaining knowledge through systematic doubt and continual testing, the arbitrariness, relativity, or subjectivity of moral values, a method of intellectual caution and suspended judgment, a lack of confidence in positive motives for human conduct or positive outcomes for human enterprises, that is, cynicism and pessimism (Keeton, 1962).
• Straw man
• True-believer syndrome True-believer syndrome is a term used by skeptics to describe an irrational, persistent belief in the paranormal or concepts that have been proven by science to be false and unverified.
• Wishful thinking Wishful thinking is the formation of beliefs and making decisions according to what might be pleasing to imagine instead of by appealing to evidence or rationality.

Organizations, journals, books, etc.

• American Council on Science and Health
• Australian Skeptics
• Better Business Bureau
• Center for Inquiry
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
• Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Federal Trade Commission
• Food and Drug Administration
• Food and Water Watch
• Journal of Scientific Exploration
• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
• National Consumers League
• National Council Against Health Fraud
• Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine‎
• Quackwatch
• Skeptical Inquirer
• Skeptic's Dictionary
• U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• The Weston A. Price Foundation

See also

• Debunkers
• List of hoaxes
• List of pseudosciences and pseudoscientific concepts‎
• Pages that currently have the {{controversial}} warning template
• Pseudoscience
• Pseudoskepticism
• Quackery
• Skepticism
• Scientific skepticism
• Skeptic groups
• Misplaced Pages:List of controversial issues
• Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Pseudoscience
• Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Skepticism
• Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Skepticism/Skeptic watchlists

Related categories

• Category:Confidence tricks
• Category:Consumer fraud
• Category:Deception
• Category:Energy therapies
• Category:Hoaxes
• Category:Internet fraud
• Category:Logical fallacies
• Category:Obsolete biology theories
• Category:Obsolete medical theories
• Category:Propaganda
• Category:Propagandists
• Category:Pseudoscience
• Category:Scandals
• Category:Scientific skepticism
• Category:Skepticism
• Category:Skeptic organisations
• Category:Supernatural healing
• Category:Misplaced Pages controversial topics

Further reading

• The Skeptic's Dictionary: A Collection of Strange Beliefs, Amusing Deceptions, and Dangerous Delusions (Paperback) by Robert Todd Carroll, Robert T. Carroll (2003 Edition). John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-471-27242-6.

References

1. The Skeptics Dictionary: Definition of Quackery Article
2. QuackWatch: Quackery Definition Article
3. Quackery Information on Healthline Article
4. Federal Trade Commission. Medical Health Claims: Add a Dose of Skepticism Article
5. Shermer, Michael, A philosophical analysis of scientific skepticism A skeptical manifesto
6. Quackery: How Should It Be Defined?
7. Quackery, Fraud and "Alternative" Methods: Important Definitions
8. In Support of Skepticism: "Most institutions demand unqualified faith; but the institution of science makes skepticism a virtue." (Merton, 1962) Article
9. Scientific Skepticism, CSICOP, and the Local Groups (Skeptical Inquirer July 1999) Article
10. Skeptic: Reading Room: Skepticism Index Page
11. A Different Way to Heal? and Videos - PBS, Scientific American Frontiers Web Feature
12. What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine? - By Steven Novella MD
13. Skepdic Article on Alternative Medicine
14. NCAHF Resource Documents - Includes a list of alternative medicine modalities with links to articles relating to them
15. Index of Questionable Treatments - Includes a list of alternative medicine modalities and links to articles relating to them.
16. Who Gets to Validate Alternative Medicine - PBS article
17. Alternative Methods of Healing and Natural Medicine - Information on alternative medicine
18. The Skeptic's Dictionary on acupuncture
19. Quackwatch article on acupuncture
20. A Neuroscientist Investigates Acupuncture - Robert Drysdale
21. Higgens JPS, Green S, Editors. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 4.2.6 . In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2006. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PDF File Online
22. Pressure Points 1: Going to the Heart Of Pressure Points - What They Really Are
23. Pressure Points 2: Some Observations On Their Use
24. Pressure Points 3: Types of Points
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26. Ayurveda under the scanner,The Hindu
27. National Center for Complementary and Alternatie Medicine
28. Development and its Status of Ayurveda
29. The Ayurveda Wars,Indian Express
30. Saper, Robert B.; Kales, S. N.; Paquin, J.; Burns, M. J.; Eisenberg, D. M.; Davis, R. B.; Phillips, R. S. (2004). "Heavy Metal Content of Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine Products". JAMA. 292 (23): 2868–2873. doi:10.1001/jama.292.23.2868. PMID 15598918.
31. "Ayurveda under the scanner (Opinion/Editorial)".
32. Chelation Therapy: Side Effects of Chelation Therapy
33. Chelation Therapy: Safety Concerns
34. Your-Doctor.com - 'Quack Therapies: Chelation Therapy' (discusses use of chelation therapy in conventional medicine and the hazards of chelation therapy by alternative practitioners)
35. Quackwatch "Chelation Therapy: Unproven Claims and Unsound Theories" by Sam Green
36. Critical thinking by Dr. Christopher Kent Article
37. Creating Chiropractic Community Article
38. Subluxation- the silent killer PDF File Article
39. Chiropractic: The New England Skeptical Society: Flagship of the Alternative Medicine Fleet, Part One and Part Two - Steven Novella MD 1997
40. Hartman, S. E.; Norton, J. M. (2002). "Interexaminer reliability and cranial osteopathy" (PDF). Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine. 6 (1): 23–34.
41. Ferré, J. C.; Chevalier, C.; Lumineau, J. P.; Barbin, J. Y. (1990). "Cranial osteopathy, delusion or reality?". Actualites Odonto-Stomatologiques. 44 (171): 481–494. PMID 2173359.
42. Wirth-Pattullo, V.; Hayes, K. W. (1994). "Interrater reliability of craniosacral rate measurements and their relationship with subjects' and examiners' heart and respiratory rate measurements". Physical Therapy. 74 (10): 908–16, discussion 917-20. doi:10.1093/ptj/74.10.908. PMID 8090842.
43. Rogers, J. S.; Witt, P. L.; Gross, M. T.; Hacke, J. D.; Genova, P. A. (1998). "Simultaneous palpation of the craniosacral rate at the head and feet: Intrarater and interrater reliability and rate comparisons". Physical Therapy. 78 (11): 1175–1185. doi:10.1093/ptj/78.11.1175. PMID 9806622.
44. Green C and others (1999) A systematic review and critical appraisal of the scientific evidence on craniosacral therapy. BCOHTA PDF full report
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46. Skeptic's Dictionary on Crystal Power
47. Cancer Center - Complementary and Alternative Therapies - Electromagnetic Therapy
48. ACS :: Electromagnetic Therapy
49. Dr. Matthias Kamp, M.D.: Bruno Groening - A Revolution in Medicine. The rehabilitation of a man who was misunderstood. A medical documentation on spiritual healing. Grete Haeusler Publishing, 1998, (Chapters 1 - 4)
50. proposed legislation to limit the activities of faith healers
51. The Association of Former Pentecostals a non-profit organization uniting former Pentecostals and Charismatics, many who believe that promises of "instant miracles" are a form of psychological or spiritual abuse.
52. Skepdic article on Faith Healing
53. ACS :: Shamanism
54. Folk Belief and Folk Medicine
55. Folk Medicine
56. Barrett, S. (1985). "Commercial hair analysis. Science or scam?". JAMA. 254 (8): 1041–1045. doi:10.1001/jama.1985.03360080053028. PMID 4021042.
57. George Tamari. Unreliability of hair analysis. Letter to the editor: Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, May, 2004
58. Wennig, R. (2000). "Potential problems with the interpretation of hair analysis results". Forensic Science International. 107 (1–3): 5–12. doi:10.1016/s0379-0738(99)00146-2. PMID 10689559.
59. Angell, Marcia; Kassirer, Jerome P. (1998). "Alternative Medicine — the Risks of Untested and Unregulated Remedies". New England Journal of Medicine. 339 (12): 839–841. doi:10.1056/NEJM199809173391210. PMID 9738094.
60. University of Maryland site about alternative medicine: uses, possible prescription drug interactions, and possible nutrient depletions
61. Herbal supplements not child's play - CNN news article
62. And the Good Herb Taketh Away
63. Herbal Mythology - By Steven Novella MD
64. Selling Supplements - By Steven Novella MD
65. Herbal side effects and warnings - researched by Personal Health Zone staff
66. Homeopathy at UK-Skeptics
67. NCAHF Position Paper on Homeopathy National Council Against Health Fraud
68. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann's "Organon Of Medicine" translated by Dudgeon Fifth Edition § 269
69. Shang A, Huwiler-Muntener K, Nartey L, Juni P, Dorig S, Sterne JA, Pewsner D, Egger M (2005). "Are the clinical effects of homoeopathy placebo effects? Comparative study of placebo-controlled trials of homoeopathy and allopathy". Lancet. 366 (9487): 726–32. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67177-2. PMID 16125589. S2CID 17939264.
70. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/5178122.stm BBC news, Malaria advice 'risks lives', By Meirion Jones
71. Starr, M. (2000). "Malaria affects children and pregnant women most". BMJ. 321 (7271): 1288–1289. doi:10.1136/bmj.321.7271.1288. PMC 1119023. PMID 11082105.
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73. Complex Homeopathy: Overview
74. Hafner AW, editor. Reader's guide to alternative health methods. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: American Medical Association, 1993:128-130.
75. "Hoxsey Method/Bio-Medical Center". Ca: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 40 (1): 51–55. 1990. doi:10.3322/canjclin.40.1.51. PMID 2104568. S2CID 30551651.
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78. http://www.jcca-online.org/Client/cca/jcca.nsf/Articles/52C805D03B6EAB9F852569B40059418F?OpenDocument
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80. Simon, A.; Worthen, D. M.; Mitas Ja, 2nd (1979). "An evaluation of iridology". JAMA. 242 (13): 1385–1389. doi:10.1001/jama.1979.03300130029014. PMID 480560.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
81. Knipschild, P. (1988). "Looking for gall bladder disease in the patient's iris". BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.). 297 (6663): 1578–1581. doi:10.1136/bmj.297.6663.1578. PMC 1835305. PMID 3147081.
82. ^ Latoś, T.; Stanizcek, J. (1978). "Case of Klippel-Feil syndrome coexisting with left lung aplasia". Wiadomosci Lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 31 (3): 195–198. PMID 0636425.
83. An Introduction to Science: Scientific Thinking and a scientific method by Steven D. Schafersman.
84. Luiten, A. C.; Huyben, M. W. (1986). "Homeopathy and isopathy, science or faith?". Tijdschrift voor Diergeneeskunde. 111 (15–16): 741–743. PMID 3750307.
85. ^ Senstad, Ola; Leboeuf-Yde, Charlotte; Borchgrevink, Christian (15 February 1997). "Frequency and Characteristics of Side Effects of Spinal Manipulative Therapy1996 Program Committee". Spine. 22 (4): 435–40, discussion 440-1. doi:10.1097/00007632-199702150-00017. PMID 9055373. S2CID 7482895.
86. Carter, R.; Aspy, C. B.; Mold, J. (2002). "The effectiveness of magnet therapy for treatment of wrist pain attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome". The Journal of Family Practice. 51 (1): 38–40. PMID 11927062.
87. Collacott, Edward A.; Zimmerman, John T.; White, Donald W.; Rindone, Joseph P. (2000). "Bipolar Permanent Magnets for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain". JAMA. 283 (10): 1322–1325. doi:10.1001/jama.283.10.1322. PMID 10714732.
88. Lal, H.; Agarwal, K. N. (1975). "Influence of experimental dietary conditions on hepatic enzymes of glutamic acid metabolism in rats". Nutrition and Metabolism. 19 (1–2): 20–27. doi:10.1159/000175643. PMID 5693.
89. Fit For Life: Some Notes on the Book and Its Roots James J. Kenney, Ph.D., R.D. Article
90. Index to Information about Naturopathy – Quackwatch
91. Naturopathy by Robert T. Carroll – The Skeptic's Dictionary
92. Naturopathy: A Critical Analysis by Barry L. Beyerstein, PhD, and Susan Downie
93. Licensed to Kill: Some Doctors Are Real Naturals by Chris Wanjek
94. "Vitamin Therapy, Megadose / Orthomolecular Therapy" British Columbia Provincial Health Services Authority 2000
95. The Ascorbate Effect in Infectious and Autoimmune Diseases Fourth World Conference on Nutritional Medicine, San Francisco, June 2004.
96. Hasslberger S. Vitamin C could be effective against SARS. New Media Explorer. 6 June 2003 includes republication of article: Mawhinney J. "Vitamin C touted to fight virus." Toronto Star, 30 May 2003.
97. Should We "Thank God" for Julian Whitaker?, American Council on Science and Health, 1999
98. Recommendations of the NCAHF Task Force on Supplement Abuse, 1987
99. Dubious Aspects of Osteopathy
100. What the latest prayer study tells us about God. - By William Saletan - Slate Magazine Article
101. Skeptic's Dictionary: Radionics
102. Reflexology: A Close Look
103. Skeptics Dictionary: Definition of Reflexology
104. National Council Against Health Fraud article on reiki
105. Be Wary of Acupuncture, Qigong, and "Chinese Medicine" A Critical Overview
106. Keating JC Jr; Charlton KH; Grod JP; Perle SM; Sikorski D; Winterstein JF (2005). "Subluxation: dogma or science?". Chiropr Osteopat. 13: 17. doi:10.1186/1746-1340-13-17. PMC 1208927. PMID 16092955.
107. Chiropractic's Elusive Subluxation Buzzword - Stephen Barrett, M.D.
108. Eye-Related Quackery
109. Merriam-Webster definition: Vitalism
110. Vitalism - Skeptic's Dictionary
111. Bechtel W, Richardson RC (1998). Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy. E. Craig (Ed.), London: Routledge: Vitalism.
112. Siwolop, Sana (January 7, 2001). Back Pain? Arthritis? Step Right Up to the Mouse. New York Times
113. CNN, "FTC files complaint against 'Vitamin O' makers", published March 16, 1999. Accessed January 20, 2007.
114. Federal Trade Commission, accessed January 20, 2007.
115. Cairns, Thomas.; Froberg, Jerry E.; Gonzales, Steve.; Langham, William S.; Stamp, John J.; Howie, John K.; Sawyer, Donald T. (1978). "Analytical chemistry of amygdalin". Analytical Chemistry. 50 (2): 317–322. doi:10.1021/ac50024a037.
116. Laetrile/Amygdalin - National Cancer Institute Questions and Answers About Laetrile/Amygdalin Article
117. American Cancer Socoiety: Lattrile Article
118. The Rise and Fall of Laetrile Article
119. Olney, John W.; Farber, Nuri B.; Spitznagel, Edward; Robins, Lee N. (1996). "Increasing Brain Tumor Rates: Is There a Link to Aspartame?". Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology. 55 (11): 1115–1123. doi:10.1097/00005072-199611000-00002. PMID 8939194. S2CID 214317.
120. Soffritti, Morando; Belpoggi, Fiorella; Esposti, Davide Degli; Lambertini, Luca; Tibaldi, Eva; Rigano, Anna (2006). "First Experimental Demonstration of the Multipotential Carcinogenic Effects of Aspartame Administered in the Feed to Sprague-Dawley Rats". Environmental Health Perspectives. 114 (3): 379–385. doi:10.1289/ehp.8711. PMC 1392232. PMID 16507461.
121. Roberts, H. J. (1991). "Does Aspartame Cause Human Brain Cancer". Journal of Advancement in Medicine. 4 (4): 231–241.
122. GAO 1986. "Six Former HHS Employees' Involvement in Aspartame's Approval," United States General Accounting Office, GAO/HRD-86-109BR, July 1986. http://archive.gao.gov/d4t4/130780.pdf
123. Gordon, Gregory, United Press International Investigation, "NutraSweet: Questions Swirl," 1987. http://www.dorway.com/upipaper.txt
124. Auras in the "Skeptic's dictionary"
125. The Vug; Fakes, Forgeries, and Misrepresentations in the mineral world Article
126. Bigfoot, Abomindable Snowman of the Himalayas, Mapinguari (the Amazon), Sasquatch, Yowie (Australia) or Yeti (Asia): Article
127. Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization
128. China Flat Museum - includes an entire building dedicated to Bigfoot, including foot print casts, maps, photos, and other documents
129. Sasquatch Research Initiative (SRI)
130. Bigfoot Discovery Museum - Bigfoot Museum located in Felton, California.
131. Information on Sivapithecus - Sivapithecus is the common ancestor to both orangutans and Gigantopithecus
132. LorenColeman.com - website of legendary Bigfoot researcher, Loren Coleman
133. Gardner, Martin. "Science: Good, Bad and Bogus", Fliess, Freud, and Biorhythm. . CH. 11. Prometheus Books, Buffalo, N.Y. 1981. ISBN 0-87975-573-3
134. Hines, Terence M., Reprinted from: Psychological Reports, August 1998, "A comprehensive review of biorhythm theory". Psychology Department, Pace University
135. Skeptic's Dictionary entry
136. The 7 Healing Chakras: Unlocking Your Body's Energy Centers (Paperback) by Brenda Davies, Publisher: Ulysses Press (January 2000)
137. Stephen Barrett, M.D. - Colloidal Silver: Risk Without Benefit (Quackwatch) Article
138. Essay on Colloidal Silver - Isolated Silver as used in Natural Medicine on Silvermedicine.org
139. ^ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2003). "Silver". Retrieved 2006-08-05.
140. ^ Hill, W. R.; Pillsbury, D. M. (1939). Argyria: The pharmacology of silver. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins Co. p. 131.
141. ^ Gaul, L. Edward; Staud, A. H. (1935). "Clinical Spectroscopy". Journal of the American Medical Association. 104 (16): 1387. doi:10.1001/jama.1935.02760160011004.
142. True-blue bids for Senate, 2002-10-03, BBC
143. Argyria - Colloidal Silver Safety. The Truth Behind the Hype: Argyrosis Exposed. on Silvermedicine.org
144. COLLOIDAL SILVER NOT APPROVED FDA reports "Use of colloidal silver ingredients in food-producing animals constitutes a potentially serious public health concern", Wednesday, February 12, 1997
145. FDA ISSUES FINAL RULE ON OTC DRUG PRODUCTS CONTAINING COLLOIDAL SILVER FDA, 1999-08-17
146. ^ FDA warning healthymagnets
147. Colloidal Silver: Risk Without Benefit, Stephen Barrett, M.D., 2005-08-17
148. Johnson, 1983
149. Quackwatch article warning about dubious claims for coral calcium
150. Marketers of coral calcium product are prohibited from making disease treatment and cure claims in advertising. - FTC news release, Jan 22, 2004
151. Coral Calcium - Reference Guide
152. Acid/Alkaline Theory of Disease Is Nonsense - Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
153. Coral Calcium: A Barefoot Scam - Leon Jaroff, Time magazine article
154. BBC Article
155. The Hypnotic Power of Crop Circles, by Bert Janssen, 2004. ISBN 1-931882-34-7
156. Cryonics FAQ
157. Download W.H.O Report } - page 1, section 2 , third paragraph
158. Mercury in Health Care - Policy Paper
159. Downloadpage for W.H.O Report
160. Mercury in Health Care - Policy Paper
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162. Takahashi, Yoshifumi; Tsuruta, Shozo; Arimoto, Michitoshi; Tanaka, Hironori; Yoshida, Minoru (2003). "Placental transfer of mercury in pregnant rats which received dental amalgam restorations". Toxicology. 185 (1–2): 23–33. doi:10.1016/s0300-483x(02)00588-7. PMID 12505442.
163. Brune, DAG; Gjerdet, Nils; Paulsen, Gunnar (1983). "Gastrointestinal and in vitro release of copper, cadmium, indium, mercury and zinc from conventional and copper-rich amalgams". European Journal of Oral Sciences. 91 (1): 66–71. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0722.1983.tb00778.x. PMID 6573763.
164. Skeptic's Dictionary entry on Dermo-optical perception
165. Randi Institute on Dermo-optical perception
166. The DHEA Debate: A critical review of experimental data (Published 2004)
167. DHEA: Ignore the Hype (Published 1996)
168. What the Skeptic's Dictionary has to say on DHEA
169. "Controversial EU vitamins ban to go ahead" (the Times, July 12 2005)
170. Dietary Supplement Further information
171. US FDA/CFSAN Dietary Supplements
172. Monitoring the Adverse Health Effects of Dietary Supplements Further information
173. BBC website: BBC - Health - Ask the doctor - Vitamin dangers Pregnant women regarding Vitamin A (Retinol) and unspecified multivitamins.
174. Fuller, R. W.; Steinberg, M. (1976). "Regulation of enzymes that synthesize neurotransmitter monoamines". Advances in Enzyme Regulation. 14: 347–390. doi:10.1016/0065-2571(76)90022-4. PMID 9790.
175. Health Canada's statement on ear candles
176. The Straight Dope: "How do ear candles work?"
177. CBC Marketplace article on ear candling and risks
178. Skeptic's Dictionary on Ear Candling
179. Quackwatch on Ear Candling by Lisa M.L. Dryer, M.D
180. Photos of an Ear Candling experiment
181. Keeping Ears Clean by Robert Jackler, MD
182. James Randi on Ear Candling
183. Skepdic: Energy Healing: Looking in All the Wrong Places
184. Richard Craze, Practical Feng Shui, Anness Publishing, London 1997.
185. McBean, Lois D.; Speckmann, Elwood W. (1974). "Food faddism: A challenge to nutritionists and dietitians". The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 27 (10): 1071–1078. doi:10.1093/ajcn/27.10.1071. PMID 4417113.
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188. Katz, D. L. (2003). "Pandemic obesity and the contagion of nutritional nonsense". Public Health Reviews. 31 (1): 33–44. PMID 14656042.
189. Food Faddism Medicdirect - Comprehensive UK Health Information
190. Nutrition Quackery/Faddism Columbia College
191. How to Spot a Crazy and Ridiculous Weight Loss Method
192. FadDiet.com -- a humor site reviewing some of the more common fad diets
193. Ultimate Guide to Fad Diets -- An extensive list of fad diets and details about them.
194. Scientists' Report Documents ExxonMobil's Tobacco-like Disinformation Campaign on Global Warming Science Report
195. Ganzera, Markus; Aberham, Anita; Stuppner, Hermann (2006). "Development and Validation of an HPLC/UV/MS Method for Simultaneous Determination of 18 Preservatives in Grapefruit Seed Extract". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 54 (11): 3768–3772. doi:10.1021/jf060543d. PMID 16719494.
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199. Brust, R. A.; Ellis, R. A. (1976). "Mosquito surveys in Manitoba during 1975". Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Sante Publique. 67 (Suppl 1): 47–53. PMID 9196.
200. ""HGH" Pills and Sprays: Human Growth Hype?" (PDF). FTC Consumer Alert. Federal Trade Commission. June 2005. Retrieved 2006-11-19.
201. Sklar, C. A. (2004). "Growth hormone treatment: Cancer risk". Hormone Research. 62 (Suppl 3): 30–34. doi:10.1159/000080496. PMID 15539796. S2CID 27652768.
202. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2002. 77:1164-1168.
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203. FTC halts deceptive pain relief claims. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/06/qtinc.htm
204. Q-Ray inventor gets more than wrist slap, http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0609090160sep09,1,2422233.story
205. Lou Boccardi describes lesson from journalism scandals as a failure of diligence and execution; we need to do our jobs better (September 23, 2005) The Associated Press Article
206. Bravata, Dena M.; Sanders, Lisa; Huang, Jane; Krumholz, Harlan M.; Olkin, Ingram; Gardner, Christopher D.; Bravata, Dawn M. (2003). "Efficacy and Safety of Low-Carbohydrate Diets". JAMA. 289 (14): 1837–1850. doi:10.1001/jama.289.14.1837. PMID 12684364.
207. http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/355/19/1991 Article]
208. Louise Lacey's webpage
209. Susan Freinkel, Vitamin Cure: Can common nutrients curb violent tendencies and dispel clinical depression?, DISCOVER, Vol. 26 No. 05, May 2005 Article
210. abstract Goodwin JS, et al. Battling quackery: attitudes about micronutrient supplements in American academic medicine. Arch Intern Med 1998;158:2187-2191. academic MD questions and shows conventional medicine's enduring antipathy and double standard toward nutrients
211. New Age Transformed J Gordon Melton, Director Institute for the Study of American Religion - Accessed June 2006
212. What Is "New Age? Michael D. Langone, Ph.D. Cult Observer, 1993, Volume 10, No. 1- Accessed July 2006
213. Organic Consumers Association Cosmetics, Parabens, and Breast Cancer
214. Environmental Working Group Review of Parabens: concerns regarding estrogenic effect
215. Safety Assessment of Propyl Paraben: A Review of the Published Literature (2001) Food and Chemical Toxicology 39:513-532
216. CIR publication "Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben JACT 1984 Vol 3 p147-209.
217. http://jncicancerspectrum.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/jnci;94/20/1578
218. www.breastcancer.org Antiperspirants Do Not Increase Breast Cancer Risk
219. www.antiperspirantsinfo.com Unilever Corporation: The Truth about Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer
220. Byford, J. R.; Shaw, L. E.; Drew, M. G.; Pope, G. S.; Sauer, M. J.; Darbre, P. D. (2002). "Oestrogenic activity of parabens in MCF7 human breast cancer cells". The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 80 (1): 49–60. doi:10.1016/s0960-0760(01)00174-1. PMID 11867263. S2CID 6667945.
221. Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology edited by J. Gordon Melton Gale Research, ISBN 0-8103-5487-X
222. The Skeptic's Dictionary: Overview of Phrenology
223. Radioactive Quack Cures: Pictures Radioactive Quack Cures: Story
224. Beware of Snake Oil — by Phil Zimmermann
225. The Snake Oil FAQ by Matt Curtin and others.
226. The Subtle or Yogic Body: The Etheric Body, according to Barbara Brennan (from her book Hands of Light) Online
227. Dictionary Definition
228. Food and nutrition board, institute of medicine of the national academies (2005). Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids (Macronutrients). National Academies Press. p. 423. doi:10.17226/10490. ISBN 978-0-309-08525-0.
229. Food and nutrition board, institute of medicine of the national academies (2005). Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids (Macronutrients). National Academies Press. p. 504.
230. Mozaffarian D, Katan MB, Ascherio A, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC (13 April 2006). "Trans Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease". New England Journal of Medicine. 354 (15): 1601–1613. doi:10.1056/NEJMra054035. PMID 16611951. PMID 16611951
231. Skeptic's Dictionary entry about Trepanation
232. Clark, Jerome. The Ufo Book: Encyclopedia of the Extraterrestrial. Visible Ink, 1998. ISBN 1-57859-029-9.
233. Good, Timothy. Above Top Secret. New York: William Morrow & Co., 1988. ISBN 0-688-09202-0.
234. Philip J. Klass. UFOs Explained, New York: Random House, 1974. ISBN 0-394-49215-3.
235. Peebles, Curtis. Watch the Skies! A Chronicle of the Flying Saucer Myth. Washington, DC:Smithsonian Institution, 1994. ISBN 1-56098-343-4.
236. Rose, Bill and Buttler, Tony. Flying Saucer Aircraft (Secret Projects). Leicester, UK: Midland Publishing, 2006. ISBN 1-85780-233-0.
237. Ruppelt, Edward J.. The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects. 1956, available online: Report
238. Snopes - Urban Legends Reference Pages
239. ScamBusters on Urban Legends
240. Hoaxbusters
241. The AFU And Urban Legends Archive
242. About.com: Urban Legends and Folklore
243. Myth Busters TV show
244. The International Society for Contemporary Legend Research
245. Wolfe, R. M.; Sharp, L. K. (2002). "Anti-vaccinationists past and present". BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.). 325 (7361): 430–432. doi:10.1136/bmj.325.7361.430. PMC 1123944. PMID 12193361.
246. engerix-b
247. Pseudoscience behind flu vaccination from Bill Sardi's Knowledge of Health Article
248. ^ American Water Works Association website, "Fact Sheets: Drinking Water Fluoridation", page accessed March 3, 2006.
249. The Philosophy of Yin and Yang Four Main Aspects
250. Hurley, Patrick (2000). A Concise Introduction to Logic, Seventh Edition. Wadsworth, a division of Thompson Learning. pp. 125–128, 182. ISBN 0534520065.
251. Humbug! Online Personal Abuse Article.
252. Nizkor.org. Fallacy: Ad Hominem.
253. Nizkor.org. Fallacy: Circumstantial Ad Hominem.
254. Philosophy.lander.edu. Argumentum Ad Hominem
255. University of Winnipeg. Argumentation Schemes and Historical Origins of the Circumstantial Ad Hominen Argument
256. About.com. Argument Against the Person (Argumentum ad hominem)
257. The Fallacy Files. Argumentum ad Hominem
258. Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
259. Dictionary.com
260. Merriam-Webster
261. YourDictionary.com
262. Anti-intellectualism in American Life, by Richard Hofstadter: ISBN 0-394-70317-0
263. Anti-Intellectualism in American Media, by Dane S. Claussen: New York: Peter Lang Publishing, 2004. ISBN 0-8204-5721-3
264. Evening Chats in Beijing: Probing China's Predicament, by Perry Link: New York,London: W.W. Norton & Company, 1991. ISBN 0393310655
265. Hinton, William. Hundred Day War: The Cultural Revolution at Tsinghua University. New York: New York UP, 1972. ISBN 0-85345-281-4.
266. Moynihan Commission Report, Appendix A, 7. The Cold War, footnote 103 quoted from Robert Warshow, The Legacy of the 30’s: Middle-Class Mass Culture and the Intellectuals’ Problem, Commentary Magazine (December 1947): 538.
267. "Action Will be Taken" Left Anti-Intelectualism and its Discontents by Liza Featherstone, Doug Henwood, and Christian Parenti (Left Business Observer)
268. Robert A. Aronowitz "Pure or Impure Science?" Ann. Int. Med. 1997 127(3), 250-254
269. Definition of charlatan
270. Wason, P.C. (1960). On the failure to eliminate hypotheses in a conceptual task. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 12, 129-140.
271. Wason, P.C. (1966). Reasoning. In B. M. Foss (Ed.), New horizons in psychology I, 135-151. Harmondsworth, UK: Penguin.
272. Wason, P.C. (1968). Reasoning about a rule. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 20, 273-281.
273. Mynatt, C.R., Doherty, M.E., & Tweney, R.D. (1977). Confirmation bias in a simulated research environment: an experimental study of scientific inference. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 29, 85-95.
274. Griggs, R.A. & Cox, J.R. (1982). The elusive thematic materials effect in the Wason selection task. British Journal of Psychology, 73, 407-420.
275. Nickerson, R.S. (1998). Confirmation bias: A ubiquitous phenomenon in many guises. Review of General Psychology, 2, 175-220.
276. Fugelsang, J., Stein, C., Green, A., & Dunbar, K. (2004). Theory and data interactions of the scientific mind: Evidence from the molecular and the cognitive laboratory. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, 58, 132-141.
277. Skeptic's Dictionary: confirmation bias Teaching about confirmation bias
278. Bernard d'Espagnat, Scientific American, Nov. 1979. The Quantum Theory and Reality 158-181
279. Controversial Science: From Content to Contention by Thomas Brante et al.
280. Communicating uncertainty: Media coverage of new and controversial science by Sharon Dunwoody et al.
281. Dudley, Underwood (1987). A Budget of Trisections. New York: Springer-Verlag. ISBN 0-387-96568-8.
282. Dudley, Underwood (1992). Mathematical Cranks. Washington, D.C.: Mathematical Association of America. ISBN 0-88385-507-0.
283. Dudley, Underwood (1996). The Trisectors. Washington, D.C.: Mathematical Association of America. ISBN 0-88385-514-3.
284. Dudley, Underwood (1997). Numerology: Or, What Pythagoras Wrought. Washington, D.C.: Mathematical Association of America. ISBN 0-88385-524-0.
285. Eves, Howard (1972). Mathematical Circles Squared; A Third Collection of Mathematical Stories and Anecdotes. Boston: Prindle, Weber & Schmidt. ISBN 0-87150-154-6.
286. Gardner, Martin (1957). Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science. New York: Dover. ISBN 0-486-20394-8. LCCN 57003844.
287. Kruger, Justin & David Dunning (1989). "Unskilled and Unaware of It: How Difficulties in Recognizing One's Own Incompetence Lead to Inflated Self-Assessments" (PDF). J. Pers. And Soc. Psych. 71: 1121–1134. A classic paper on a common phenomenon in social psychiatry which in extreme cases is strongly associated with crackpottery.
288. William F. Williams, editor (2000) Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience: From Alien Abductions to Zone Therapy Facts on File ISBN 0-8160-3351-X
289. Folk Science http://agham.asti.dost.gov.ph/1998/8th/extras/sophia/article.htm Article
290. Scientific American: Folk Science http://www.sciam.com/print_version.cfm?articleID=000A760C-14A5-14C1-94A583414B7F0181 Article
291. BrainConnection.com - Education and Neuroscience: Bridging the Gap - Page 2 http://www.brainconnection.com/topics/?main=fa/education-neuroscience2 Article
292. Podgor, Ellen S. Criminal Fraud, (1999) Vol, 48, No. 4 American Law Review 1 Review Fraud - Alex Copola
293. CSI On-line: Scientifically Investigating Paranormal and Fringe Science Claims fringe science investigators
294. Intellectual Dishonesty Meanings Definition
295. Center for Informed Decision Making, Sound Science versus Junk Science Article
296. Dictionary: Junk Science
297. A Textbook Case of Junk Science
298. Logical Fallacies-a semi ordered list with definitions
299. Fallacies - ESGS. Europeean Society for General Semantics
300. Logical Fallacies .Info
301. Logical Fallacies and the Art of Debate
302. Logic & Fallacies: Constructing a Logical Argument
303. Wiktionary - pejorative
304. Definition
305. Cambridge Dictionaries Online - Cambridge University Press - Definition
306. Irving Langmuir, "Colloquium on Pathological Science", held at The Knolls Research Laboratory, December 18, 1953. Kenneth Steiglitz, Professor of Computer Science, Princeton University. Transcript See also: I. Langmuir, "Pathological Science", General Electric, (Distribution Unit, Bldg. 5, Room 345, Research and Development Center, P. O. Box 8, Schenectady, NY 12301), 68-C-035 (1968); I. Langmuir, "Pathological Science", (1989) Physics Today, Volume 42, Issue 10, October 1989, pp.36-48
307. UK Student Portal - Academic Directory: Plagiarism
308. Plagiarism Stoppers : A Teachers Guide
309. What is plagiarism?
310. "Pseudoscientific - pretending to be scientific, falsely represented as being scientific", from the Oxford American Dictionary, published by the Oxford English Dictionary.
311. For example, Hewitt et al. Conceptual Physical Science Addison Wesley; 3 edition (July 18, 2003) ISBN 0-321-05173-4, Bennett et al. The Cosmic Perspective 3e Addison Wesley; 3 edition (July 25, 2003) ISBN 0-8053-8738-2
312. "Marcello Truzzi, On Pseudo-Skepticism" Zetetic Scholar (1987) No. 12/13, 3-4.
313. Definition of Quackery - Online dictionary
314. Definition of quack - Online dictionary
315. Quackery: How Should It Be Defined?
316. quacksalver- American Heritage Dictionary
317. German-English Glossary of Idioms
318. Definition of Scientific Misconduct
319. Defining Misconduct in Science
320. Rethinking Unscientific Attitudes About Scientific Misconduct
321. Self-deception article
322. Self-Deception (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
323. Sample Chapter for Mele, A.R.: Self-Deception Unmasked.
324. Miller, D. T., & Ross, M. (1975). Self-serving biases in the attribution of causality: Fact or fiction? Psychological Bulletin, 82, 213-225.
325. Babcock, L. & Loewenstein, G., (1997). Explaining Bargaining Impasse: The Role of Self-Serving Biases, Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 11(1), 109-26
326. Responding to Skepticism, by Keith DeRose. Introduction to Skepticism: A Contemporary Reader (Oxford University Press, 1999). Describes the main lines of response to philosophical skepticism.
327. Skepticism and the Veil of Perception, book about philosophical skepticism & perceptual knowledge
328. James Randi Educational Foundation
329. Skepticality
330. Skeptic Report
331. Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal
332. Rationalist International
333. Skeptics Society
334. Peter Suber, Classical Skepticism. An exposition of Pyrrho's skepticism through the writings of Sextus Empiricus.
335. Outstanding skeptics of the 20th century - Skeptical Inquirer Magazine
336. Examples of False Positioning (Humbug! Online)
337. Nizkor: Straw man
338. W. Sumer Davis (2003). Just Smoke and Mirrors: Religion, Fear and Superstition in Our Modern World. iUniverse. pp. 11–12. ISBN 0-595-26523-5.
339. A study demonstrating wishful thinking in memory
340. Examples of Wishful Thinking @ Humbug! Online.
341. The Skeptic's Dictionary

External links

• Dr. Bob's Homepage for Medical Quackery
• FTC: Consumer Protection - Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• FTC: Operation Cure-All - FTC
• FTC: "Operation Cure-all" Targets Internet Health Fraud - FTC
• FTC warning letters: search - FTC

• Health Quackery: Spotting Health Scams - National Institute on Aging
• How to Evaluate Health Information on the Internet - Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• National Council Against Health Fraud - Misplaced Pages article
• Protecting Yourself Against Health Fraud - FDA
• Quackery - United States Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS)
• Quackwatch.org - Misplaced Pages article