ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the myriad of ways social constructions play out in science. It details how science is practiced, how outside factors enter the practice of science, and how to distinguish between voodoo, junk, or poor science and good science. Voodoo refers to the process whereby individuals and industry and advocacy groups intentionally present faulty, untested, or unproven scientific evidence to advance their own interests or promote their worldview. Kuhn noticed, however, that scientific theories often change based on new evidence. The abandonment of a scientific paradigm reinvigorates science as it searches for consensus on a new paradigm. In addition, particular social groups may be discouraged from entering a scientific discipline. Researchers who use the scientific method to advance scientific theories and methods are perceived to be of higher status than those who use the scientific method for practical purposes. The rationale for ranking faculties and disciplines is based on two social constructions: adherence to scientific method and subject matter.