Introduction

Some common misunderstandings of the scientific method are outlined. These include the topic of a debate must be defined unambiguously; a true scientist must be detached; a scientific theory can never be absolutely proven to be correct; further observations that are consistent with a theory cannot be considered as additional confirmation; the criterion for a theory to be scientific is that it must be refutable; consensus is not a criterion for validity of a theory; and modeling of a complex phenomenon may not be a reliable scientific approach. There is a range of capacity for critical thinking in the population, varying from thinkers who free themselves from bias to those who allow themselves to become indoctrinated. The criterion for a theory to be scientific is that it can be tested and therefore refuted. Science advances by a trial-and-error procedure in which hypotheses are tested and may be corroborated or refuted. True scientists listen to opposing views and may change their opinion if new results or arguments are presented, whereas politicians have to be more restricted.