ABSTRACT
Pseudoscience in HDFS fakes the appearance of science, for either financial gain or out of ideological commitment. The hallmarks of pseudoscience are the use of poorly defined terminology, reliance on confirmatory anecdotes and testimonials, and outright deception regarding academic and scientific credentials. These strategies distract from an utter absence of falsifiability. Examples of pseudoscience in HDFS are examined and critiqued according to these hallmarks. Examples include some of the most pervasive pseudosciences (e.g., learning styles) and the most harmful (e.g., the anti-vaccination movement, conversion therapy). Implications of pseudoscience include wasted resources, but also exploitation of vulnerable populations, abuse of children, and unnecessary deaths.
