Posts in Myth-Busting

141 | Are Kids Losing Their Attention Span? | Why We Do What We Do

Throughout time, adults have been frustrated by… oh look at that cloud… just kidding :) But really, there is this myth that kids have shorter attention spans than ever before. This is fueled in part by a “study” that apparently doesn’t exist, but nevertheless got picked up by the news. Movies are sometimes used as a metric for shortening attention spans, but it is likely an artifact of competing for people’s time. Also, goldfish are a terrible comparison for attention. In short, no kids are not losing their attention span. Actually, we are probably getting increasingly efficient at identifying and regulating our attention to things that are or aren’t worth our time. Myth busted.

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140 | Sensory Integration Therapy | Why We Do What We Do

A potentially controversial issue in which we take on sensory integration therapy. Important to note that we are NOT criticizing occupational therapists. We dug deep into the literature on sensory integration therapy and told the story that the data present. That is, we take as diplomatic and charitable a position as we can while remaining honest. Science does not paint a flattering picture.

Survey ends in January!

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129 | Tapping Meridian Points | Why We Do What We Do

Meridian points are the gateways through which “chi” flows into our bodies. These specialized pores in our skin conduct chi such that with an appropriate balance we find ourselves in good physical and mental health, but with imbalance we find ourselves in poor mental and physical health. Traditionally accomplished through acupuncture, many argue the same outcome is accessible through applying any kind of attention or pressure to meridian points. Except that every single thing about this is not backed by science, medicine, logic, or common sense. Learn about the damning history of meridian points and why we can and should forever let go of this way of magical thinking.

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Links for Today:

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/11/how-the-zombie-fungus-takes-over-ants-bodies-to-control-their-minds/545864/ (narrative description of the cordyceps fungus taking over ants)
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/04/cordyceps-zombie-fungus-takes-over-ants/ (mostly images of insects infected with cordyceps fungus)
https://youtu.be/XuKjBIBBAL8 (video documentary of the cordyceps fungus in ants)
https://www.livescience.com/51764-wasp-spider-zombies.html (zombie spiders! When wasps plant their larva in spiders)
https://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/mind-controlling-wasps-enslave-zombie-spiders-build-them-perfect-nest/ (elaboration on wasps turning spiders into zombies)
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2018/08/zombie-flies-mind-control-fungus-animals/ (video of flies being zombified by fungus; gross)

Human Bias, Myth-Busting, PseudoscienceScott Abraham MillerNovember 6, 2019Abraham, Shane, Shanebraham, Meridian Points, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Reflexology, Jim Kwik, Pseudoscience, Skepticism, Skeptical Activism, Placebo, Motivated ReasoningComment

124 | Crying Wolf: Clinical Lycanthropy | Why We Do What We Do

Welcome to spooky psychology month! Shane and Abraham are choosing 5 topics in psychology that related to horror or Halloween themed topics. The first entry is about the psychological condition called Clinical Lycanthropy in which people believe that they turn into non-human animals. Although werewolves are common, beliefs range across just about every known animal or human-animal hybrid. But how common is this? How is it diagnosed? How is it treated? Unfortunately, little is known. But we were able to dig up some dirt on this mysterious affliction!

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Diagnosis, Myth-Busting, SpookyScott Abraham MillerOctober 2, 2019Abraham, Shane, Science, Shanebraham, Werewolves, Clinical Lycanthropy, October Spooky Psychology 2019, Delusions, Skepticism, Psychological WerewolvesComment

122 | Brain Food | Why We Do What We Do

There are certain foods that can improve your cognitive performance. Or maybe not. There is evidence supporting the health benefits of some diets over others, but none that shows the neurological benefits of a specific food. Although the claims that brain-food proponents make are not totally inaccurate and are generally good advice, they wildly exaggerate the outcomes of their programs and trick you into buying their stuff. In this discussion, we review the science behind antioxidants, supplements, and other “brain foods,” which ones work and which ones don’t.

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Myth-Busting, Pseudoscience, The BrainScott Abraham MillerSeptember 18, 2019Abraham, Shane, Skepticism, Diet, Food, Brain Food, Supplements, Lisa Misconi, Max Lugavere, Shanebraham, Harriet Hall, Science, Quack Watch, Science Based MedicineComment

121 | A Brief Introduction to Punishment | Why We Do What We Do

We’ve all heard of it. We all know what it is. But technically most people use the term imprecisely relative to behavior scientists. Did you know that there is a distinction between positive and negative punishment? Or that perhaps one of the biggest take aways that punishment is an effect, not a process? This discussion briefly introduces the concept of punishment without an in-depth and nuanced explanation for now. We are just laying the groundwork for grander things to come!

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120 | Sign Language With Primates | Why We Do What We Do

People have been curious about the language of other species, and specifically if other species can learn human language. In the 1960’s and 1970’s some researchers in the United States believed that they had broken the species language barrier by teaching primates sign language. But where are all of the signing apes now? Shane and Abraham discuss the history and controversy of the trials and attempts to teach language to primates.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

105 | What's Going On With Weighted Vests? | Why We Do What We Do

Some people use clothing with weights added on children to “help” them manage their challenging behaviors. This is commonly used with children with an autism diagnosis who demonstrate what are called stereotyped behaviors or stereotypy. How are these supposed to work? What does the research say. Don’t worry, Shane and Abraham have you covered. Check out our discussion of the philosophy and research on the use of weighted vests.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

Pseudoscience, Myth-Busting, Autism, ChildrenScott Abraham MillerMay 22, 2019Weighted Vests, Weighted Clothes, Occupational Therapy, Stereotypy, Ethics, Confirmation BIasComment

075 │ Perceiving the World Through Hearing Part 3: Tinnitus and Auditory Processing Disorder │ Why We Do What We Do

Ringing in the ears? Trouble understanding speech? Listen in as Abraham, RyanO, and Shane team up to wrap up our discussion about hearing with an emphasis on understanding what is known about diagnosis, treatment, and biology of tinnitus and auditory processing disorder with special guest audiologists Dr. Cathy Vance and Dr. Brandi Greenhouse

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast. @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

Diagnosis, Genetics, Interview, Myth-Busting, The BrainScott Abraham MillerOctober 22, 2018Comment

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