Evaluating Science and Pseudoscience in Speech-Language Pathology
Course: #5424Level: Intermediate 1 Hour 38 Reviews
Because there are many questionable therapeutic techniques that people purport are effective, clinicians need a way to evaluate which approaches are based on science and which are not. Topics to be addressed will be defining pseudoscience and quackery/weird science, how to use “baloney detectors” when evaluating techniques, and how to be appropriately skeptical of all claims made.
Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to list 5 ways to not be “quacked” in selecting a therapeutic technique.
- After this course, participants will be able to define pseudoscience, quackery and skepticism.
- After this course, participants will be able to explain how to differentiate if a proposed approach is based on science or pseudoscience.
Agenda
| 0-5 Minutes | Introduction and Overview |
| 5-55 Minutes | Definition of term, Evidence based practice, Skepticism, Baloney detection |
| 55-60 Minutes | Conclusion; Q&A |
Reviews
38 Reviews
by
Member
on
December 6, 2015
The presentation was well-organized, practical, and clearly presented.
by
Member
on
November 28, 2015
There were moments that the material was hard to assimilate because the presenter moved on too quickly. In attempt to avoid pointing out specific theories or products that might be considered "quackery" or "pseudoscience", he was left with few concrete examples to use to illustrate the concepts, a difficult dilemna for the presenter. Specific examples would have enhanced the presentation but would have been uncomfortable at the same time.
by
Member
on
November 23, 2015
Relevant content
by
Member
on
November 22, 2015
Good, clear information but leaves me wanting for more specific advise on how to base my practice in science -- e.g. most efficient ways to find peer-reviewed journals, etc.
by
Member
on
November 20, 2015
Greg Lof
by
Member
on
November 19, 2015
Interesting topic, a dose of humor
by
Member
on
November 19, 2015
Instructor had a passion for his material. The material was presented clearly and was applicable to my practice
by
Member
on
November 17, 2015
The speaker jumped around a bit, but otherwise, the style was excellent. He made his points clearly and supported them well.
by
Member
on
November 13, 2015
Excellent topic
by
Member
on
November 10, 2015
The handouts were unorganized, many were duplicates, some were duplicates that differed by only the addition of one sentence.
by
Member
on
November 9, 2015
Served as an enthusiastic reminder to remain a well-trained skeptic on the job. Thanks!
by
Member
on
November 9, 2015
Clear objectives. Information was presented in a way that was conducive to teaching the objectives.
by
Beth
on
November 8, 2015
It truly made me think about the methods and techniques I am using and if I have been guilty of not using enough research and evidence of their effectiveness.
by
Member
on
November 6, 2015
I felt the presenter answered questions very generally or vaguely. I wanted more recommendations on specific EBP therapies to look into.
by
Member
on
November 6, 2015
Really makes the SLP think about the treatment he/she is providing, making sure that there are theoretical underpinnings.
by
Member
on
November 2, 2015
The instructor was knowledgeable and presented his information in a well organized manner. The test questions were a little tricky.
by
Member
on
October 28, 2015
Good presenter; organized.
by
Member
on
October 27, 2015
More SLPs need to value this information. It is appalling that some professionals continue to spread misinformation.
by
Member
on
October 20, 2015
Interesting and thought-provoking
by
Member
on
October 12, 2015
Speaker is clear and direct in his information, and presents with what appears to be a lack of bias.
by
Karen
on
October 11, 2015
Easy to listen to the presenter
by
Dawn
on
September 27, 2015
Presentation was ok but mostly a review
by
Charles
on
September 22, 2015
Excellent refresher from college course (16 years ago) based on research from a critical thinking/skeptical point of view and especially for new technology and apps not available previously which must be considered.
by
Lucinda
on
September 22, 2015
Makes you think!
by
Member
on
September 21, 2015
Definitions
by
Marguerite
on
September 7, 2015
speaker knowledge
by
Carla
on
September 4, 2015
It is very relevant to each SLP, no matter what setting you work in.
by
Anne
on
August 20, 2015
Relevant course material, however, I feel that it was more on an introductory level (course was stated as intermediate). I wish that the speaker had focused more on specific practices that are not evidenced based. Good reminder that not all published material or material heard at conferences is evidenced based.
by
Member
on
August 20, 2015
Well planned and covered many aspects of the topic.
by
Member
on
August 13, 2015
The message. And, of course, a great presenter.
by
Joy
on
August 10, 2015
It was a good reminder that we are scientists and are responsible for the methodologies we use with clients.
by
Sarah
on
July 2, 2015
A great reminder of EBP and also that therapy materials available may not be evidence based.
by
Callie
on
June 25, 2015
well put together
by
Mary
on
June 14, 2015
The topi was very interesting. I learned more than I expected to. The instructor provided useful references for further review.
by
Mary
on
June 13, 2015
The presenter was very knoweldgable about the topic and is it good to take time to reflect upon therapy practices.
by
Rynette
on
June 9, 2015
I appreciated the explanation of EBP and SBP and the distinction between the two.
by
Kelly
on
May 26, 2015
relevance
by
Penelope
on
May 12, 2015
Brilliant cautions about so many techniques that we see out there today! I am more skeptical, for sure!
by
Debbie
on
May 12, 2015
Easy to follow, relevant slides
by
Lesa
on
March 20, 2015
Very refreshing and thought provoking
by
Fran
on
March 12, 2015
Makes you think about what you are doing in therapy.
by
Danielle
on
December 21, 2014
Now I have the verbage to define several things I felt but was not quite sure how to state. Example: how the testimonials or case studies can be used instead of data, to sell a new product.
by
Jennifer
on
December 20, 2014
A very touchy but important subject in our field...refreshing to hear it presented so confidently.
by
Charity
on
December 7, 2014
well defined terms and strategies
by
Norma
on
December 2, 2014
Interesting topic.
by
Julia
on
November 19, 2014
The emphasis on distinguishing features between science and pseudoscience was helpful.
by
Rachael
on
October 19, 2014
clear definition of the terms. Will now be certain to approach therapy and treatment plans being more of a clinical scientist. Also made me realize the skeptic is not a bad thing- need to do more especially when programs are promoted by various employers.
by
Valerio
on
September 16, 2014
This was a very thought provoking presentation as stated by one of the attendees. I'm glad the presenter made it clear that skepticism is a good thing and helps all sciences; normally it is thought of as an individual always going against the flow, but I think the point that was made here was that skepticism actually enhances any science rather than diminish a science.
by
Emily
on
September 8, 2014
Clear and thoughtful presentation.
by
Delores
on
August 12, 2014
Provided a lot of good information differentiating pseudoscience from science - which can be taken into account when e.g. selecting therapy materials, reading about and considering new methods of therapy, etc.that are introduced.
by
Lauren
on
February 13, 2014
The information was presented in an organized manner and explained well.
by
Jaden
on
December 30, 2013
A good reminder of how we should approach new therapy techniques.
by
Melanie
on
December 28, 2013
Laid out suggestions for how to analyze therapies.
by
Sarah
on
December 24, 2013
Interesting too-rarely discussed topic
by
Bethany
on
December 24, 2013
I have enjoyed every SLP.com course that Gregory Lof has presented. As a young clinician, I believe the information in this course is some of the best professional advice I have ever come across. Some of the valuable information I took home with me today includes:-Often times well-meaning, intelligent, and open-minded people are swept up by case studies (which do not actually reperesent experimental evidence,)- Skeptics are not just cyncial. Skepticism represents a an approach; not a mindset.- Practice-based evidence enhances Evidence-based practice (which is itself limited by the available evidence)I viewed this course after it was recorded, but I wish I was able to view it live so I could have asked some questions. However, I think Dr. Lof recieved some insightful questions at the end of the presentation, definitely worth paying attention. Don't take my word for it, (because that would be pseudoscience!) but I think this was one of the most useful SLP.com courses I've taken.
by
Alberto
on
December 22, 2013
Provide guidelines for questioning the pseudoscience in our field.
by
Gwene
on
November 7, 2013
clearly presented with supporting material
by
Cory
on
October 28, 2013
Helpful reminder to practice healthy skepticism in practice and in adopting new/alternative treatment methods.
by
Elizabeth
on
October 25, 2013
It was clear and to the point.
by
Kay
on
October 21, 2013
The emphasis on science-based practice instead of just evidence-based practice is very important for clinicians and university-based clinical supervisors and instructors.
by
James
on
October 19, 2013
Topic of pseudoscience is a good one. A reminder not to waste TX time with our clients.
by
Corina
on
October 14, 2013
The material was well presented and very understandable.
by
Susan
on
September 26, 2013
I liked the course and felt that it was well constructed. I did believe that anyone with experience with the peer review process would have included the observation that not all peers are equal, so skepticism is required even of a peer reviewed article.Additionally, the answer to number 3 is not clear. It is, of course, confirmation bias, but it was presented as a part of pseudoscience. I think a better question could have been constructed.
by
Jennifer
on
July 7, 2013
This will influence my critical thinking in future.
by
Nicole
on
June 29, 2013
Easy to follow and informative.
by
Crystal
on
June 26, 2013
The preseenter was very knowledgeable and material was presented in an easy to follow format.
by
Stacy
on
June 23, 2013
The topic was presented in a logical fashion and provided a well needed reminder for clinicians who practice using a variety of techniques which may or may not be scientifically supported.
by
Kelly
on
June 19, 2013
Introduction of a new idea to me (science based evidence as a compliment to evidence based practiced). Thus far, I've only learned of the positives of EBP, not the pitfalls.
by
Laura
on
May 17, 2013
The information could be applied to all walks of therapies and it is very pertinent.
by
Ellen
on
April 10, 2013
The presented provided real examples.
by
Jill
on
April 9, 2013
informative
by
Ella
on
February 18, 2013
clear and conise. articulate
by
H. Joseph
on
January 31, 2013
I wish the presenter had spent more time explicating the distinctions between EBP and science based practice. What is the difference?It seems to me the answer to Q7 could just as well be option D as B.I am still not clear on what a clinician is to do if there is no peer reviewed study of a given technique.
by
Barbara
on
January 30, 2013
The presenter gave sound ideas about how to avoid being quacked. Good ideas to remember.
by
Crystal
on
January 28, 2013
It seemed as if there were slides that were provided with the original podcast that did not come with the course I participated in. There were 3 downloads of the same outline, which made me feel as if there were other downloads that I missed out on.
by
SallyAnn
on
January 21, 2013
Vital information for every practicing SLP to have and every academic faculty member to share with students!
by
Sally
on
January 16, 2013
Sensible explanations that don't discourage us .... There is a lack of EBP in the field but the path to more rigor and clarity is laid out. Dear ASHA, Please let our bosses know that we need time to try single subject design(planning and analyzing are labor intensive).
by
Ann
on
January 2, 2013
Good information necessary for any practicing clinician.
by
Catherine
on
December 30, 2012
the clarity in the presentation of the issues and variables involved and importance of the topic, alsothe clarity in the presentation and the ease of listening to the speaker's manner of presentation.very easy and engaging to listen to!
by
Shannon
on
December 24, 2012
I enjoyed how the presenter peppered the presentation points with stories from everyday clinical life and treatment movements from within our field.
by
Brian
on
December 22, 2012
Well organized presentation
by
Dwight
on
December 21, 2012
It was a good review of what EBP is or should be.
by
Twila
on
December 19, 2012
This talk supported many of my own findings in recent years, that just if it is becoming popular in our field doesn't mean that it works. Vital Stim is a good example of a treatment option that is not supported by research evidence.
by
melissa
on
December 17, 2012
very organized and clear
by
Marian
on
December 13, 2012
The organization; the powerpoint, the knowledge level of the presenter
by
Yvette Mickaylla
on
December 6, 2012
informative
by
nick
on
December 5, 2012
Interesting topic. Well presented
by
BRIDGET
on
November 30, 2012
information and application of critical thinking skills
by
Anne
on
November 21, 2012
We all need to be careful of claims that are just for making money
by
Robert
on
November 21, 2012
i liked that it was something different from what i'm used to on a day to day basis
by
Jane
on
November 17, 2012
clear & concise
by
Patricia
on
November 12, 2012
Lots of good reminders to be more analytical when looking at ways to treat and use materials that are available.
by
Stacey
on
November 10, 2012
I just think the presenter was cheerful, organized, straightforward, and thorough.
by
Rebecca
on
November 9, 2012
Good presentation and content
by
Danette
on
November 2, 2012
It brought attention to the fact that we must be diligent in anlyzing new treatment strategies.
by
Susan
on
October 29, 2012
Clearly stated, useful information.
by
Brian
on
October 25, 2012
It fills a vital place in the world of speech-language pathology. Unfortunately, many in this field are averse to the scientific method and empiricism in general. I often feel that logic is shunned for emotional decision making and subject to a variety of biases. It is important to remember that the scientific method may not "feel" perfect, but considering how readily our brains mold reality in order to try to make sense of the universe, it is by far the best way to check our own nature. I do wish a basic course in statistics or scientific logic were required for all SLP's.
by
Tiffany
on
October 23, 2012
enlightens participants on the dire need for science-based practice and the need for empiracal research.
by
Sarah
on
October 21, 2012
Good reminder to be skeptical about all the catalogs and popular press that try to influence us to buy materials and use them for purported purposes not necessarily supported by objective evidence.
by
Ruth
on
October 17, 2012
Dr. Lof takes on some questionable practices in a kind, but thorough way.
No more reviews to load.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by SpeechPathology.com, a Continued site.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
Course participation information
To ensure you are ready to participate, please complete our short Test Drive to prepare your computer to view the course.
NOTE: Full attendance for all courses is mandatory. Please view the entire course.
Passing an online exam and completing a course evaluation will be required to earn continuing education credit.
Live Webinars allow presenter and participant interaction. The exam and course evaluation for these courses must be completed within 7 days of the event.
On-demand courses include texts, video and audio recordings of live webinars, and multimedia formats. The exam and course evaluation for on-demand courses must be completed within 30 days of course registration.
To participate in the course, complete the exam and course evaluation, and earn continuing education credit, you must be a SpeechPathology.com member. Participants must complete the entire course; partial credit is not allowed.
SpeechPathology.com is committed to ensuring accessibility to the widest possible audience. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone. If you have questions, requests, or would like to report an accessibility-related issue, please email accessibility@continued.com. We will review your request and respond in a timely manner.
Visit our Contact us page or give us a call if you have questions.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Assn.
Intermediate Level
0.1 ASHA CEUs
Speech-Language and Audiology Canada
Clinically certified members of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) can accumulate continuing education equivalents (CEEs) for their participation with SpeechPathology.com. One hour of coursework equals 1 CEE. All SAC members are encouraged to participate in on-going education.
Warning:
Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.