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A system of beliefs or practices is considered pseudoscientific if its supporters present it as scientific, yet it fails to incorporate one or more of the three fundamental features of science. Specifically, a pseudoscience may lack systematic empiricism by ignoring relevant scientific research, it may fail to create public knowledge by not publishing research for external evaluation, or it may propose claims that are not falsifiable and do not address empirical questions.

Characteristics of Pseudoscience

The theory of biorhythms is an example of pseudoscience that proposes human physical, intellectual, and emotional abilities operate in fixed cycles of 23, 33, and 28 days respectively, from birth until death. Despite using scientific-sounding terminology and existing for over a century, this theory is pseudoscientific because it lacks systematic empiricism; actual scientific evidence demonstrates that these specific predictable cycles do not exist.

Theory of Biorhythms

Match each characteristic of pseudoscience with its correct description.

A popular self-help author claims that a specific meditation technique can cure anxiety disorders. When asked for evidence, the author points to personal testimonials but has never conducted or submitted any controlled studies to a peer-reviewed journal for independent evaluation. Which characteristic of pseudoscience does this scenario best illustrate?

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