H2O: Gullible Survey
What does the word “gullible” mean?
A student at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair, April 26. He was attempting to show how conditioned we have become to alarmists practising junk science and spreading fear of everything in our environment. In his project he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict control or total elimination of the chemical “di-hydrogen monoxide.” And for plenty of good reasons, since:
- it can cause excessive sweating and vomiting
- it is a major component in acid rain
- it can cause severe burns in its gaseous state
- accidental inhalation can kill you
- it contributes to erosion
- it decreases effectiveness of auto mobile brakes
- it has been found in tumours of terminal cancer patients
He asked 50 people if they supported a ban of the chemical. Forty-three (86%) said yes, six (12%) were undecided, and only one (4%) knew that the name of the chemical.
The title of his prize winning project was, “How Gullible Are We?” He feels the conclusion is obvious. (Center for Media Literacy, 2002-2011)
What is the common name of the chemical?
Discuss why we have done this exercise and what it teaches us.
How does critical thinking help us approach this situation?
