FND-Cargo Cult
Cargo Cult Science
Keywords: Cargo Cult science, Cargo Cult bioinformatics
Contents
Abstract
Not all activities lead to valuable outcomes and "Cargo Cult Science" is an important metaphor for a class of conceptual problems that are the hallmark of "poor science".
This unit ...
Prerequisites
You need the following preparation before beginning this unit. If you are not familiar with this material from courses you took previously, you need to prepare yourself from other information sources:
- Inquiry: The scientific method; evidence based reasoning; how to design, execute and document an experiment; Conjecture, hypothesis and theory.
Objectives
This unit will ...
- ... introduce the metaphor of a "Cargo Cult", as applied to bioinformatics and science in general;
- ... illustrate with examples;
- ... discuss principles to avoid the problem.
Outcomes
After working through this unit you ...
- ... can identify "Cargo Cult"-type issues;
- ... have contributed an example to our collection;
- ... have contributed to the discussion in our collection;
- ... are able to critically evaluate projects and activities regarding their potential value;
- ... are able to propose improvements.
Deliverables
- Time management: Before you begin, estimate how long it will take you to complete this unit. Then, record in your course journal: the number of hours you estimated, the number of hours you worked on the unit, and the amount of time that passed between start and completion of this unit.
- Journal: Document your progress in your Course Journal. Some tasks may ask you to include specific items in your journal. Don't overlook these.
- Insights: If you find something particularly noteworthy about this unit, make a note in your insights! page.
Contents
Task:
- Read a brief introduction to ideas about "Cargo Cult Bioinformatics".
- Visit the Student Wiki: Cargo_Cult_Science page and add an example of your own that you have encountered during your studies or elsewhere.
- Also, add to the discusssion of any example. Comments that question the original assessment as Cargo Cult and lead to further focus and clarification are especially valuable.
Further reading, links and resources
Notes
Self-evaluation
If in doubt, ask! If anything about this learning unit is not clear to you, do not proceed blindly but ask for clarification. Post your question on the course mailing list: others are likely to have similar problems. Or send an email to your instructor.
About ...
Author:
- Boris Steipe <boris.steipe@utoronto.ca>
Created:
- 2017-08-05
Modified:
- 2017-09-11
Version:
- 1.0
Version history:
- 1.0 Completed to first live version
- 0.1 Material collected from previous tutorial
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