I’ve been having a difficult time logging into ‘Blackboard’ today to post the questions for chapter 10 of Autism’s False Prophets. Although I don’t like posting any required material here, I’d rather get it out there, so if you are in my pathology class, please spread the word to other students to check in here.

Before you start, check out this video mentioned towards the back of the chapter…

Autism’s False Prophets                                                                           Name:

Chapter 10 Questions

Science and Society

“For many parents, the advice given by heathcare professionals about vaccines is just one more opinion in a sea of opinions offered by the internet.”

-Offit, chapter 10

1. What is the problem with Dan Burton’s assessment of what he saw at the Stop Autism Now Conference?

2. How would you interpret the actions of policymakers at the CDC who ‘invariably give these vaccines to their own children and grandchildren’? If you have read Offit’s other book, Vaccinated, do you recall who vaccine maker, Maurice Hilleman, insisted were the first to receive the Hepatitis vaccine made from human blood?

3. What does Offit say is even more important than reporting the source of funding for scientific investigation on? Why is this so?

4. What is ‘the price’ of empowering parents to make medical decisions about their childrens’ healthcare?

5. How does the ‘Scientific Method’ differ from what people often do in their day-to-day lives? How is it similar?

6. Using the scientific method, data serves to _____________________________ the null hypothesis. What can it NOT do? Why not?

7. Why is it evolutionarily successful to make ‘the best connections’? What flaws in logic can this leave?

8. What quotation did Stephen Strauss, former director of NCCAM keep framed on his office wall? What is the meaning of this quotation?

9. How many people, since 1958, have died from poisoned Halloween candy? (http://www.snopes.com/horrors/poison/halloween.asp)