Pathological science is a term created by the
Nobel Prize-winning
chemist Irving Langmuir; this term designates a psychological process in which a scientist, orignally conforming to
scientific method, unconsciously veers from that method, and begins a pathological process of wishful data interpretation. Criteria for pathological science are:
- The maximum effect that is observed is produced by a causative agent of barely detectable intensity, and the magnitude of the effect is substantially independent of the intensity of the cause.
- The effect is of a magnitude that remains close to the limit of detectability, or many measurements are necessary because of the very low statistical significance of the results.
- There are claims of great accuracy.
- Fantastic theories contrary to experience are suggested.
- Criticisms are met by ad hoc excuses thought up on the spur of the moment.
- The ratio of supporters to critics rises and then falls gradually to oblivion.
Examples include N rays, polywater theory, Homeopathy
See also: Pseudoscience, Protoscience