Key points

Pseudoscience mimics science.

Its apparent certainty and quick fixes are appealing.

We can detect pseudoscience by looking out for nine red flags.

Open-mindedness means updating claims with new evidence.

Pseudoscience is a system of explanations, methods, and assumptions that pose as science but don’t follow core scientific principles like testability and falsifiability.

Pseudoscience is different from bad science . Bad science uses scientific methods poorly (e.g., small samples, bias , overreach). It can improve with better design. Pseudoscience can never become good science because it is not science at all.

Why We Fall for Pseudoscience

We’re pattern-seeking creatures who dislike uncertainty and want control—especially when we’re in a difficult situation, such a

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