NOVA Online | Holocaust on Trial | Exposing Flawed Science

A Little Background

Although the examples discussed in this feature all show science that has, to some degree, "gone bad," it really demonstrates why science works. When science works the way it's supposed to, other scientists and researchers are given the reasoning, access to the results, and enough information so that they can repeat the experiments/research. This scrutiny by other scientists either verifies or casts doubt on the claims made by the original researchers.

The flaws in the conclusions presented here resulted primarily from oversight and misinterpretation of results rather than incorrect data from experiments. Here are a few of the problems that can result in bad science—problems to watch out for as you go through this feature...

Incomplete data and hidden variables. Sometimes a researcher will overlook or fail to account for factors that may influence his or her conclusions.
Unreliable data. One should view conclusions based on an informal study or on anecdotal information with a great deal of skepticism.
Researcher bias. Study results can be influenced by a researcher who believes the results will turn out in a particular way.

Begin...

The Director's Story | Timeline of Nazi Abuses
Results of Death-Camp Experiments: Should They Be Used?
Exposing Flawed Science | Resources
Transcript | Site Map | Holocaust on Trial Home