C-R-I-T-I-C

C: Claim

Exactly what is being proposed?
The claim must be observable and measurable
What are the specific predictions?
How can it be falsified (Karl Popper)?

R: Role of the claimant

What is in it for the person making the claim?
What are the specific biases for pushing this claim?
The potential for profit does not make it false; it just demands greater caution in scrutinizing the claim!

I: Information backing the claim

What type of evidence is offered? Anecdotal or double blind study?
Have the tests been examined by competent peers?
Where was the information reported: media or scientific journal?

T: Test

What was the design of the test?
What are the possible sources of error?
Has the possibility of cheating been eliminated?

I: Independent testing

Has this testing been carried out by independent testers?
Have there been any negative results and have they been reported?
Has the replication been peer reviewed?

C: Cause proposed

What is proposed as a causal process for the claim?
Is this process in harmony with our current knowledge of the universe?
Caution must be observed when the cause violates well established laws?
Extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence?

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Copyright © 1986, Wayne Bartz, Ph.D.