This is an essay exam that asks you to explore the various methods and problems associated with pseudoscience and improperly checked scientific studies.

In recent years, studies have debunked a 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield (retracted article (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.) that suggested vaccines cause autism.  You are asked to read up on the original author of the fraudulent article (history (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.) and to read and discuss articles that reevaluate the initial causation between vaccines and autism.

The following are a list of information and articles to help you.

Original Wakefield Study Link (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
PDF file for download

Vaccines and Autism:  A Tale of Shifting Hypothesis Link (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Information from the CDC Link (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

A Population Study from the New Journal of Medicine Link (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Your goal is to explore what went wrong.  Use evidence from your readings to discuss problems in methodology and experimental design.  Discuss the cultural implications of the studies and how the information from the CDC and population studies impacts current thought.  Your essay should include quotes from all articles read during this unit as well as references to the articles given here.  Your essay should have a standard thesis format in which a strong writing style will clearly indicate your point of view.  Grammar and spelling does count.  Approximately 8 paragraphs (1200 words).  You will submit a pdf document.  It will be checked for plagiarism.  Please cite your sources uses APA format.