Process of Science: Assume we have data indicating a strong positive correlation between acupuncture treatments and recovery of patients from,say,cocaine addiction.However,let's also assume that every hypothesis we have for a mechanism of action (i.e. ,how acupuncture could work to help cure addiction)can be shown to be false.The patients,however,all claim to know that the acupuncture is what cured them.Which of the following conclusions are supported by our data?
-Could acupuncture be responsible for the patients' recovery?
A)No.If there is no plausible mechanism of action,then clearly acupuncture cannot be responsible for their healing.
B)Yes.Just because we don't understand the mechanism doesn't mean the process does not occur.
C)No.Acupuncture is not accepted by most medical doctors,therefore it isn't effective.
D)Yes.If the patients got better,then the acupuncture must be effective.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The data shows a strong positive correlation between acupuncture treatments and recovery of patients from cocaine addiction. The fact that all the hypotheses for a mechanism of action can be shown to be false does not necessarily mean that acupuncture is not working. It is possible that the mechanism of action is not yet understood or that there are variables that have not been considered. The fact that the patients claim that acupuncture is what cured them supports the idea that acupuncture may be responsible for their recovery, regardless of the lack of a clear mechanism of action.

Process of Science: Assume We Have Data Indicating a Strong