Bad Science

Quacks, Hacks, and Big Pharma Flacks

By: Ben Goldacre

Narrated by: Jonathan Cowley

Author Ben Goldacre exposes the epidemic of pseudoscience and gives listeners the tools they need to distinguish good science from nonsense.

©2010 Ben Goldacre (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Great fun for science and statistics geeks, this is challenging in the best sense of the word." ( Library Journal)

Knowledge is Power

Goldacre really gives you pause for thought in regards to medicine and nutrition. He has no qualms about calling a quack a quack, and really makes you wonder about all the studies that have been done concerning supplements, diets, and general medical information.

Informative and well written

The book delivers on its promise of making a reader think more critically about scientifically sounding claims made by mass media or by companies that try to sell things. There are multiple examples of baseless claims that are wide spread and accepted like detox or homeopathy. The book enumerates quite a few of them and explains where the claims came from and why they are wrong.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the book is about how questionable conclusions can be substantiated by research/studies that on a surface seem credible. How, if you are not careful and don't know what to look for, you can easily be mislead by unethical studies. For example small details in selecting trial groups, deciding cohorts or assuming wrong control groups can completely change results of an experiment. Unfortunately some corrupt companies try to cheat using such methods.

Worth a rethink

I don't always agree with his viewpoint but I do respect it. So I will give his ideas a second and third consideration.

Charity Case

I think it's nice that they've let somebody read this who has themselves only just learnt how to read. Dreadful.

So much

Overall there was just so much in it. Was hard to grasp everything in one go.

Brilliant book

It is a wonderful a passionate book. Well written . Not only for people with a science background. It is for anyone who want to understand critical thinking and how we fool ourselves

womderful contribution

this book sat gor too long on my must read list, its well told, with simplicity but not to belittle the listner.

The book probably should be required reading for all students and available free at every GP clinic, pharmacy and hospital

Makes me wish I'd paid attention in science!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Read this book! Ben Goldacre uses stats, humor and facts in a riveting expose of some of our most recent health concerns. From the MMR vaccine scandals to current oncological trials, he dissects and explains how data can be secured, manipulated and sold to influence individuals and more importantly, public opinion.

Any additional comments?

I am a professional musician by training and I was delighted that I could follow the author's clear scientific arguments. It was obvious he was aiming for accessibility, yet he retained the meat of his cautionary tale.

Very detailed.

If you wanna know some behind the scenes stuff on the medical industry then get this book!

Must read

I personally knew some of the info so those parts were just a little dull. This book however is very important for everyone to read or listen to. It will open your eyes to the tricks and ignorance of the media and many so call experts in science.