MythBusters
§
What are the stated mission, values and goals of the
organization? (These might be stated directly in the organization's
materials or you may have to determine this for yourself.)
The mission and goal of Mythbusters is to prove
that popular myths are fact or fiction, using scientific methods as research and
experimentation.
§
What kind of claims or ideas does the organization
investigate?
Mythbusters investigates popular urban myths
such as the reality of blowing up a propane tank with pistol shots like James
Bond has done . As well as if it is possible to walk in a straight
line while blindfolded and if a fender bender will set off explosives. One
thing to take into consideration is that Mythbusters is a scientific methods
based organization. They do not attempt to prove any type of supernatural or paranormal myths.
§
Is there a standardize approach to investigating claims
that the group follows? Or is each problem tackled in a different way?
The approach is unique in the fact that the
differences in the team’s personalities lead them to look at the challenge in
different ways. Overall each team uses a
healthy amount of critical thinking to plan out the best way to implement the strategy
that they have chosen. When using critical thinking there are often times when
each member or teammate may not agree one hundred percent or prefer a different
method of approach. I think that the Mythbuster teams work together well in
order to systematically test their theories. By asking series of questions and even
testing the theory twice in some cases or adding more variables to the mix to
prove the theory in even greater detail. The innovation of the team is a huge
factor when implementing their strategies
§
How does the organization present and promote critical
thinking?
By investigating myths that the general
public may not even think to question, Mythbusters is using critical thinking
by questioning these issues. They are then taking the steps needed to
investigate and when possible recreate the situation. By taking these steps
Mythbusters is not only implementing critical thinking they are backing it up
with facts. Mythbusters use critical thinking to question the myths they want
to test, then by researching and planning, followed by strong critical thinking
when it comes to actually implementing the testing. The teams on Mythbuster
demonstrate their critical thinking by walking the audience through the steps
they are taking during the testing process. They don’t simply say we did this
and it proved that. They back up their actions with facts and prove it through
their actions. By giving the reasons and facts they are making their theory
more credible and believable.
§
Does the fact that information is presented via an
element of popular culture affect the questions being asked, the investigation
or the results? In other words, is rigorous critical thinking being
compromised by the needs to appeal to a large audience?
Mythbusters is a popular TV program that is
viewed by many people interested to know if popular myths can be proven right
or proven wrong. TV shows are produced to meet the wants and expectations of
the audience, so I do feel that there is some added drama to appeal to the
viewers. The relationship between the team has a certain dynamic that serves as
a type of backdrop to the overall mission of the show. By allowing the audience
to be drawn in to the team’s relationship it creates a more interesting show,
and allows views to feel a connection to the team.
I was able to find an interesting interview
with co hosts Jaime Hyneman and Adam Savage. http://www.hulu.com/watch/155053/foratv-culture-mythbusters-jaime-hyneman-and-adam-savage
In the interview they discuss what actually
happens on set behind the scenes. It was interesting to learn from the
interview that the scenes are for the most part genuine depictions of what is
really happening at the time. While the research and planning can take years,
the actual filming takes place in about a week’s time. The creative camera work,
such as the high speed shots, cater to the audiences, and create a wow factor
when watching the show. Editing is expected in a TV show, especially when there
are action type scenes. Based on the type of testing they do, and the facts they
give to lead up to their tests, it would seem as though the integrity of the
tests and the critical thinking abilities are kept intact. The fact that
Mythbusters are willing to prove a myth right or wrong, even if the time and research
shows that the myth is fictional, proves that critical thinking is taking
place.
No comments:
Post a Comment