Ask for evidence

Sense about Science just launched a campaign called "Ask for evidence", in which the public is encouraged to investigate the misleading, unsupported or even downright fraudulent claims found in advertising and articles. It's simple to get involved as the website (http://www.senseaboutscience.org/pages/a4e.html) offers scientific advice, suggestions for contacting companies, and stories from others. Calling for proof is a great way of ensuring the information the public receive is as honest and transparent as possible, whether you're investigating negative calorie miracle foods or the curious lack of sources in a report on how yoga can cure cancer (or even something that sounds plausible).

Effort involved: writing an email. Provided you get a response, it's a low-effort way of satisfying your curiosity, not to mention holding a claim-maker accountable.


Image from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alchemist's_Laboratory,_Heinrich_Khunrath,_Amphitheatrum_sapientiae_aeternae,_1595_c.jpg