Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Evidence-based Knowledge Synthesis and Hypothesis Validation: Navigating Biomedical Knowledge Bases via Explainable AI and Agentic Systems
Published on: June 13, 2025
Scientism recognizes evidence only of the quantitative/general variety
Charles J Kowalski1, Adam J Mrdjenovich2, Richard W Redman3
1Health Sciences and Behavioral Sciences Institutional Review Board, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Rationale, Aims And Objectives:
McHugh and Walker introduced a model of knowledge to demonstrate that EBM is a form of scientism that ignores important sources of knowledge thereby impairing the practice of medicine. We study the development of this model and explore additional applications.
Methods:
Review of the relevant literature and identification of possible areas for fruitful application.
Results:
We show that the McHugh and Walker model is closely related to the model of evidence considered earlier by Upshur et al. We also indicate that the utility of this model is not limited to showing scientism distorts clinical practice. Several representative applications are identified, including psychotherapy, the Salk polio vaccine trial, and the placebo effect.
Conclusions:
Priority should be given to Upshur et al for the development of a model that has far-reaching application to medical epistemology. It is shown that all four of the types of evidence considered-qualitative/personal, qualitative/general, quantitative/general, and quantitative/personal-are required to adequately characterize epistemology in medical research and practice.
More Related Videos
06:26Meta-analysis of Voxel-Based Neuroimaging Studies using Seed-based d Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images SDM-PSI
Published on: November 27, 2019
16:23Automated, Quantitative Cognitive/Behavioral Screening of Mice: For Genetics, Pharmacology, Animal Cognition and Undergraduate Instruction
Published on: February 26, 2014
Related Concept Videos
The Evidence for Evolution
The Scientific Method
Generally, predictions are tested using carefully-designed experiments. Based on the outcome of these...
The Scientific Method
The Scientific Method
Scientific Nature of Social Psychology
Psychology as a Science
The scientific method in psychology involves six critical steps: making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting tests, analyzing...