Mythbusters practices questionable science... anyone agree?

Question

Does anyone else think that the television show Mythbusters practices the worst type of science out there? Every episode I see them not practicing even the most rudimentry aspects of the scientific method. They rarely use controls and their experiments always have variables that they either overlook entirely or put into the project without thinking of it. They even give out flat out WRONG info on the program. I've seen an episode where they were shocking eachother with electricity and said that " There is not enough current to be deadly". Don't they know that a current of even .5 miliamps can be deadly to a person? I mean comeon it seems like these guys havn't even taken physics 101!

Answer 1

There is a saying that goes like this:

PERFECT IS THE ENEMY OF GOOD.

I agree with your basic premise that these fellows would have a tough time at my alma mater pursuing an engineering degree. However, consider what else is on television these days! As critical as one could be about Mythbusters at least they think a little bit about the science before they try something.

I'll take Mythbuster's science any day of the week over the CSI Miami, CSI Houston, CSI New York, CSI Cleveland, CSI Missoula and other "scientific" based shows of their ilk.

Answer 2

Actually, I've pretty much watched every single episode of Mythbusters and they were never in danger of being electrocuted. They were right in saying that the current was actually not enough to kill a person. It involves the fact that while you have a very large current this is offset by the fact that you don't have enough charge to substain the current. If you want futher proof check out the Museum of Science in Boston. They have a two story van da graaf generator (The device Adam and Jamie were fooling around with in the static cannon episode) in there exhibit and actually have employees standing inside the exhibit as its working. Even if someone was to get hit it would be painful but not deadly. Unless, you are thinking of the time they shocked Adam with the electric fence but that is designed to shock and scare not injure. Also, Grant is an electrical engineer so yes they have taken physics 101 and then some.

Answer 3

Yeah. One wonders how much is edited out though. In a few shows they've made comments to the effect that a lot of their background "research" doesn't make the cut. Of course, they could present that a little better. But let's face it--the show's less about scientific inquiry than it is about blowing up sausages and saying "ballistic gel" as many times as possible.

I just wish the guys would wear something else.

No, just kidding. I don't watch it anymore.

Answer 4

They do skip some bits, though I there is much that they can not air because of time restraints. Plus, mostly they are trying to prove something very specific wrong, so not many controls are needed.

I think they are getting better at being scientific than they used to be.

And hey, even if it is not stricy perfect science it is still fun.

Answer 5

They aren't perfect, but if you disagree with them, write them because they DO go back and do experiments over again if enough viewers write!

Vent on their message board, too, you might find others who agree with you OR can explain to you other things you may not have considered in specific cases.