Crank

Crank is a term that is often used in a derogatory manner to describe a person who holds an unshakable belief that most of his or her contemporaries consider to be false. A crank belief is so wildly at variance with those commonly held that it is considered ludicrous. Cranks characteristically dismiss all evidence or arguments which contradict their own unconventional beliefs, making rational debate a futile task.

Characteristics of a Crank

A crank is often characterized by a number of behaviors. These can include a tendency to misunderstand or misrepresent scientific data and research, a lack of peer review or use of pseudoscience, and a reliance on personal belief or anecdotal evidence over empirical evidence.

Misunderstanding or Misrepresentation of Science

One of the key characteristics of a crank is their tendency to misunderstand or misrepresent science. This can take many forms, such as misunderstanding the scientific method, misinterpreting data or research, or believing in theories that have been widely discredited by the scientific community.

Lack of Peer Review or Use of Pseudoscience

Another common characteristic of a crank is a lack of peer review or the use of pseudoscience. Cranks often rely on their own research or theories, which are not subjected to the rigorous scrutiny of peer review. This can lead to the propagation of false or misleading information.

Reliance on Personal Belief or Anecdotal Evidence

Cranks often rely heavily on personal belief or anecdotal evidence, rather than empirical evidence. This can lead to a confirmation bias, where the crank only acknowledges evidence that supports their pre-existing beliefs and dismisses evidence that contradicts them.

Dealing with Cranks

Dealing with cranks can be challenging, as they often dismiss any evidence or arguments that contradict their beliefs. However, it is important to approach discussions with cranks with patience and understanding, and to try to present evidence in a clear and concise manner.

See Also

• Pseudoscience
• Science denial
• Confirmation bias

References

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