Reference no: EM132931539

Since the late 90s, there have been many claims that autism is caused by vaccines. Do you know why? A paper titled "Ileal-Lymphoid-Nodular Hyperplasia, Non-specific Colitis, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder in Children." It was a study of only 12 children ranging in age from 3 to 10 who had experienced a loss of language skills (a symptom of autism), diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Parents of eight of the 12 children said the onset of symptoms happened to occur shortly after the child's immunization of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). The authors of the paper, a team of 12 researchers, concluded that more research was needed to study a possible relation between the observed brain dysfunction, bowel problems, and the MMR vaccine. In a press conference when the paper was published, one of the authors, a British doctor named Andrew Wakefield, stated that he believed single vaccines, rather than multiple vaccines like the triple MMR vaccine, were likely to be "safer" for children. The study and press conference sparked widespread fear among parents that multiple vaccines could cause autism. The media and certain celebrities have used this one single particular study to claim that vaccines cause autism.

1. Is the study a good example of the scientific method? Explain why or why not. Make sure you think about what makes for a legitimately good use of the scientific method, especially when it comes to experiments on humans. Do not simply use your opinion here. Read over scientific method in your book and notes!!!

2. Is there a correlation (legitimate connection) between autism and vaccines based on this study? Explain why or why not.

3. Is there a correlation (legitimate connection) between autism and vaccines based on other studies? Explain why or why not.