Formally, misconception has been defined as the
mind’s attempt to connect new information with the information already
stored in the memory. But misconceptions should be identified and
confronted as soon as possible. Misconceptions can be conceptual,
non-scientific, factual, preconceived, or vernacular. There may be
different reasons for the origination of misconceptions some of which
include errors in textbooks, impaired judgment, imprecise language,
self-defeating beliefs, distorted thoughts, fallacies, unrealistic
thinking, limiting concepts, delusions, mistaken perspectives, personal
experience, faulty perceptions of reality, poor discussion and unhealthy
attitudes. Misconceptions could sometimes behave as huge barriers in the
path of learning processes. Misconception always leads to false
conclusion. Misconceptions can be broken in three simple steps, firstly
identify the misconception, then confront that misconception and finally
reconstruct and internalize the knowledge based on scientific models.
Many people are living their lives with lots of misconceptions. Some
most common misconceptions people generally have are listed below:
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Great Wall of China can be viewed from Moon
Outer space or more specifically moon has never been a right place to
see world famous Great Wall of China. Visibility of such a human made
structure from space is simply a misconception of the people. Many
astronauts and remote-sensing specialists have confirmed the fact
falsifying the myth. NASA has even clearly stated that ‘The Great Wall
of China Can barely be seen from the shuttle, so it would not be
possible to see it from moon with the naked eye despite of its stretch
over 4,500 miles’. The real truth about visibility of the Great Wall in
fact is that under specific set of weather and lighting conditions, it
is visible from low orbit only. |
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Hair and Nails keep Growing even after Death
The myth that hair and nails grow even after you die is absolutely
false. Dehydration is the main reason behind this optical illusion.
Actually, as body dehydrates, part of hidden nail gets revealed due to
shrinking of tissues around the nail folds and therefore nails appear to
be longer. Similarly, roots of hair gets revealed when the skin dries up
or when the skin gets retracted and as a result an illusion is caused
that the hair is naturally growing. Complex hormone regulation stops
after death so growth of nails and hair becomes impossible because
tissues require energy to sustain their functions. |
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Money can Buy Everything
Biggest misconception of today’s modern era in the minds of people is
about money. Their thoughts illustrate that money is everything.
According to them, happiness can be bought through it. Worries could be
reduced. Love can be found in the whole world. They think money provides
fun, security, and friends too. These people are actually living in
their dreams. They either do not have the ability to understand life and
people or they do not want to understand. Such thoughts can ruin the
lives very easily. They can also lead the person to off track. Happiness
and love can never be bought; they do not have relation with money at
all. |
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Heavier Objects fall Faster than Lighter Objects
Another big misconception of the people is against the rule of gravity.
Gravity is fundamentally a force that holds together the universe.
According to them, a heavier object falls faster towards earth in
comparison to the light objects. But on a real base, falling objects
regardless of the weight fall at the same speed on behalf of correct
understanding of gravity. John Philoponus and Galileo showed that
Aristotle’s theory illustrating this misconception was incorrect. The
earth pulls everything at the exact same acceleration. |
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Vegetarian Diet are Protein Deficient
Proteins are fundamental building blocks of the body and amino acids are
fundamental building blocks of proteins. People again have a big
misconception regarding the vegetarian diets. They think that veg diets
are deficient of proteins i.e. deficient of amino acids. Current
research has determined that though vegans eat a varied diet featuring
seeds, whole grains, nuts, vegetables, etc. it is not necessary for them
to consume all the essential amino acids at the same meal. That varied
diet can give complete protein which is needed for optimal health.
Vegetarian diets provide good proportion of carbohydrates, fat and
proteins and vegetarian food sources i.e. plants are high sources of
micro nutrients.
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Sugar make Kids Hyper
It is simply a myth that sugar makes the kids hyper because researchers
have stated that there does not exist any causal relationship between
sugar level and hyperactive behavior among children diagnosed with
attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder. It has not been proved till
yet that a sudden spike in blood sugar level causes a person to feel
more energetic. The only simple fact is children love sugary snacks and
has been known to get quite excited when they are given these treats.
The environment the child is in may also contribute in defining how
boisterous his mood is. Sugar does not lead to hyperactivity nut it does
make the blood sugar drop which could make children distracted or
irritable.
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Skipping Meals helps you to Loose Weight
People generally have a mentality stating that they will succeed in
losing some amount of weight if they skip their meals regularly. But
these people forget that the skipping of meals may lead to overeating
which then further results in weight gain rather than weight loss. When
you skip meals, your body holds calories for future use rather than
burning them. Not normal eating but erratic or over eating habits
disrupt the normal metabolic functions. Never skip meals because it may
lead to physical or mental impairment, chronic diseases like diabetes,
muscle atrophy and hunger. Overall the potential benefits are much less
than its effects.
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Man needs atleast Eight Glasses of Water a Day
A man needs at least eight glasses of water in a day is the biggest and
most common misconception in the minds of the people of today’s world.
The real fact is exact reverse of it. Human body can absorb liquid from
everything like fruits, milk, juices, coffee, vegetables, etc. that gets
consumed; it is not that, only water as a liquid is required for the
body. Water provides same hydration as other drinks provide to the body.
Excess drinking of water can sometimes be harmful for body as it may
cause water intoxication, inhibits digestion, affects blood sugar,
inhibits metabolism which may result to death. Doctors recommend no over
drinking of the water but drinking it only when you feel thirsty.
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