Glossary
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Infodemic | An infodemic is an overwhelming, excessive amount of information—both accurate and false—that spreads rapidly during a health crisis, making it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance. Science Misinformation |
| Informal fallacy | An error in an argument's content, relevance, or use of evidence rather than its logical form. Science Literacy |
| Information Cascade | A phenomenon where individuals adopt a belief or reject a scientific claim based solely on observing the actions or statements of others in their network, regardless of the underlying evidence. Science Education |
| Informed consent | The process of giving people clear information about a vaccine's benefits and risks so they can make a voluntary decision about vaccination. Vaccines |
| Infrared Radiation | Infrared radiation consists of light whose wavelength is longer than the red color in the visible part of the spectrum, but shorter than microwave radiation. Climate Change |
| Innate immune system | The body's first, non-specific line of defense, including skin, inflammation, and cells that attack invaders quickly. It also helps activate the adaptive immune response to vaccines. Vaccines |
| Inoculation Theory | A psychological framework that explains how to make beliefs resistant to persuasion, much like a medical vaccine builds immunity to a disease. By exposing individuals to weakened counterarguments along with refutations, it triggers their cognitive defenses and prepares them to resist stronger persuasive attacks. Antiscience |
| Institutional Cynicism | A systemic sociopolitical attitude characterized by a blanket, uncritical distrust of scientific bodies, regulatory agencies, and academic organizations. Science Misinformation |
| Institutional review board | A committee that reviews research involving human participants to protect their rights and welfare. Often called an IRB or ethics committee. Science General |
| Integrative Medicine | Combining conventional treatments with complementary or alternative therapies. Critics argue it can lend legitimacy to unproven practices. Alternative Medicine |