The "Salem Hypothesis" is a description of an observed corrolation between scientists who profess a belief in creation and the engineering disciplines. There are two distinct wordings of the hypothesis, each having a diffrent implication. Both are associated with the "Salem Hypothesis" name, though.
The first states: "In any Evolution vs. Creation debate, A person who claims scientific credentials and sides with Creation will most likely have an Engineering degree."
The second states: "An education in the Engineering disciplines forms a predisposition to Creation/Intelligent Design viewpoints."
The validity of these hypothesis are debatable, as neither have actually been subjected to experimental data. The first description makes no comments about the engineering disciplines, nor engineers themselves, rather, it merely describes an alleged link between those who see themselves as both scientist and creationist and the posting of scientific credentials to claim credibility. The second description, however, posits a positive connection between the engineering disciplines and the beleif in creation. Proponents of the second description often link the "Design" mindset of engineers to a beleif the humanity itself was also "Designed".
Origins
The "Salem Hypothesis" is credited to Bruce Salem, who developed it as a regular contributor to the Usenet talk.origins newsgroup. It continues to be used in circles where the debate between evolution and creation is ongoing, often for its humor value.
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