Question 1

The predictions of astrologers and psychics found in newspapers and magazines seem to meet a criterion for classifying their field as a pseudoscience, in that their predictions are:

Accepted Answer

The fact that the predictions are vague and not specific makes it difficult to conclusively assess their accuracy, and therefore they do not meet the standards of a true science.

Question 2

Often, proponents of pseudoscience neither revise nor reject their "theories" when those theories are not supported by research. Instead, they look for evidence that supports their theories and may rely on low-quality evidence for support. When distinguishing pseudoscience from science, this situation shows that proponents of pseudoscience:

Accepted Answer

Proponents of pseudoscience often display a confirmatory bias in which they only seek out evidence that confirms their beliefs and ignore evidence to the contrary. This is in contrast to the scientific method, which involves revising or rejecting theories based on new evidence.

Question 3

Intelligent design claims that life was created by an intelligent entity, rather than evolving on Earth, and that proponents of evolutionary theory have not proven otherwise. The criterion for distinguishing science from pseudoscience being shown in this example is:

Accepted Answer

The criterion being demonstrated in this example is the incorrect use of general rules of reasoning, specifically arguing from possibility (saying that life could have been created by an intelligent entity) and reversing the burden of proof (putting the onus on proponents of evolution to disprove intelligent design rather than providing evidence for their own claims). This is a common tactic in pseudoscience, which differs from legitimate science in part because it avoids systematic checking of predictions and may rely on low-quality evidence instead of more rigorous experimentation.

Question 4

The fact that astrology has changed little in centuries despite research failing to support its predictions shows that, unlike science, astrology is not:

Accepted Answer

The fact that astrology has not changed despite lack of supporting evidence shows that it is not self-correcting, unlike science.

Question 5

The text suggests that one reason why people in ancient times found patterns in the stars and planets that are not really there is that they were:

Accepted Answer

Visual pareidolia is a phenomenon where people see patterns or shapes in random or vague stimuli, such as seeing faces in clouds or objects in inkblots. In the case of ancient people interpreting the stars and planets, they may have seen patterns that were not really there due to their brains' tendency to make sense of ambiguous information.

Question 6

The field of _____ made observations that contributed to the development of the science of astronomy, even though it might now be considered a pseudoscience.

Accepted Answer

Astrology, while now considered a pseudoscience, was once considered a legitimate field and involved observing the movements and positions of celestial bodies to make predictions about human affairs. Some of these observations contributed to the development of modern astronomy.

Question 7

Some people believe that a dramatized rebirthing procedure will simulate a real birth process and help a child "attach" to a new caregiver. Which thinking error are these people committing?

Accepted Answer

The people are using inappropriate reasoning by representativeness, as they are assuming that a fake birth process will have the same psychological effect as a real one. This is not necessarily true and is based on a faulty assumption.

Question 8

People often find their horoscopes surprisingly accurate in describing their lives. Which statement is a key factor contributing to this acceptance?

Accepted Answer

Horoscopes are typically written in broad and general terms, making it easy for individuals to relate the descriptions to their own experiences, leading to a perception of accuracy.

Question 9

The text lists a number of reasons why it is important to study the difference between science and pseudoscience. One reason is that pseudoscientific practices, such as the rebirthing procedure, may cause harm. This reason is MOST related to the idea that:

Accepted Answer

The fact that pseudoscientific practices may cause harm is related to the violation of ethical guidelines set forth by professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), which mandate the use of evidence-based treatments that have been shown to be effective and safe. Therefore, it is important to study the difference between science and pseudoscience to prevent harm to individuals seeking treatment.

Question 10

Psychologists heeding the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association would likely respond to the case of Candace Newmaker, an adopted child who died while undergoing a rebirthing procedure. These psychologists would take the position that Candace's therapists:

Accepted Answer

The case of Candace Newmaker involved the use of an unproven and potentially harmful therapy called rebirthing. Psychologists who adhere to the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association would recognize that using a therapy that lacks effectiveness and causes harm violates their obligation to do no harm and to seek the best treatments for their clients. The APA's guidelines require psychologists to use only evidence-based treatments and to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients. The loophole mentioned in choice A does not exist, and choice B is incorrect because therapists have a responsibility to carefully consider the potential outcomes of any therapy they use. Thought Field Therapy, mentioned in choice D, is not supported by strong empirical evidence and is not an appropriate alternative to rebirthing.

Question 11

Astrology seems implausible given what is known, especially from research in:

Accepted Answer

Astrology makes claims about the influence of celestial bodies on human lives, which can be studied and disproven through scientific research in astronomy and psychology. Linguistics, biology, sociology, chemistry, and alchemy are not relevant fields for studying the claims of astrology.

Question 12

Information that claims to be scientific is MOST likely _____ when it is implausible, not supported by scientific evidence, and not based on the scientific method.

Accepted Answer

The characteristics described in the question are indicative of pseudoscience, which is a claim or belief that is presented as scientific, but lacks scientific evidence and fails to adhere to the scientific method.

Question 13

The eighteenth-century scientific commission headed by Benjamin Franklin to study mesmerism concluded something similar to the modern view of hypnosis. Which conclusion from this study is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

The scientific commission led by Benjamin Franklin concluded that mesmerism resulted from the suggestions of the mesmerist and the imagination of the mesmerized person. They believed that there was no special physiological pattern or magnetic forces involved, and they did not find evidence that mesmerists could control the minds of mesmerized persons or make them engage in immoral acts. This conclusion is similar to the modern view of hypnosis, which emphasizes the importance of suggestion and the role of the individual's imagination and willingness to participate in the process.

Question 14

Proponents of pseudoscience rely on anecdotes, statements of authority, and testimonials. This tendency shows that proponents of pseudoscience:

Accepted Answer

Proponents of pseudoscience rely on low-quality evidence like anecdotes, statements of authority, and testimonials rather than making testable hypotheses, systematically checking predictions, or using logical criteria appropriately.

Question 15

Which statement is true about distinguishing science from pseudoscience?

Accepted Answer

The boundaries between science and pseudoscience are indeed often fuzzy, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. This is because both can claim to offer explanations for phenomena, but the methodologies and the adherence to empirical evidence and peer review differ.

Question 16

The field of _____ made observations that contributed to the development of the science of chemistry, even though it might now be considered a pseudoscience.

Accepted Answer

Alchemy involved the transformation of matter, including attempts to turn base metals into gold and the search for an elixir of life. While these pursuits are now considered pseudoscientific, alchemists made important observations about the properties of matter and the behavior of substances, contributing to the development of modern chemistry.

Question 17

Which statement is TRUE about the predictions in astrological horoscopes?

Accepted Answer

Astrological horoscopes typically use general statements and predictions that can apply to a wide range of people, which can lead individuals to believe that the horoscope is specific to them. However, studies have shown that astrological predictions have no scientific basis and are not accurate.

Question 18

Astrologers and others who practice pseudosciences do not revise or reject their "theories" when they are not supported by research. This practice shows that pseudosciences:

Accepted Answer

Pseudoscientific practices often avoid making hypotheses that can be falsified through evidence and instead seek to confirm their existing beliefs or theories. As a result, they do not revise or reject their ideas when they are not supported by research.

Question 19

The example of Libra-the constellation that the ancient Greeks associated with the scales of justice and the traits of being balanced and diplomatic-was used to illustrate which idea in the text?

Accepted Answer

The example of Libra illustrates how the patterns seen in the stars were influenced by cultural myths and expectations, such as associating Libra with scales and justice.

Question 20

Phrenologists believed relatively small bumps and indentations on the surface of the skull dictate personality traits. Since this assertion is inconsistent with what is known in science, it shows a common feature of pseudosciences-namely, that they:

Accepted Answer

Phrenology's claims about skull features dictating personality traits are not supported by scientific evidence and are therefore scientifically implausible. This is a common feature of pseudosciences, which make claims that are inconsistent with established scientific understanding.

Quiz 5: Pseudoscience, Science, and Evidence-Based Practice