"The Amazing Kreskin" demonstrates his powers by finding his paycheck hidden somewhere in the audience.What is the most parsimonious explanation?
A)He reads facial cues, much like Clever Hans.
B)He finds the check by coincidence alone.
C)He uses supernatural psychic powers.
D)He perceives brain waves radiating from the audience.

Question

"The Amazing Kreskin" demonstrates his powers by finding his paycheck hidden somewhere in the audience.What is the most parsimonious explanation?​
A)He reads facial cues, much like Clever Hans.
B)​He finds the check by coincidence alone.
C)​He uses supernatural psychic powers.
D)​He perceives brain waves radiating from the audience.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most parsimonious explanation is that Kreskin is reading facial cues from the audience, much like the horse Clever Hans, who was thought to be able to perform arithmetic but was actually responding to unconscious cues from his owner. Without evidence of supernatural psychic powers or brain wave perception, the simplest explanation is that Kreskin is relying on his observational skills and knowledge of human behavior to locate the paycheck.

"The Amazing Kreskin" Demonstrates His Powers by Finding His Paycheck