Unusual ESP subjects who defy chance when first tested nearly always lose their "psychic powers" when retested.This decline is best explained in terms of
A) illusory correlation.
B) regression toward the mean.
C) the standard deviation.
D) the normal curve.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Regression toward the mean. This phenomenon occurs when an unusually high or low score on a variable is likely to be followed by a score closer to the average on a subsequent test. This is because extreme scores are often due to random fluctuations and are unlikely to persist over time. Therefore, individuals who first tested unusually high on ESP abilities are likely to score closer to the average on a subsequent test, leading to the appearance of a decline in their psychic powers.

Unusual ESP Subjects Who Defy Chance When First Tested Nearly