The Way of Science

WRITE YOUR NAME ON THE BACK OF p.5.

1. In the film Secrets of the Psychics, Randi investigated "charged water" in Russia. It seems that claims for this water are not falsifiable. Describe what Randi tried to do; indicate what falsifiability is, and what conclusions can be drawn about "charged water." (10 points)
   
   
2. Flight 19 is a "best case" for the Bermuda Triangle. Unfortunately, there seem to be serious flaws in this case. Describe the flaws (that is, list the specific points made by Kusche to refute the evidence for the Bermuda Triangle presented by Berlitz and Winer.) (10 points)
   
   
3. The Targ and Puthoff paper in Nature seems to be, on first examination, excellent evidence for Geller's psychic ability. Unfortunately, this paper may not be as impressive as it seems. Why? (Give the argument that says this paper is not good evidence.) (10 points)
   
   
4. "Long-distance effects" seems to be strong support for Geller. Use Occam's Razor on these effects, and give evidence to support the razor. (10 points)
   
   
5. Answer both parts (a) and (b).
   1. Is there solid evidence that Geller sometimes cheats? What is this evidence? (5 points)
   2. If Geller sometimes cheats, does this fact conclusively prove that Geller is not psychic? Explain. (5 points)
   
   
   
6. Project Alpha was an interesting and amusing experiment. However, there are some broad lessons to be learned from this project. Explain. (5 points)
   
   
7. How is "cold reading" done? Include the "fallacy of personal validation," in your explanation. (5 points)
   
   
8. Demonstrate your familiarity with each of the following items. (5 points each)
   1. control group
   2. double-blind experiment
   3. hypothesis
   4. (scientific) theory
   5. Natural Law
   6. Define "parsimonious" and use it in a sentence. How does this word relate to Occam's Razor?
   
   
   
9. Choose one of the following topics and describe what is claimed. Give evidence for and/or against the claim. (10 points)
   1. "Chariots of Gods"
   2. UFO
   3. "Moon Effect"