Clarifying: The paragraph explains the concept of illusory correlation and provides an example by discussing the belief that human behavior is affected by the phases of the moon. It clarifies that an illusory correlation occurs when people perceive a relationship between two things that does not actually exist.
Connecting: The paragraph connects the idea of illusory correlation to the belief in the moon's influence on human behavior. By discussing how people mistakenly perceive a relationship between the moon's phases and human behavior, it highlights the tendency to make false correlations based on unsystematic observations.
Extending: The paragraph extends the discussion by mentioning a meta-analysis that found no consistent relationship between the moon's phases and human behavior. This suggests that despite widespread belief in the moon's influence, scientific research does not support the idea that the moon impacts human behavior.
Read the paragraph below and make 3 comments, one of each type discussed. Indicate in your comment whether you are clarifying, connecting, or extending.
The temptation to make erroneous cause-and-effect statements based on correlational research is not the only way we tend to misinterpret data. We also tend to make the mistake of illusory correlations, especially with unsystematic observations. illusory correlation, or false correlation, occurs when people believe that a relationship exists between two things when no such relationship exists. One well-known illusory correlation is the supposed effect that the moon's phases have on human behavior. Many people passionately assert that human behavior is affected by the phase of the moon, and specifically, that people act strangely when the moon is full. There is no denying that the moon exerts a powerful influence on our planet. The ebb and flow of the ocean's tides are tightly tied to the gravitational forces of the moon. Many people believe, therefore, that it is logical that we are affected by the moon as well. After all, our bodies are largely made up of water. A meta-analysis of nearly 40 studies consistently demonstrated, however, that the relationship between the moon and our behavior does not exist (Rotton & Kelly, 1985). While we may pay more attention to odd behavior during the full phase of the moon, the rates of odd behavior remain constant throughout the lunar cycle.
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