Articles tagged with "probability"

NZSCICOP now has a videotape library in the capable hands of Alastair Brickell, RD 2 Kuaotunu, Whitianga. Tapes may be hired for the cost of packaging and posting, around $5 (more will be gratefully received). If anyone has something interesting on video, Alastair would, no doubt, be delighted to receive a copy. There are already three under request: the Oprah Winfrey show on UFOs, a programmne on European tests which showed scientific backing for homeopathy, and one from a few years back involving James Randi and Australian water diviners. In the meantime, here are the current titles.

People are very bad at estimating probability or understanding chance and randomness. Such innumeracy could well explain much of the phenomena currently treated as paranormal. This article, adapted from ones appearing in New Scientist and the Auckland Star deals with the illusions of probability that lead to claims of psychic powers.