Question

2. How is the anecdotal fallacy related to the law of small numbers? Give an example.

3. How might one conduct a scientific experiment to test the claim that astrological signs predict personality traits?

Answer 1

2. Anecdotal fallacy occurs when an individual uses their own experiences to explain a concept instead of logically reasoning it and concludes it in the form of argument. Law of small number is reaching conclusions for a phenomena on the basis of small number of evidences, without using the rationale. Thus, both occurs due to judgemental bias. Example:

If mutual funds do not get good returns to an individual and the similar event happens to his friend, then, the individual would argue that , Investing in mutual funds are waste of time and money, and hence, mutual funds should be banned by the government.

3. Inorder to prove that astrological signs predict personality traits scientifically, personality tests should be conducted and results should be matched with the various zodiac signs to test their credibility.