USING THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD ON ASTROLOGY

1. The Nature of Astrology:
The first step in a research project is learning as much as possible about the topic (the more we learn now, the less
effort we will waste later). Fortunately, information about astrology is readily accessible in books, articles and
websites have been about astrology ‐ both pro and con.
• Distill the information down to a one paragraph summary of the nature of astrology ‐ what does it claim to be
and what does it claim it can do? List your sources.
• List ten specific claims made by the proponents of astrology. For example, if it is claimed that a person’s
destiny determined by their birth date, what specific aspects of destiny are determined for which signs? If a
person’s character and personality is influenced by the positions of planets at the time of their birth list the
character and personality traits associated with which signs, planets and positions. List your sources – and do
not be surprised if different sources make different claims for astrology.
Here are some websites to get you started:
• http://www.astrology.com
• http://www.astrologycom.com
o http://www.astrologycom.com/facts.html
o http://www.astrologycom.com/astrol1.html
o http://www.astrologycom.com/astrol2.html
o http://www.astrologycom.com/astrol3.html
• http://astrology.about.com/od/foundations/p/Astrology101.htm
• http://people.howstuffworks.com/question749.htm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology
• http://www.astrosociety.org/education/astro/act3/astrology.html
o http://www.astrosociety.org/education/astro/act3/astrology3.html
• http://www.badastronomy.com/bad/misc/astrology.html
• www.astrology-and-science.com
2. Determine Testable Predictions:
The claims of astrology from each group will be combined. Read through the entire list of claims and find ten
specific predictions based on the claims. It may be easier to find predictions for some claims than others. As a rule
the more straightforward the prediction the better. List the claim along with the derived prediction. For example:
• Claim: astrology influences athletic ability and Taurus is the most athletic, strongest and fastest sign.
• Prediction: There will be more than average percent of Taurus in athletes competing in events involving speed & strength
3. Design the Tests:
The lists of testable predictions of the claims of astrology will be combined and distributed, then each group will
design ten tests for predictions. The class will choose approximately six tests to run and discuss how to make them
a fair and reliable tests. Note, you have to do these tests so don’t make them too messy or difficult. Consider your
abilities when designing tests: What measurements can you make? How will you gather and analyze the data?
• Prediction: There will be more than average percent of Taurus in athletes competing in events involving speed & strength.
• Test: Look up birthdates (and signs) of recipients of Gold, Silver and Bronze Olympic medals in running and weight lifting events, plot
a histogram of signs. Compare variation between signs with expected statistical fluctuations.
4. Conduct Experiments and Gather Data:
Do the experiments and gather data. Divide the labor so there is not an undue burden on any individual. Record
the data in a consistent fashion and combine it ‐ this is especially important to combine the results from all groups
into one large data set for analysis.
5. Analyze The Data and Interpret the Results
Many times scientists hire experts at data processing to handle analysis which is beyond their means. In this class,
I can provide certain types of analysis – provided the description is clear. Since this is not a statistics class you will
not be expected to do detailed statistical analysis but you should be able to understand the resulting plots. Most
of this step will be done as a class.
6. Write it up and present results:
The final step in research is writing a report and presenting it. Discuss what you did, why you did it, and what you
found out. Be sure that you can back up your conclusions with your results. Describe how much confidence you
have in the results. If some tests were inconclusive, state it and describe how you would improve on it. Finally,
explain where the next logical step would be in extending this research project. See the handout on writing lab
reports for more information on the format. Each group will give a short presentation to report their findings.