Quirkology Summary

Why do we believe in things that science disproves, and how do our quirks shape the way we live, think, and interact with others?

1. Astrology doesn’t predict the future – but belief in it can shape behavior.

Astrology has long been a source of fascination, with many people relying on horoscopes to guide their decisions. However, scientific experiments show that astrology fails to predict outcomes. In one study, an astrologer, a financial expert, and a four-year-old girl were asked to invest money. Surprisingly, the child performed the best, while the astrologer lost the most. This experiment highlights astrology’s lack of predictive power.

Even when astrology seems to align with personality traits, it’s often due to self-fulfilling beliefs. Psychologist Hans Eysenck tested over 1,000 students and found that those with “extroverted” astrological signs (like Aries) scored as extroverts. However, when he tested children who didn’t know their signs, no such correlation appeared. This suggests that people unconsciously adjust their behavior to match astrological expectations.

Astrology’s influence lies not in the stars but in our belief systems. When people read horoscopes, they may unknowingly act in ways that make the predictions seem accurate. This phenomenon demonstrates how powerful belief can be, even when the underlying system lacks evidence.

Examples

• A four-year-old girl outperformed an astrologer in a stock market experiment.
• Students with “extroverted” signs scored as extroverts, but children unaware of their signs showed no link.
• People unconsciously align their actions with horoscope predictions.

2. Superstitions persist despite being debunked by science.

Superstitions, like fearing the number 13 or black cats, have been part of human culture for centuries. Yet, scientific tests consistently show that these beliefs have no basis in reality. For instance, a high school student tested whether black cats affect luck during coin tosses. The results showed no change in participants’ ability to guess correctly, proving the superstition false.

Similarly, the idea that full moons cause chaos, such as increased emergency room visits, has been disproven. Researchers compared hospital records to lunar cycles and found no connection. Despite this, the myth persists, likely because people remember unusual events during full moons and forget the ordinary ones.

In the 1880s, William Fowler’s Thirteen Club challenged superstitions by hosting dinners on the 13th day of each month. Guests deliberately broke “bad luck” rules, like spilling salt or opening umbrellas indoors, and reported no ill effects. These experiments show that superstitions are more about perception than reality.

Examples

• A black cat walking by didn’t affect participants’ coin toss guesses.
• Hospital records showed no link between full moons and emergency room visits.
• The Thirteen Club defied superstitions without experiencing bad luck.

3. Lying is common, but there are subtle ways to detect it.

Lying is a universal human behavior, even though most people claim to be honest. In one study, participants kept journals of their lies and found they told at least two significant lies daily. Some people are better liars than others, often because they are more aware of how others perceive them.

A simple test can reveal if someone is likely a good liar. Imagine drawing a capital “Q” on your forehead. If you draw it with the tail pointing toward your left eye (so others can read it), you’re likely a high self-monitor – someone skilled at managing impressions and, often, at lying.

Detecting lies is harder than it seems, but there are clues. For example, liars tend to be vague and avoid details. In an experiment, people struggled to identify a lying actor, but the actor’s lack of detail hinted at his dishonesty. Paying attention to how much someone elaborates can help uncover the truth.

Examples

• Participants admitted to telling at least two lies daily in a journal study.
• High self-monitors, who draw the “Q” for others to read, are better liars.
• Liars often avoid details, as seen in an experiment with a deceptive actor.

4. Human decision-making is often irrational.

People like to think they make logical choices, but context heavily influences decisions. In one study, participants were more likely to wait for a £15 discount on a £20 calculator than on a £999 computer, even though the savings were the same. This shows how people value relative savings over absolute amounts.

Names also affect how people are perceived and treated. Teachers, for instance, grade students with common names like “David” more favorably than those with unusual names like “Hubert.” This bias can lead to social isolation for people with less common names, affecting their confidence and opportunities.

Interestingly, having an unusual name can also be an advantage. Unique names are more memorable, which can help individuals stand out in competitive fields. For example, actors like Benedict Cumberbatch benefit from their distinctive names, which make them easier to remember.

Examples

• People waited for a £15 discount on a calculator but not on a computer.
• Teachers graded students with common names more favorably.
• Unique names like Benedict Cumberbatch help individuals stand out.

5. Altruism and selfishness depend on context.

People’s willingness to help others often depends on the situation. In the 1930s, psychologist Richard LaPiere traveled with a Chinese couple and found that businesses treated them kindly in person. However, when surveyed later, most businesses claimed they wouldn’t serve Chinese customers. This shows that behavior can differ from stated beliefs.

Selfishness also varies by context. In one experiment, customers at a large store kept extra change given to them by mistake. But when the same experiment was conducted at a small, local shop, customers returned the money. People felt a stronger connection to the small shop and were less likely to act selfishly.

These examples highlight how our actions are influenced by the environment and our relationships with others. Predicting behavior is difficult without understanding the specific circumstances.

Examples

• Businesses treated a Chinese couple kindly but later claimed they wouldn’t serve them.
• Customers kept extra change at a large store but returned it at a small shop.
• People’s actions often depend on their connection to others.

6. Jokes can reinforce stereotypes and harm confidence.

Humor often relies on making fun of others, but this can have negative effects. In an online experiment called Laugh Lab, people rated jokes that made them feel superior as the funniest. However, these jokes often perpetuate stereotypes, which can influence attitudes and behavior.

For example, a study in Canada found that people who read jokes about Newfoundlanders developed harsher opinions about them. Similarly, blonde women who heard jokes about their intelligence performed worse on a subsequent test, showing how humor can undermine confidence.

While jokes may seem harmless, they can reinforce biases and hurt those they target. Being mindful of the impact of humor is important for fostering respect and understanding.

Examples

• Laugh Lab participants preferred jokes that made them feel superior.
• Jokes about Newfoundlanders led to harsher opinions about them.
• Blonde women scored lower on a test after hearing jokes about their intelligence.

Takeaways

1. Challenge your beliefs by testing superstitions or questioning assumptions, like astrology’s influence on personality.
2. Pay attention to how people communicate – vagueness and lack of detail can signal dishonesty.
3. Be mindful of the jokes you share, as humor can shape attitudes and harm confidence.