For each of the following examples, state whether or not there is a problem with the person’s conclusions and explain the problem (if there is one):
i. Sylvia claims she can use her psychic powers to determine what happened to individuals who have been reported missing. She points out that she correctly predicted that several individuals who had been missing for months were dead. A skeptical researcher asks her about several additional people who were recently reported missing and she predicts that they are also dead. However, the researcher discovers that all of them are still living. The researcher asks Sylvia whether these cases cast doubt on her psychic abilities. Sylvia explains that skeptical researchers’ negative vibes often disrupt psychic abilities, and if she had made the predictions without the presence of the researcher, she would have been accurate. Thus, she believes the evidence supports her psychic abilities.
ii.Years ago, some psychologists observed that the parents of autistic children appeared very aloof and detached from their autistic children than were parents of normal children. These psychologists concluded that parental detachment was the cause of autism.
iii. A survey research company hired by the Democratic party contacted a large, representative sample of Americans to examine their beliefs about new legislation designed to reduce crime. They asked the respondents, ‘‘Would you agree that this new legislation that will reduce crime and make our streets safer is a good piece of legislation for America?’’ Close to 92% of the sample answered ‘‘yes.’’ The research company concluded that most Americans support the legislation.