Astronomy Practice Exam

What have tests indicated about the accuracy of astrological predictions?

1. They are often very accurate.

2. They depend on the individual's situation.

3. They are no more accurate than chance.

4. They are consistently reliable.

The correct answer is: They are no more accurate than chance.

Astrological predictions are based on the positions and movements of celestial bodies, and their interpretations often suggest that these movements influence human lives. However, empirical testing of astrological claims typically shows that their accuracy does not exceed random chance. Studies that have attempted to validate specific predictions made by astrology often reveal that there is no statistically significant correlation between astrological forecasts and actual outcomes. This conclusion underscores that, while astrology may appeal to personal beliefs or experiences, the scientific method has not substantiated its claims as a reliable framework for predicting events or traits. Consequently, when comparing the success rate of astrologers' predictions against random guessing, the findings indicate that they tend to achieve no better than chance levels of accuracy.