Problem
If you're like me, you're probably pretty happy and relieved that the world did not end on December 21, 2012 as some had feared. There was another prediction in May 2013, based on information from Isaac Newton. Isaac Newton, a physicist and mathematician best known for describing the laws of motion and gravity and for helping to invent calculus, made a prediction that the world would end in 2060. However, a book recently written by David Flynn argues that Newton's initial calculations were incorrect and that the world was slated to end in 2013. In addition to Newton's prediction, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (a.k.a. NASA) calculated that there would be an increase in solar radiation and solar flares from the sun sometime around May 2013. If you click here, you can see past and future predictions for apocalyptic events. (including a 2014-15 prediction by John Hagee and Mark Biltz.
At what point should we fear for the end of the world? Should we go about our normal lives? Or, as the popular saying goes, should we live like's there's no tomorrow? You are charged with evaluating the quality of these claims and the likelihood that we may indeed be enjoying the last months of the Earth's existence.
TEST YOUR CRITICAL THINKING BY ANSWERING TWO DISCUSSION QUESTIONS IN THIS "THINK LIKE A...PSYCHOLOGIST" FORUM.
1) Describe one example from work, school, or home life where you were affected by subjective validation or confirmation bias. What did you do or could you have done to overcome the subjective validation bias you experienced.
2) What pieces of evidence might make you believe or not believe in end of the world predictions? In what ways does the science of psychology affect beliefs or interpretations of end of the world predictions?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.