ANTH 1001 Final
ANSWER ALL THAT APPLY (You may need to choose more than one answer to get this question correct) Which mistakes in our thinking explain why people believe in the Curse of King Tut? A. We can misperceive our world B. We prefer stories to statistics C. We are born liars. D. We rarely appreciate the role of chance and coincidence
A,B, and D
What is a hoax? A. A deliberate deception masquerading as the truth B. An incompletely tested hypothesis C. A misperception of actual events D. An alternative explanation from traditional knowledge
A. A deliberate deception masquerading as the truth
The Moundbuilders have been identified archaeologically as A. A number of different prehistoric Native American cultures over time who built mounds for different purposes B. A lost tribe of Israel C. Phoenicians D. All answers are correct
A. A number of different prehistoric Native American cultures over time who built mounds for different purposes
What is an hypothesis? A. A proposed explanation based on evidence B. A proposed explanation based on assumptions C. Another word for theory D. It is always true
A. A proposed explanation based on evidence
Which are characteristics of pseudo-scientific claims? A. All answers are correct B. Seeks to prove rather than test claims C. Relies on anecdotal or untestable evidence D. Ignore alternative explanations or contrary evidence
A. All Answers are correct
Archaeology shows the pyramids of Egypt were constructed A. All answers are correct B. By preparing the worksite by leveling the building surface C. by quarrying the stone blocks from the Giza plateau D. through the use of local Egyptian human labor to cut and move the stone blocks
A. All answers are correct
If Feder had a "bullshit detector," it would include such things as: A. All answers are correct B. The use of false dichotomies or straw man arguments to insist in only two options C. Initial presentation of the claim through social media and press releases D. An unwillingness of the person making the claim to publicly share his/her data
A. All answers are correct
From where did some of the early New World explorers believe the Native Americans had originally come? A. All choices are correct B. Fleeing Spanish monarch C. Atlantis D. Lost merchants from Carthage
A. All choices are correct
What evidence has been put forward for an African discovery of America? A. All choices are correct B. Prehistoric art (e.g. Olmec heads) with African features C. References by Columbus of his seeing "black Indians" in the Caribbean D. The presence of the African metal gua-nin reported by Columbus
A. All choices are correct
___________________ is the landmass that existed between Asia and North America during the last Ice Age. A. Beringia B. Coastal Canada C. Arctic D. Antartic
A. Beringia
The saying of the skeptic is: A. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence B. I want to believe C. There are stranger things on heaven and earth than any of us realize D. The truth is out there
A. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence
Why is Tutankhamen so famous? A. His was the only relatively intact pharaoh's tomb ever discovered thus far by archaeologists. B. The curse on his tomb killed scores of workers who violated his tomb. C. He was the most powerful ruler of the New Kingdom. D. His tomb produced evidence that enabled hieroglyphics to be translated.
A. His was the only relatively intact pharaoh's tomb ever discovered thus far by archaeologists.
This questionable artifact, found near Alexandria Minnesota, is believed by some to be evidence of a Viking presence in the area during the 14th century A. Kensington rune stone B. Grave Creek stone C. Plymouth rock D. Newport Tower
A. Kensington rune stone
This site in New Hampshire, which Harvard marine biologist Barry Fell attributed to bronze age Iberians, actually turns out to be 19th century New England farmstead. A. Mystery Hill B. Plymouth Plantation C. Stonehenge D. Newport Tower
A. Mystery Hill
Interpretations of anomalous rock formations as alien constructions are best attributed as examples of A. Pareidolia B. You Answered Jedi mind tricks C. Onomatopoeia D. Mass hysteria
A. Pareidolia
What is science? A. The systematic study of the natural world through observation and experiment B. The study of knowledge C. A system of ideas intented to explain something D. The use of facts to prove a theory
A. The systematic study of the natural world through observation and experiment
Both Sam (Bosnian Pyramid) and Russ Breault (Shroud Encounters) argue that they are using "science" to support their claims. Why have we argued in class that they are not using "science"? A. They are not using the scientifice method to test a hypothesis. B. They do not publish. C. They have not allowed scientists to see their data. D. They are scientifice techniques such as radiocarbon testing that are not considered "scientifc" by the scientific community
A. They are not using the scientifice method to test a hypothesis.
According to current evolutionary theory, what was the first human characteristic to develop? A. bipedalism B. binocular vision C. an enlarged brain D. tool making
A. bipedalism
If a "reasonable" hypothesis conflicts with a well-established theory, scientists must then: A. re-examine the theory in light of the new evidence B. throw out the hypothesis C. throw out the theory D. sit on their hands
A. re-examine the theory in light of the new evidence
Interpretations of anomalous rock formations as alien constructions are best attributed as examples of A. the inkblot hypothesis B. Mass hysteria C. Jedi mind tricks D. the circumstantial hypothesis
A. the inkblot hypothesis
The curse of Tutankhamen A. was made up to whip up public interest and sell papers. B. continued to afflict visitors to the artifact exhibition decades after their excavation. C. was inscribed on a tablet found in the burial chamber D. resulted in deaths of most of the archaeologists involved in the dig.
A. was made up to whip up public interest and sell papers.
What is pseudoscience? A. The systematic study of the natural world through observation and experiment B. A claim, belief or practice which is presented as scientific, but which does not follow the scientific method C. A belief in the supernatural D. Science that doesn't use facts
B. A claim, belief or practice which is presented as scientific, but which does not follow the scientific method
Erich von Daniken's hypothesis concerning space aliens visiting earth involve A. the idea that advanced alien technology had to be used to create the marvels of the ancient world B. All answers are correct C. alien intervention in human evolution D. depictions of ancient astronauts on archaeological sites around the world
B. All answers are correct
Why wasn't radio-carbon dating used at the time to determine the age of the Piltdown finds? A. Carbon dating only works on organic material. A fossilized bone has no remaining organic materials. B. All answers are correct C. Radiocarbon dating wasn't developed until 40 years after Piltdown was discovered. D. They did use radiocarbon dating, once they suspected Piltdown was a hoax.
B. All answers are correct
According to Feder, what makes for a successful hoax? A. Don't be too succesful B. All choices are correct C. Learn from your mistakes D. Give the people what they want
B. All choices are correct
Some reasons that the Bosnians find support for "Sam's" pyramid identification include: A. the creation of a common nationalistic symbol B. All choices are correct C. it brings in tourists who bring in money to a war-torn country D. it enables Bosnia to be known for something other than war
B. All choices are correct
The Piltdown fossil was undetected for so long because A. Nationalistic pride that human evolution took place in England, not Africa B. All choices are correct C. It confirmed the early human traits that scientists expected to find D. the scientists involved believed in their friend, Charles Dawson
B. All choices are correct
What is a motivation for a hoax? A. Make a social statement B. All choices are correct C. To embarrass someone D. Financial gain
B. All choices are correct
What is the problem with establishing the Shroud of Turin's authenticity? A. It does not conform to Jewish burial practices. B. All choices are correct C. Radiocarbon tests dates the shroud to AD 1325. D. The shroud with its image is not mentioned in the Gospels.
B. All choices are correct
The cinematographic combination of documentary and fiction is referred to as A. Cinimofiction B. Docufiction C. Documentary D. Docudrama
B. Docufiction
'Alien Autopsy' and Animal Planets 'Mermaid, Body Found' are examples of A. news B. Entertainment masquerading as science C. historical documentaries D. Science masquerading as entertainment
B. Entertainment masquerading as science
After reading Chapter 10 in Feder, do you think the evidence for indigenous development (that native Egyptians built the Egyptian pyramids, that native Mayans built the Mayan pyramids and created the Mayan calendar, etc.), better fits MIGRATION THEORY or a GOODNESS OF FIT model? A. Migration Theory B. Goodness of Fit model
B. Goodness of Fit model
A 9,300 year old skeleton discovered in Washington state that created controversy concerning the heritage of modern Americans. A. Encino man B. Kennewick man C. Clovis man D. Kenniwick woman
B. Kennewick man
Characteristics of thinking like a scientist include: A. Other things being equal, choose the claim that has the most assumptions required to explain the phenomenon. B. Make sure a claim can be tested and consider alternative explanations C. Keep an open mind and be willing to accept unsubstantiated claims D. Try to prove a claim with the evidence
B. Make sure a claim can be tested and consider alternative explanations
The Israelite hypothesis, stating that people from the Middle East had migrated to America after the fall of the Tower of Babel is a part of the history of this religion A. Judaism B. Mormon C. Zoroastrian D. Baptist
B. Mormon
Archaeological evidence used to support a Chinese discovery of North America. A. Chinese inscribed tablets found in Indian mounds B. Stone anchors found off Palos Verde, California C. All choices are correct D. Porcelain found in St. Augustine, Florida
B. Stone anchors found off Palos Verde, California
The Piltdown Hoax A. was concocted by a disgruntled government scientist B. Was the deliberate fabrication of a fossil involving an ancient human cranium and modern ape jaw C. All choices are correct D. was immediately uncovered by scientists
B. Was the deliberate fabrication of a fossil involving an ancient human cranium and modern ape jaw
In arguing for the Bosnian Pyramids, Sam states "Should we believe the people who have the positions and titles who, for some reason, don't want this to happen, or should we believe our own eyes". Which of Kida's mistakes we make in our thinking does this relate to? A. We have faulty memories B. We can misperceive our world C. We prefer stories to statistics D. We oversimplify
B. We can misperceive our world
In the Bosnian Pyramid video, author Philip Coppens suggests that Sam just needs more time to find his answer - something that will convince the world that he has found a pyramid. Which of Kida's mistakes we make in our thinking do we see here? A. We prefer stories to statistics B. We seek to confirm C. We can misperceive our world D. We oversimplify
B. We seek to confirm
How does one assess an extraordinary claim? A. how does the claim fit with Occam's razor? B. all choices are correct C. check the reputability of the publication D. check the claimant's qualifications
B. all choices are correct
The sacrificial alter at Mystery Hill can be better explained as a A. its true function cannot be deduced B. cider or soap press C. platform for sacrificing virgins D. Celtic lectionary
B. cider or soap press
Stonehenge was: A. an isolated, intrusive, inexplicable artifact. B. not an isolated, intrusive, inexplicable artifact. It was a part of a broad, cultural context.
B. not an isolated, intrusive, inexplicable artifact. It was a part of a broad, cultural context.
"News" stories of dinosaur and UFO sightings are more common in rural communities like those across North Carolina and areas with high high-school dropout rates because populations in these areas A. All choices are correct B. tend to have less access to education; education is correlated with better critical thinking skills C. are generally not as intelligent as we are D. tend to have less access to education; education is correlated with intelligence
B. tend to have less access to education; education is correlated with better critical thinking skills
The Shroud of Turin is alleged to be A. the mummy wrapping around King Tut B. the burial cloth of Christ C. the curtain that separated the holiest section of the jewish Temple D. a fragment of mary Magdelene's cloak
B. the burial cloth of Christ
A "reasonable" hypothesis: A. is testable B. is the simplest explanation C. All answers are correct D. does not conflict with well-established knowledge
C. All answers are correct
The Ancient Alien Theory in the media is harmful because A. It discredits the hard work and efforts of our ancestors, and is ultimately racist. B. It is placed in the genre of non-fiction, which could be misleading to readers and TV viewers. C. All answers are correct D. Many uninformed people are getting incorrect information about ancient artifacts and believing false information.
C. All answers are correct
The Dendera "lightbulb" is refuted by A. Its interpretation as an Egyptian creation myth involving a lotus flower and snake B. No other evidence of electrical lighting anywhere in ancient Egypt C. All answers are correct D. The fact that there are many examples of oil lamps found in Egyptian buildings
C. All answers are correct
What evidence was put forth to show that American Indians could not have built the mounds? A. American Indians were considered to be too primitive and had no memory of constructing the mounds B. Metal artifacts were purpoted to have been found in the mounds C. All answers are correct D. Artifacts found in the mound were purported to exhibit ancient writing
C. All answers are correct
The purpose of the Egyptian pyramids was to A. impress people with the power and might of Egypt B. keep the population busy during the annual flooding of the Nile C. All choices are correct D. serve as tombs for the pharoahs
C. All choices are correct
What allegedly makes the Shroud of Turin miraculous? A. It has remarkable healing powers B. You Answered It has remained in perfect condition for over 2,000 years. C. Answer it has the image of a crucified Christ imprinted on it D. It glows in the dark
C. Answer it has the image of a crucified Christ imprinted on it
The earliest culture in North America dating between 13,200 and 11,900 BP that is recognized for its successful, indigenous adaptation is called: A. Kennewick B. Archaic C. Clovis D. Antartic
C. Clovis
Methods that could be used to determine if the Bosnian stone sphere is natural or man-made: A. Testing if it can float B. Observing its smooth sides and rounded features C. Determining the type of stone and if there's any evidence of tool marks D. Measuring how fast it can roll down the hill
C. Determining the type of stone and if there's any evidence of tool marks
An archaeological site attributed to Viking settlement in Newfoundland A. Mystery Hill B. Kensington Rune site C. L'Anse aux Meadows D. Governor Martin site
C. L'Anse aux Meadows
Erich von Daniken interprets the long, straight Nazca lines as A. Processional pathways for Nazcan ceremonies B. All answers are correct C. Landing strips for alien aircraft D. Electrical power lines
C. Landing strips for alien aircraft
These artifacts, purported to have been found in mounds in Ohio, had writing on them that was deemed to be ancient Hebrew A. Dare Stones B. Kensington Rune stone C. Newark Holy Stones D. All answers are correct
C. Newark Holy Stones
What is epistemology? A. An educated guess B. The knowledge of studies C. The study of knowledge (how we know what we know) D. The study of hoaxes
C. The study of knowledge (how we know what we know)
According to Kida, which is NOT one of the six mistakes we make in our thinking? A. We prefer stories to statistics B. We oversimplify C. We are born liars D. We seek to confirm
C. We are born liars
People were easily persuaded to believe in the validity of the Cardiff Giant because they wanted to believe in the idea that giants once roamed the earth. This is a good example of which of Kida's mistakes we make in our thinking? A. We oversimplify B. We rarely appreciate the role of chance and coincidence C. We seek to confirm D. We have faulty memories
C. We seek to confirm
When people cherry pick the evidence, they are likely to fall under which mistake we make in our thinking? A. We only accept new information that is supported by science. B. We are skeptical. C. We seek to confirm. D. We believe the impossible.
C. We seek to confirm
Von Daniken interprets a carving on the cover of the sarcophagus of Mayan ruler, Lord Pacal, as A. a history of Pacal's reign B. a Mayan legend C. an astronaut in the cockpit of a spaceship D. an alien god attacking the earth
C. an astronaut in the cockpit of a spaceship
According to Kida, believing a claim just because a person is in a position of authority is a logical fallacy called A. the meek inherit the earth B. social fascism C. argument from authority D. might makes right
C. argument from authority
Von Daniken seeing representations of ancient astronauts in past artwork is what Kida might call "seeking to confirm" Feder calls it A. remote viewing B. the real deal C. the inkblot hypothesis D. the scientific method
C. the inkblot hypothesis
An example of an early construction that shows the evolution of pyramid building A. the Sphinx B. the Great pyramid of Cheops C. the stepped pyramid of Djoser D. the warped pyramid of Plato
C. the stepped pyramid of Djoser
What is archaeology? A. A method to study past human activity by studying written records B. A method to study dinosaurs by studying soil layers C. A method to study extra-terrestrials and other UFOs D. A method to study past human activity by studying things people made and used.
D. A method to study past human activity by studying things people made and used.
A deductive approach to testing extraordinary claims includes: A. examining the evidence B. stating the claim C. considering alternative hypotheses D. All answers are correct
D. All answers are correct
What evidence refutes the Israelite hypothesis? A. there is no linguistic correlation between Native American languages and the languages of the Near East references to iron, domesticated crops and animals in the Book of B. Mormon have not been found in the New World archaeological record C. No DNA evidence connects Native American populations with the Near East D. All choices are correct
D. All choices are correct
The Piltdown fossil was originally classified as A. Homo antecessor B. Paranthropus boisei C. Homo heidelbergensis D. Eoanthropus dawsoni
D. Eoanthropus dawsoni
What was the harm in the Piltdown hoax? A. Charles Dawson became so excited that he had a heart attack. B. No one was ever caught so we can never know if Piltdown is a real fossil or not. C. It ruined Arthur Conan Doyle's writing career D. It sent scientists in the wrong direction int eh investigation of human evolution.
D. It sent scientists in the wrong direction int eh investigation of human evolution.
Why are the Olmec stone heads not compelling evidence for an African presence in the Americas before Columbus? A. There are numerous archaeological finds of pre-Columbian African skeletons in the Caribbean B.The heads postdate Columbus's voyages C. Because Columbus never saw those heads D. Many of the indigenous populations of the Americas possess the same features featured on the stone heads
D. Many of the indigenous populations of the Americas possess the same features featured on the stone heads
The explanation requiring the fewest assumptions (i.e. the simplest) is usually the correct one A. Burke's Law B. The eye of the tiger C. The swoard of Damocles D. Occam's Razor
D. Occam's Razor
Science progresses by A. All choices are correct B. By proving one's theories C. Large grants to universities D. Repeated testing and revising of hypotheses
D. Repeated testing and revising of hypotheses
This artifact purported to tell the story of how the ancient Lenape (Delaware) Indians came to the New World over the Bering Land Bridge from Asia A. Keystone B. Kensington Rune stone C. Decalogue D. Walam Olum
D. Walam Olum
True believers tend to be easy marks for forgers of sacred relics because because of which of Kida's mistakes we make in our thinking? A. Believers tend to be unintelligent B. We are easily distractable. C. Believers are more likely to misperceive our world. D. We seek to confirm.
D. We seek to confirm.
Bob Meistrell, founder of Body Glove, stating that he wants to find out what the stone anchors are before he dies, even after he is presented with the evidence that the stones are from 19th century Chinese fisherman, is an example of A. faulty memories B. a deep seated curiosity for knowledge C. an unflinching desire to find the truth D. a disregard for alternative explanations and excepting only that information that supports what we already believe
D. a disregard for alternative explanations and excepting only that information that supports what we already believe
According to Kida, intuitive judgments are A. more accurate because they rely on subjective assessments B. a reliable form of ESP C. usually better than those based on statistical data D. notoriously unreliable in predicting future success
D. notoriously unreliable in predicting future success
The Newport Tower in Rhode Island is A. A lookout tower of the Knights Templar B. a Viking defensive keep C. an ancient Native American observatory D. the base of a Colonial period windmill
D. the base of a Colonial period windmill
A "convergence of evidence," which suggests that there are multiple, diverse, independent streams of evidence that all point to the same fact, supports a pre-Columbus, African migration to Mesoamerica. True / False
False
A "convergence of evidence," which suggests there are multiple, diverse, independent streams of evidence pointing to the same fact, supports a pre-Columbus settlement of Irish monks at America's Stonehenge. True / False
False
A human body can turn into petrified stone if that person drinks fluid found inside a geode, as happened to Ernest Flucterspeigel in 1858. True / False
False
According to our best scientific data, most achievements in human history were accomplished by or with the assistance of extraterrestrial life 10,000 to 40,000 years ago. True / False
False
At their settlement at Mystery Hill, Irish monks sacrificed young virgins on the sacrificial altar. True / False
False
Because Indians were not building mounds when Europeans arrived, it is a logical conclusion that the ancestors of the Indians were not the builders of the mounds. True / False
False
Because there is so many fake news stories in the media for April Fool's, April 1 is the only day of the year when one should critically evaluate news articles before accepting them as true. True / False
False
Because there is still debate regarding WHEN and HOW the first peoples arrived in the new World, no proposed explanation should be disregarded. All possibilities should be given equal weight. True / False
False
Because, as Feder states, "the artifacts are mute, the bones silent," all archaeological reconstructions are plausible. One interpretation of the past is no better or worse than another. True / False
False
Characteristics of scientific claims include a strong reliance on anecdotal evidence, preconceived notions of what to believe and a disregard for alternative explanations. True / False
False
Columbus was the first person to discover America. True / False
False
Even with modern technology, we would not be able to re-create the Egyptian pyramids. True / False
False
Experimental archaeology, through which old technologies are reproduced, is good evidence to support a pre-Columbus crossing of the Atlantic by Irish monks. True / False
False
Footprints and a fossilized human finger are good evidence to support the theory that humans and dinosaurs lived at the same time. True / False
False
If a premise is popular, then it must be true. True / False
False
If the evidence "cuts both ways" -both in support of and in rejection of an extraordinary claim - there is no way to come to a conclusion. One must remain open-minded. True / False
False
If the only evidence that is presented to support an extraordinary claim is without provenance, then one cannot draw any conclusions as to the veracity of the claim. True / False
False
In archaeology, CONTEXT (where an artifact is found and what it is found with) makes no impact on how an artifact is interpreted. What's most important is what the artifact looks like. True / False
False
In deducing the origins of the Native Americans, it is best to rely on cultural comparisons between Native Americans and Old World Jewish populations that demonstrate similarities between these two groups of people. True / False
False
Most ancient cultures were culturally static. That is to say, if left to their own devices, without foreign interference, they would have changed very little through time. True / False
False
Noting a similarity between Native American and Chinese hairstyles is good evidence for a Chinese discovery of America. True / False
False
Rosenfeld, Canadian Archivist for the Royal Canadian Astronomical Society, says that there's an 80% chance that the Vinland map is a fake and a 20% chance it's real. This is an appropriate use of statistics because these percentages are based on quantitative (things that you can count) data. True / False
False
The Mayan calendar, Sumerian references to gods in fiery chariots, and Stonehenge are examples of technology far beyond the abilities of our ancient ancestors and thus proof that intelligent aliens must have visited earth sometime in the past. True / False
False
The correctness of a believe is decided by the number of people who can be induced to adopt it. True / False
False
The founder of Body Glove and a professional diver, Bob Meistrell, together with Amateur Historian and Organic Chemist Lee propose a pre-Columbus Chinese discovery of American. Nautical Archaeologist Larry Pierson and Art historian and East Asian Studies professor Jenny Purtle argue that it's not possible and that the most logical explanation for the stone anchors is 19th century Chinese fishing. Both sides bring evidence to the debate. Without knowing more, it is thus impossible for you to know which argument is more probable. True / False
False
The great and monumental structures built all over the world were encoded by ancient peoples with messages that convey warnings of future catastrophes meant for us to hear today. True / False
False
The lecture at ECU on the Shroud of Turin was sponsored by the Student Activities Board and the Campus Multi-faith Alliance, therefore the premise supported that the Shroud of Turin is the burial shroud of Christ must be true. True / False
False
The monumental achievements that ancient cultures created, like pyramids and obelisks, could only have been constructed with the help of alien technology. True / False
False
The radiocarbon, pollen and historical evidence presented by Breault all support his conclusion that this is the burial shroud of Christ. True / False
False
The reason that we can know the Cardiff giant and other petrified bodies are hoaxes is that only animals can petrify. True / False
False
The theory of human evolution is flimsy as it is based on just a handful of tiny bone fragments that could mean just about anything. True / False
False
There are representations and written accounts of ancient astronauts in archaeological sites around the world, preserved in folklore, legends and myths. True / False
False
Wonders such as pyramids, domestication, aqueducts, metal work, art and religion were such sophisticated inventions that it is impossible to ascribe them to native intelligence. True / False
False
A "goodness of fit" model suggests the researcher examine if the documented evidence "fits" within the, for example, social, cultural, political, economic, subsistence, and religious systems in the place where the evidence was found, as a means to deduce an indigenous or foreign origin. True / False
True
A 'goodness of fit' model clearly demonstrates that the Egyptian pyramids were the product of independent invention and not diffusion from an unknown and unrecognized source. True / False
True
A means to test a cultural comparison is to ask the question: IF the comparison is true, THEN there should also be other cultural similarities. True / False
True
A theory is an hypothesis that has withstood repeated testing. True / False
True
According to Kida, we are unlikely to accept new information if it goes against what we already believe. True / False
True
Although there are still debates regarding the age of the earliest occupation of the New World, the different anthropological models generally adhere to the scientific method and are dismissive of appeals to divine inspiration and references to non-existent lost continents. True / False
True
An example of a false dichotomy is when the newest alien archaeology find is described as EITHER "rubbish" OR the real deal, as if there are only two options with no other possible alternative interpretation. True / False
True
An examples of archaeological abuse is identifying the site of L'Anse aux Meadows as Leif Erickson's settlement. True / False
True
Archaeologists accept that we may never know exactly what happened in the past and that there are many different possible reconstructions, but using scientific methods, it is possible to determine that some reconstructions are more plausible than others. True / False
True
Breault's claims - that the image on the shroud must either be because it is Christ's burial shroud OR it's the work of an artist - is an example of a false dichotomy. In other words, Breault is presenting only 2 possible alternatives and ignoring other options. True / False
True
Confirmation bias, the tendency to look for and see only evidence that confirms what one already believes, is behind much of pseudo-scientific and pseudo-archaeological claims. True / False
True
Evaluating alternative hypotheses is one of the most effective methods of countering judgment bias as it forces us to consider evidence that may be contrary to our current beliefs. True / False
True
Migration theory suggests that a new people can be recognized in the archaeological record by the sudden, intrusive appearance of foreign (i.e. non-local) material culture. True / False
True
Most of the people supporting the various locations for Atlantis are authors, with little to no credentials in archaeology or history. True / False
True
One method of the pseudoscientist is to cast doubt on scientific claims so that ALL alternative explanations can be considered plausible. True / False
True
One of the mistakes we make in our thinking is that we prefer to rely on personal experience and anecdotes, on stories rather than statistics, even though anecdotal evidence may lead us to make wrong conclusions. True / False
True
Provenience, knowing the context and location of an archaeological find, and provenance, knowing the chain of custody of an archaeological find from the time it was removed from the archaeological site to its current location, are two methods we can use to help determine if an archaeological artifact is real or fake. True / False
True
Reasonably intelligent people doubt science because science demands that we discount direct sensory experiences in favor of theories that challenge beliefs about our place in the universe. True / False
True
Similar to society's acceptance of the Cardiff Giant and the Piltdown Man, our positive belief in alien abductions, UFOs, and government conspiracies in regard to recent alien interventions are a result of current cultural milieus that cast suspicion on "science". True / False
True
Unlike the Ekron and Tel Dan inscriptions, which were found in archaeological excavations, the Newark Holy Stones, the Las Lunas Stone, the Bat Creek Stone and the Walum Olum inscriptions were not found during the course of modern archaeological excavations and therefore we can never be sure that they are not fakes. True /False
True
When people seek to confirm, they are cherry-picking the evidence so that they recognize only what supports their already established ideas and ignore or reject what does not. True / False
True
Whether or not Plato's description of Atlantis is based on fact, if Plato describes Atlantis as located by the "Pillars of Hercules" (between Spain and Morocco), identifying a sunken anomaly off the coast of California, in the Bermuda Triangle, in Israel or in Antarctica as Atlantis is cherry-picking the information. True / False
True