Google

A prominent myth in popular psychology and an example of an illusory correlation is the widespread belief that the moon's phases influence human behavior, such as the idea that psychiatric admissions and crimes increase during a full moon. Extensive scientific research has consistently found no such statistical relationship, and the perception of this link is likely due to attentional bias.

The Full Moon Myth

The belief that the moon affects human behavior is often supported by a seemingly logical but flawed analogy. This reasoning draws a parallel between the moon's powerful gravitational effect on ocean tides and its supposed influence on humans, pointing out that our bodies are also composed mainly of water. This line of thinking incorrectly assumes that the gravitational forces that move vast oceans would have a similar, noticeable impact on the water within a person's body.

Flawed Analogy in the Moon-Behavior Illusory Correlation

Despite the popular belief in a connection between the moon's phases and human behavior, scientific evidence indicates that no such relationship exists. A comprehensive meta-analysis reviewing nearly 40 different studies concluded that there is no statistical link between the lunar cycle and human actions. The perception of a correlation is likely explained by attentional bias; people are more likely to notice and remember odd behavior when it coincides with a full moon, while the actual frequency of such behavior remains constant.

Scientific Evidence Against the Moon-Behavior Correlation

The widespread belief that psychiatric admissions and crimes increase during a full moon, despite scientific evidence showing no such statistical relationship, is an example of which of the following concepts?

Learn Before

Related