What will I learn about: why astrology fails as a predictive tool and how our belief in zodiac signs actually causes us to unconsciously change our behavior?

Discover why astrology fails as a predictive tool and how our belief in zodiac signs actually causes us to unconsciously change our behavior.

What will I learn about: how scientific investigations consistently debunk superstitions, proving that black cats and full moons have absolutely no effect on your luck or health?

Understand how scientific investigations consistently debunk superstitions, proving that black cats and full moons have absolutely no effect on your luck or health.

What will I learn about: test your own potential to be a skilled liar simply by observing how you imagine drawing the letter 'Q' on your forehead?

Learn how to test your own potential to be a skilled liar simply by observing how you imagine drawing the letter 'Q' on your forehead.

What will I learn about: how to spot a liar in everyday conversation by paying attention to their lack of detail, as deceptive people tend to remain quiet and vague?

Find out how to spot a liar in everyday conversation by paying attention to their lack of detail, as deceptive people tend to remain quiet and vague.

What will I learn about: Explore the science behind our irrational choices and learn how everyday decision-making is heavily driven by context rather than pure logic?

Explore the science behind our irrational choices and learn how everyday decision-making is heavily driven by context rather than pure logic.

Quirkology

The Curious Science of Everyday Lives

Richard Wiseman

★ 3.6 / 5(59 ratings)

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Categories:

Science Psychology

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡Did you know that your birth month might actually influence your luck, but for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with the stars?
💡Have you ever wondered if there is such a thing as the world's funniest joke, and what the science of humor reveals about our hidden personalities?
💡Are you curious about how small, seemingly trivial factors—like the speed of your walk or the name you were given—can accurately predict your future success?

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Key Takeaways from Quirkology

✓Discover why astrology fails as a predictive tool and how our belief in zodiac signs actually causes us to unconsciously change our behavior.
✓Understand how scientific investigations consistently debunk superstitions, proving that black cats and full moons have absolutely no effect on your luck or health.
✓Learn how to test your own potential to be a skilled liar simply by observing how you imagine drawing the letter 'Q' on your forehead.
✓Find out how to spot a liar in everyday conversation by paying attention to their lack of detail, as deceptive people tend to remain quiet and vague.
✓Explore the science behind our irrational choices and learn how everyday decision-making is heavily driven by context rather than pure logic.

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from Quirkology

Mind Map

Quirkology

Astrology & Belief+

Superstitions & Myths+

Lying & Deceit+

Irrationality & Context+

Altruism & Selfishness+

The Psychology of Humor+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7

Why do people's personalities sometimes appear to match their astrological signs, according to psychologist Hans Eysenck's research?

A. The alignment of the stars subtly influences brain development at birth.
B. People unconsciously change their behavior to fit the descriptions they believe about their signs.
C. Astrologers use psychological principles to make broad, universally accurate predictions.
D. Seasonal weather during birth influences long-term personality traits.

Question 2 of 7

What did researchers discover when they compared a year's worth of trauma center records against the lunar cycle?

A. Emergency room admissions spiked significantly during a full moon.
B. Admissions only increased for patients with psychological emergencies.
C. There was no increase in admissions, debunking the full moon superstition.
D. Emergency room admissions actually decreased because people tend to stay indoors.

Question 3 of 7

According to the author's test, what does drawing a capital 'Q' on your forehead with the tail pointing toward your left eye indicate?

A. You are highly aware of your effect on others and are likely a better liar.
B. You are deeply introverted and generally struggle to deceive others.
C. You are a highly rational person who makes decisions based on logic.
D. You have a dominant right-brain hemisphere, making you highly creative.

Question 4 of 7

Based on the movie preference experiment, what is a reliable indicator that someone is telling the truth rather than lying?

A. They maintain constant and unwavering eye contact.
B. They speak at greater length and provide more details.
C. They use more frequent hand gestures while speaking.
D. They remain quiet and vague about the subject.

Question 5 of 7

Why did 70 percent of participants say they would wait for a sale to save £15 on a £20 calculator, but not to save £15 on a £999 computer?

A. People generally value electronics less than basic office supplies.
B. People are highly rational about large investments but careless with small ones.
C. People irrationally judge the value of savings relative to the overall price, not as an absolute amount.
D. People assume expensive items are of lower quality if they are heavily discounted.

Question 6 of 7

What did the experiment involving cashiers giving too much change reveal about human behavior?

A. People will consistently keep extra change regardless of the situation.
B. People are more likely to return extra change to a small independent shop than a large corporate store.
C. People only return extra change if they believe there are security cameras watching them.
D. People are more likely to keep extra change if the cashier is rude or inattentive.

Question 7 of 7

What negative side effect did the Laugh Lab and subsequent psychological studies reveal about 'superiority jokes'?

A. They cause the people telling them to become overly arrogant in the workplace.
B. They quickly lose their humor and lead to social isolation for the joke-teller.
C. They can encourage discrimination and negatively affect the confidence and performance of targeted groups.
D. They reduce the overall empathy of the joke-teller toward their own family members.

Quirkology — Full Chapter Overview

1Recommendation
2Astrology fails to deliver – at least not in the way most people expect.
3Time and again, scientific evidence crushes our favorite superstitions.
4Scientific research reveals that lying is easy – but there is one telltale clue to spot deceit.
5Human beings are far less rational than we like to believe.
6Science uncovers surprising truths about human kindness and selfishness.
7Our favorite jokes often come with surprisingly toxic consequences.

Quirkology Summary & Overview

Quirkology (2007) takes a uniquely scientific look at some common questions that are often dismissed as trivial: What kind of impact does astrology have on our lives? Is the number 13 really unlucky? Can a joke truly be harmful? And more!

Who Should Listen to Quirkology?

Readers who enjoy quirky scientific facts and experiments
People who like to debunk superstitions and myths
Anyone interested in popular psychology

About the Author: Richard Wiseman

Richard Wiseman is Professor for the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He specializes in magic, astrology, deception and the paranormal. His other books include Rip It Up, The Luck Factor and 59 Seconds.

Quirkology

If You're Curious About These Questions...

Listen to Quirkology — Free Audiobook

Key Takeaways from Quirkology

Learning Tools

Mind Map

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Quirkology — Full Chapter Overview

Quirkology Summary & Overview

Who Should Listen to Quirkology?

About the Author: Richard Wiseman

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