Amidst the unpredictable and challenging times we face today, many are increasingly seeking solace and direction. This search for comfort has led some to look towards the stars, making astrology an increasingly popular topic on social media platforms.
Astrology examines the positions and movements of celestial bodies to understand their impact on human life and events.
When things don’t go as planned, it might be attributed to the stars or planets being misaligned. Astrology can also offer insights into choosing the right partner or identifying the perfect moment to request a raise.
A 2017 Pew Research Center survey revealed that almost 30% of Americans have faith in astrology.
A recent study has revealed that there is no concrete evidence supporting the accuracy of astrologers’ predictions. Despite astrologers’ confidence in their readings, their forecasts are no more reliable than random chance.
Earlier this year, researchers analyzed the traits of 308 individuals, including their religious beliefs and political inclinations, to explore their impact on various life outcomes. These outcomes encompassed achievements, mental health, and social engagement levels.
Researchers utilized zodiac Sun signs to evaluate these traits but found no correlation. This approach faced backlash from astrologers, who argued that the studies did not account for the full astrological charts used in traditional readings.
The team chose to collaborate with six astrologers to develop an improv test design to assess whether astrologers can accurately match individuals with their corresponding astrological charts.
We conduct a study with 152 astrologers to determine whether their predictions exceed random chance. The findings show that more experience astrologers display greater confidence in their accuracy when assigning star signs to a group of 12 individuals.
However, this didn’t translate to improve performance. Individuals who identify as ‘world-class experts’ correctly answer only 2.2 out of 12 questions on average.
The researchers note that if astrologers had shown results significantly better than random chance, their findings would have support the effectiveness of astrology. However, the study found that the astrologers’ performance was statistically equivalent to random guessing.
Additionally, the team evaluate the effectiveness of astrologers from various astrological traditions, including Western, Chinese, Mayan, and Renaissance astrology.
Hellenistic astrologers achieve a correct prediction rate of 2.9 out of 12, which was not significantly better than random chance. Additionally, researchers aim to assess the level of consensus among astrologers.
“The consensus among astrologers is quite low, with agreement rates varying between 21% and 28%, depending on their level of experience,” the authors note.
“This indicates that astrologers often disagree when interpreting identical charts, even among highly experience practitioners.”
Currently, there is no substantial evidence supporting the claims made by astrologers. It’s wise to reconsider relying on astrology to determine your future.
The study was publish in Clearer Thinking.
