Not sure how I feel about this: Scientists Debunk Astrology

[hippiechick]

I've been a firm believer/follower as long as I can remember.
Note the highlighted portion where the 'scientist' sort of backpedals.
Hmmmmm.

Scientists Debunk Astrology
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/briefs/20060424/astrology_hum.html

By Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News

April 24, 2006 — One of the largest studies of the possible link between human traits and astrology found little, if any, connection between the traditional sun signs of the zodiac and characteristics of individuals.

The study adds to the growing body of evidence that there is no scientific basis for star signs, such as Aries, Taurus and so on. These signs are based on the place of the sun in relation to the date of birth of the subject. The researchers, however, leave open the question as to whether other, more detailed and personal forms of astrology hold any validity.

"When considering the current scientific standing with respect to sun signs, it becomes clear that there is little or no truth in sun signs," said Peter Hartmann, who led the study, which will be published in next month's Personality and Individual Differences journal.

Hartmann, a researcher in the Department of Psychology at Denmark's University of Aarhus, added, "This does not necessarily mean that all astrology is without truth, but only that the independent effect of sun signs is most likely to be irrelevant. As for the weekly horoscope based on mere sun signs, then according to the current scientific standing, there is probably more truth in the comic strips."


... more at link ...

[PinkTiger]

1. But there is nothing new about that.

You can't take the sun sign and do a reading. It takes the entire chart. And I've been around astrology long enough to know that it works. I don't need some science guy to tell me what I already know.

[Minnesota Libra]

2. While I don't understand all the ins and outs of astrology I can attest...

....to the fact that it is right on and tells us things about ourselves and the world around us that are hidden to those who don't believe in astrology.

[Matariki]

3. An astrologer will say the same thing

sun sign readings don't mean squat. no news here...

[LaurenG]

4. Well the three wise men certainly thought it was true

Scienists also say prayer doesn't work and there is no such thing as energy healing.

[DemExpat]

5. Ho hum......

...."As for the weekly horoscope based on mere sun signs, then according to the current scientific standing, there is probably more truth in the comic strips."

Well, duh, scientists, I didn't need you to tell me this....

This effects me just about as much as scientific 'proof' that Homeopathy doesn't help.

DemEx

[peacetalksforall]

6. I've learned to remind myself that there are plenty of scientists and

every kind of expert working for The Heritage Foundation, AEI, and many, many more sponsored organizations. There are tons of right wing think tanks and their experts show up on C-Span all the time. They definitely exist in other countries as well.

I am sure that they are very busy reshaping this world for Christianity. (I also resent all the coverage they get.)

I aski who it is that is being quoted, what their connections are, plus previous writings - and if I don't have time, I just place it all on hold.

[cassiepriam]

7. Astrology was not debunked by this study.

The press distorted the results of the study, and made erroneous statements.

The true findings of this study are as follows:

There is little, if any, connection between the traditional sun signs of the zodiac and certain psychopathologic characteristics in adult male military men, and male and female adolescents.

Taking one piece of a very complex natal chart and trying to predict psychopathology with it is a bit unfair. No scientist would dream of doing that with traditional medical measures. Saying for example that measuring body temperature is not an accurate predictor of cancer, so therefore western healthcare is a hoax.

And I have a bit of a problem with the sample group. Using only Asian military men and teenagers is not a random sample of the general population.