4. What role can comparative information play in the process of making a set of observations? 5. What is confirmation bias? 6. What effect can expectation and belief have on observation? 7. What are the defining features of an extraordinary claim? 8. What is an anomaly? Why is the discovery of anomalous phenomena important for science? 9. Why do extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence? EXERCISES Exercises 1-5 all involve making observations. In each case, your job is to design a strategy that will allow you to make the appropriate observations. Your strategy should address both of the following: (a) Have you clarified all terms necessary to carry out your observations? (b) Have you come up with a method for checking your results, i.e., one that will minimize the chance that you will miss something relevant? 1. The number of appliances in your kitchen. 2. The length of time it takes you to fall asleep at night. 3. The amount of junk mail you receive. 4. The number of minutes devoted to news stories in a typical 30-minute television newscast. 5. The number of dogs in your city. (Something to think about: Sampling involves the making of observations.)