- Inaccurate observation – Failing to observe things right in from of us or mistakenly observing things that really aren’t there.
- Over- Generalization – Assuming that a few similar events are evidence of a general pattern.
- Selective observation – Ignoring events or situations that don’t correspond to a preconceived generalization
- Made up information – Thinking up ways to explain away the events that contradict generalizations.
- Illogical reasoning – Reasoning away the observations that contradict accepted generalizations or conclusions.
- Ego-Involvement – Avoiding further inquiry because disproof of a personal observation may tend to make one look unintelligent or untrustworthy.
- Premature closure of inquiry – Discounting the process of inquiry and observation because of the errors detailed above.
- Mystification – attributing supernatural or mystical causes to all situations that seem to lack an explanation.
Source: OC Research Handbook p. 5