Question

An individual claims to be able to detect the presence of graves in an old cemetery by using a "dowsing" or "divining" rod. The rod is a forked twig held out in front of the individual as he walks across the cemetery. The "dowser" claims that depending on which way the twig moves (up and down or side to side) he can determine if there is a grave there, and the gender and age of the individual buried at that spot. Which of the following would NOT help you to evaluate if the dowser is a charlatan?a. It would help to know if the dowser had any previous knowledge of the cemetery.b. It would help to know the dowser's age and affiliation with other dowsers.c. It would help to at least use X-rays or some other means to examine what might, or might not, be buried in the ground.d. It would help to actually dig up the site to determine if the dowser's predictions were accurate.

Answer 1

b. It would help to know the dowser's age and affiliation with other dowsers.

Step-by-step explanation:

A "dowser" is a person who claims have some supernatural powers and claims to have the ability to find something buried inside the earth without the use of any scientific tools and equipment.

A "charlatan" is a term given to person who falsely claim that one possess a special type of skill or knowledge.

All the options a). , c). and d). helps to evaluate that the dowser is a charlatan.

Only option b). favors the condition that the dowser is a charlatan.

Hence the answer is option

b. It would help to know the dowser's age and affiliation with other dowsers.