Illusory correlation

This is mistakenly believing a correlation exists when it does not or confusing a correlation which is actually in the opposite direction, usually caused by failing to observe contingencies and by being influenced by irrelevant suppositions.

For example, though known to be useless as diagnostic tools, ‘tests’ such as draw-a-person or the Rorschach continue to be used by clinicians. Research findings suggest that actors find meaningful relationships such as drawing or associating people who are suspicious – as in paranoia – with images of atypical eyes, in the absence of any real or significant relationship.

(see also: cognitive illusion, pattern-seeking)