Paranormal 156861 224716275 2008-07-10T02:37:31Z Cosmic Latte 3190204 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/74.33.33.172|74.33.33.172]] ([[User talk:74.33.33.172|talk]]) to last version by Tedickey {{worldwide}} {{Paranormal |Image = Medium-Eva-Carriere-1912.jpg |Image_Caption = The [[Mediumship|medium]] Eva Carrière photographed in 1912 with a light appearing between her hands.}} '''Paranormal''' is an [[umbrella term]] used to describe unusual phenomena or experiences that lack an obvious scientific explanation.<ref name=def>[http://www.thefreedictionary.com/paranormal Paranormal] in ''TheFreeDictionary'', Accessed February 3, 2008</ref> In [[parapsychology]], it is used to describe the potentially [[psychic]] phenomena of [[telepathy]], [[extra-sensory perception]], [[psychokinesis]], [[ghosts]], and [[hauntings]]. The term is also applied to [[UFOs]], some creatures that fall under the scope of [[cryptozoology]], purported phenomena surrounding the [[Bermuda Triangle]], and other non-psychical subjects.<ref name=psi>[http://www.parapsych.org/what_is_psi_varvoglis.htm What is PSI? What Isn't?], [[Parapsychological Association]], accessed [[August 01]], [[2006]]</ref> Stories relating to paranormal phenomena are widespread in [[popular culture]] and [[folklore]], but some organisations such as the [[United States]] [[National Science Foundation]] have stated that mainstream [[science]] does not support paranormal beliefs<!---What is something is real? Do we call it "fact" or "theory"--->.<ref name=nsf>[http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind00/access/c8/c8s5.htm Belief in the Paranormal or Pseudoscience]</ref> ==Paranormal research== Approaching paranormal phenomena from a research perspective is often difficult because even when the phenomena are seen as [[real]] they may be difficult to explain using existing rules or theory. By definition, paranormal phenomena exist outside of conventional norms. [[Skeptics]] contend that they don't exist at all. Despite this challenge, studies on the paranormal are periodically conducted by researchers from various disciplines. Some researchers study just the [[beliefs]] in paranormal phenomena regardless of whether the phenomena actually exist. This section deals with various approaches to the paranormal including those [[scientific]], [[Pseudoscience|pseudoscientific]], and [[unscientific]]. [[Skeptics]] feel that supposed scientific approaches are actually [[Pseudoscience|pseudoscientific]] for several reasons which are explored below.<ref name="Beyerstein">Beyerstein, B. L. (1996). Distinguishing Science from Pseudoscience, http://www.sfu.ca/~beyerste/research/articles/02SciencevsPseudoscience.pdf</ref> ===Anecdotal approach=== [[Image:Fort charles 1920.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Charles Fort]], [[1920]]. Fort is perhaps the most widely known collector of paranormal stories.]] An anecdotal approach to the paranormal involves the collection of [[anecdotal evidence]] consisting of informal accounts. Anecdotal evidence, lacking the rigour of [[Empirical| empirical evidence]], is not amenable to [[scientific method| scientific investigation]]. The anecdotal approach is not a scientific approach to the paranormal because it leaves verification dependent on the credibility of the party presenting the evidence. It is also subject to such [[Fallacy|logical fallacies]] as [[cognitive bias]], [[inductive reasoning]], lack of [[falsifiability]], and other [[fallacies]] that may prevent the [[anecdote]] from having meaningful information to impart. Nevertheless, it is a common approach to paranormal phenomena. [[Charles Fort]] (1874 – 1932) is perhaps the best known collector of paranormal [[anecdotes]]. Fort is said to have compiled as many as 40,000 notes on unexplained phenomena, though there were no doubt many more than these. These notes came from what he called "the orthodox conventionality of Science", which were odd events originally reported in magazines and newspapers such as [[The Times]] and [[scientific journal]]s such as ''[[Scientific American]]'', ''[[Nature (journal)| Nature]]'' and ''[[Science (journal)|Science]]''. From this research Fort wrote seven books, though only four survive. These are: ''[[The Book of the Damned]]'' (1919), ''[[New Lands]]'' (1923), ''[[Lo!]]'' (1931) and ''[[Wild Talents]]'' (1932); one book was written between ''New Lands'' and ''Lo!'' but it was abandoned and absorbed into ''Lo!.'' Reported events that he collected include [[teleportation]] (a term Fort is generally credited with coining); [[poltergeist]] events, falls of frogs, fishes, inorganic materials of an amazing range; [[crop circles]]; unaccountable noises and explosions; [[spontaneous combustion|spontaneous fires]]; [[levitation]]; [[ball lightning]] (a term explicitly used by Fort); [[unidentified flying object]]s; mysterious appearances and disappearances; giant wheels of light in the oceans; and animals found outside their normal ranges (see [[phantom cat]]). He offered many reports of [[Out-of-place artifact|OOPArt]]s, abbreviation for "out of place" artifacts: strange items found in unlikely locations. He also is perhaps the first person to explain strange human appearances and disappearances by the hypothesis of [[alien abduction]], and was an early proponent of the [[extraterrestrial hypothesis]]. Fort is considered by many as the father of modern paranormalism, which is the study of paranormal phenomena. The magazine [[Fortean Times]] continues Charles Forte's approach, regularly reporting anecdotal accounts of anomalous phenomena. ===Experimental approach=== [[Image:Ganzfeld.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Participant of a [[Ganzfeld|Ganzfeld Experiment]] which proponents say may show evidence of [[telepathy]].]] {{main|Parapsychology}} Experimental investigation of the paranormal is largely conducted in the multidisciplinary field of [[parapsychology]]. Although parapsychology has its roots in earlier research, it began using the experimental approach in the 1930s under the direction of [[J. B. Rhine]] (1895 – 1980).<ref name="EncyOccult">Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology edited by J. Gordon Melton Gale Research, ISBN 0-8103-5487-X</ref> Rhine popularized the now famous methodology of using card-guessing and dice-rolling experiments in a laboratory in the hopes of finding a statistical validation of [[extra-sensory perception]].<ref name="EncyOccult">Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology edited by J. Gordon Melton Gale Research, ISBN 0-8103-5487-X</ref> In 1957, the [[Parapsychological Association]] was formed as the preeminent society for [[parapsychologists]]. In 1969, they became affiliated with the [[American Association for the Advancement of Science]]. That affiliation, along with a general openness to psychic and occult phenomena in the 1970s, led to a decade of increased parapsychological research.<ref name="EncyOccult">Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology edited by J. Gordon Melton Gale Research, ISBN 0-8103-5487-X</ref> During this time, other notable organizations were also formed, including the Academy of Parapsychology and Medicine (1970), the Institute of Parascience (1971), the Academy of Religion and Psychical Research, the Institute for Noetic Sciences (1973), and the International Kirlian Research Association (1975). Each of these groups performed experiments on paranormal subjects to varying degrees. Parapsychological work was also conducted at the [[Stanford Research Institute]] during this time.<ref name="EncyOccult">Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology edited by J. Gordon Melton Gale Research, ISBN 0-8103-5487-X</ref> With the increase in parapsychological investigation, there came an increase in opposition to both the findings of parapsychologists and the granting of any formal recognition of the field. Criticisms of the field were focused in the founding of the [[CSICOP|Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal]] (1976), now called the [[Committee for Skeptical Inquiry]], and its periodical, ''Skeptical Inquirer''.<ref name="EncyOccult">Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology edited by J. Gordon Melton Gale Research, ISBN 0-8103-5487-X</ref> Experimental research into the paranormal continues today, though it has waned considerably since the 1970s.<ref name="Odling-Smee">Odling-Smee, L. (2007). [http://intl.emboj.org/nature/journal/v446/n7131/full/446010a.html The Lab That Asked The Wrong Questions]. Nature, February 2007.</ref> One such experiment is called the [[Ganzfeld|Ganzfeld Experiment]]. The purpose of the Ganzfeld Experiment, like other parapsychological experiments, is to test for statistical anomalies that might suggest the existence of [[Psi (parapsychology)|psi]], a process indicating psychic phenomena.<ref name=psybulletin>Psychological Bulletin 1994, Vol. 115, No. 1, 4-18. ''Does Psi Exist? Replicable Evidence for an Anomalous Process of Information Transfer'' By Daryl J. Bem and Charles Honorton</ref> In the Ganzfeld Experiment, a subject (receiver) is asked to access through [[psychic]] means some target. The target is typically a picture or video clip selected randomly from a large pool, which is then viewed in a remote location by another subject (sender). Ganzfeld experiments use audio and visual [[sensory deprivation]] to remove any kind of external stimulus that may interfere with the testing or corrupt the test by providing cues to correct targets. A 'hit' refers to a correctly identified target. The expected hit ratio of such a trial is 1 in 4, or 25%.<ref name=psybulletin>Psychological Bulletin 1994, Vol. 115, No. 1, 4-18. ''Does Psi Exist? Replicable Evidence for an Anomalous Process of Information Transfer'' By Daryl J. Bem and Charles Honorton</ref> Deviations from this expected ratio might be seen as evidence for [[Psi (parapsychology)|psi]], although such conclusions are often disputed.<ref>[http://skepdic.com/psiassumption.html The Skeptic's Dictionary: Psi Assumption], Robert Todd Carroll, accessed [[January 3]], [[2006]] </ref> To date there have been no experimental results that have gained wide acceptance in the scientific community as valid evidence of paranormal phenomena. <ref name="Odling-Smee">Odling-Smee, L. (2007). [http://intl.emboj.org/nature/journal/v446/n7131/full/446010a.html The Lab That Asked The Wrong Questions]. Nature, February 2007.</ref> ===Participant-observer approach=== [[Image:Nightshot2.png|thumb|left|150px|Ghost hunters taking an [[Electromagnetic field|EMF]] reading which proponents say may show evidence of [[ghosts]].]] While parapsychologists look for [[quantitative research|quantitative]] evidence of the paranormal in laboratories, a great number of people immerse themselves in [[qualitative research]] through [[participant observer|participant-observer]] approaches to the paranormal. Participant-observer methodologies have overlaps with other essentially qualitative approaches as well, including [[phenomenological]] research that seeks largely to describe subjects ''as they are experienced'', rather than to explain them.<ref name="Husserl">Logical Investigations Husserl, E. 1970 Humanities Press</ref> [[Participant observer|Participant-observation]] suggests that by immersing oneself in the subject being studied, a researcher is presumed to gain understanding of the subject. In paranormal research, a participant-observer study might consist of a researcher visiting a place where alleged paranormal activity is said to occur and recording observations while there. Participation levels may vary. In studying a supposedly [[List of allegedly haunted locations|haunted location]], for example, the researcher may conduct a [[séance]] or participate in other activities said to cause paranormal activity. Criticisms of participant-observation as a data-gathering technique are similar to criticisms of other approaches to the paranormal, but also include an increased threat to the [[Objectivity (science)|objectivity]] of the researcher, unsystematic gathering of data, reliance on [[subjective]] measurement, and possible observer effects (observation may distort the observed behavior).<ref name="Becker">Problem of inference and proof in participant observation : Problem of inference and proof in participant-observation, Reprint edition. Becker, Howard S. 1993 Irvington Pub</ref> Specific data gathering methods, such as recording [[Electromagnetic field|EMF]] readings at [[List of allegedly haunted locations|haunted locations]] have their own criticisms beyond those attributed to the participant-observation approach itself. The participant-observer approach to the paranormal has gained increased visibility and popularity through [[reality television|reality-based television]] shows like ''[[Ghost Hunters]]'', and the formation of independent [[Ghost hunting|ghost hunting groups]] which advocate immersive research at alleged [[List of allegedly haunted locations|paranormal locations]]. One popular website for ghost hunting enthusiasts lists over 300 of these organizations throughout the [[United States]] and the [[United Kingdom]].<ref name=ghostgroups>[http://www.ghostvillage.com/links/links_groups.shtml Paranormal Groups], GhostVillage.com, accessed [[December 14]], [[2006]]</ref> ===Debunking approach=== [[Image:James Randi crop.jpg|thumb|right|150px| [[James Randi]] is a well-known debunker of paranormal claims.]] {{main|Debunking}} The debunking approach is a ''response'' to claims of paranormal phenomena, and consists of finding a "normal" explanation instead of a paranormal one to account for the claims. The basis for this approach is [[Occam's razor]], which suggests that the simplest solution is the best one.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2843/is_1_26/ai_80924583/pg_1 Three skeptics' debate tools examined], accessed July 1, 2007</ref> Since [[Scientific modelling|standard scientific models]] generally predict what can be expected in the natural world, the debunking approach presumes that what appears to be paranormal is necessarily a misinterpretation of [[natural science|natural phenomena]], rather than an actual anomalous phenomenon. In contrast to the [[Skeptics|skeptical position]], which requires claims to be proven, the debunking approach actively seeks to ''disprove'' the claims.<ref>[http://www.thefreedictionary.com/debunking TheFreeDictionary.com Debunking], accessed July 1, 2007</ref> [[The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry]], formerly the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), is an organisation that aims to publicise the skeptical approach. It carries out investigations aimed at debunking paranormal reports, and publishes its results in its journal the [[Skeptical Inquirer]]. Former [[stage magician]], [[James Randi]], is a well-known debunker of paranormal claims<ref>[http://www.randi.org/jr/021805a.html JREF Commentary, February 18, 2005], accessed July 1, 2007</ref> and a prominent member of CSICOP. As a skeptic with a background in [[Magic (illusion)|illusion]], Randi feels that the simplest explanation for those claiming paranormal abilities is [[trickery]], illustrated by demonstrating that the [[spoon bending]] abilities of psychic [[Uri Geller]] can easily be duplicated by trained [[stage magician|magicians]].<ref>Interview with James Randi in [[NOVA]] episode, "[[Secrets of the Psychics]]".</ref> He is also the founder of the [[James Randi Educational Foundation]] and its famous [[James Randi Educational Foundation#The One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge|million dollar challenge]] offering a prize of [[United States dollars|US $]]1,000,000 to anyone who can demonstrate evidence of any paranormal, [[supernatural]] or [[occult]] power or event, under test conditions agreed to by both parties.<ref>[http://www.randi.org/research/index.html Million Dollar Challenge], accessed July 1, 2007</ref> An alternative to debunking is found in the field of [[anomalistics]]. Anomalistics differs from debunking in that debunking works on the premise that something is either a misidentified instance of something known to science, or that it is a hoax, while anomalistics works on the premise that something may be either of the above, or something that can be rationalized using an as yet unexplored avenue of science. <ref name=hess1>Hess David J. (1997) "Science Studies: an advanced introduction" New York University Press, ISBN 0814735649</ref><ref name=westrum1>R. Westrum, Truzzi Marcello (1978) "Anomalies: A Bibliographic Introduction with Some Cautionary Remarks", Zetetic Scholar 2, p. 69-90</ref> <ref name=wescott1>Wescott, Robert W. (1973) "Anomalistics: The Outline of an Emerging Field of Investigation" Research Division, New Jersey Department of Education</ref> ===Survey approach=== While the [[validity]] of the existence of paranormal phenomena is controversial and debated passionately by both proponents of the paranormal and by [[skeptics]], surveys are useful in determining the ''beliefs'' of people in regards to paranormal phenomena. These opinions, while not constituting scientific evidence for or against, may give an indication of the mindset of a certain portion of the population (at least among those who answered the polls). ==Belief polls== One such survey of the beliefs of the general [[United States]] population regarding paranormal topics was conducted by the [[Gallup Organization]] in [[2005]].<ref name=gallup>[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2843/is_5_29/ai_n15400020 Gallup poll shows that Americans' belief in the paranormal persists], Skeptical Inquirer, accessed [[October 28]], [[2006]]</ref> The survey found that 73 percent of those polled believed in at least one of the ten paranormal items presented in the survey. Items included in the survey were as follows (the percentage of respondents who indicated that they believed in the phenomenon is in parenthesis): [[Extrasensory perception]] (41%), [[haunted house]]s (37%), [[ghosts]] (32%), [[telepathy]] (31%), [[clairvoyance]] (26%), [[astrology]] (25%), communication with the dead (21%), [[witches]] (21%), [[reincarnation]] (20%), and [[Channeling (mediumistic)|channeling]] spiritual entities (9%). Only one percent of those surveyed believed in all ten items. The items selected for the survey were chosen because they "require the belief that humans have more than the 'normal' five senses." Another survey conducted in [[2006]] by researchers from [[Australia]]'s [[Monash University]]<ref name=monashresults>[http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/2006/1791144.htm 'Spooky survey' gets big response], ABC Science Online, 17 November 2006</ref> sought to determine what ''types'' of phenomena people claim to have experienced and the effects these experiences have had on their lives. The study was conducted as an online survey with over 2,000 respondents from around the world participating. The results revealed that around 70% of the respondents believe to have had an unexplained paranormal event that changed their life, mostly in a positive way. About 70% also claimed to have seen, heard, or been touched by an animal or person that they knew was not there; 80% have reported having a [[premonition]], and almost 50% stated they recalled a previous life.<ref name=monashresults>[http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/2006/1791144.htm 'Spooky survey' gets big response], ABC Science Online, 17 November 2006</ref> Polls were conducted by Bryan Farha at [[Oklahoma City University]] and Gary Steward of the [[University of Central Oklahoma]] in [[2006]], and compared to the results of a [[Gallup poll]] in 2001.<ref name=fate>''Smart People See Ghosts'', Brad Steiger, Fate Magazine, April 2006 Issue, p. 52-56; the unusual thing found by Farha and Steward was that belief in the supernatural increased with education level, contrary to many other surveys. However, that aspect of their study is not being used here.</ref> They found fairly consistent results. {| class="wikitable sortable" |+Percentage of Americans polled ! !belief !not sure !belief !not sure |- ! !colspan="2"|Farha-Steward !colspan="2"|[[Gallup poll|Gallup]] |- |[[psychic]]/[[Faith healing|spiritual healing]] |56 |26 |54 |19 |- |[[Extra-sensory perception|ESP]] |28 |39 |50 |20 |- |[[haunted house]]s |40 |25 |42 |16 |- |[[demonic possession]] |40 |28 |41 |16 |- |[[ghost]]s/spirits of the dead |39 |27 |38 |17 |- |[[telepathy]] |24 |34 |36 |26 |- |[[Ancient astronauts|extraterrestrials visited Earth in the past]] |17 |34 |33 |27 |- |[[clairvoyance]] and [[prophecy]] |24 |33 |32 |23 |- |communication with the dead |16 |29 |28 |26 |- |[[astrology]] |17 |26 |28 |18 |- |[[Witchcraft|witches]] |26 |19 |26 |15 |- |[[reincarnation]] |14 |28 |25 |20 |- |[[Channelling (mediumistic)|channeling]] |10 |29 |15 |21 |} Other surveys by different organizations at different times have found very similar results. A [[2001]] [[Gallup Poll]] found that the general public embraced the following: 54% of people believed in [[psychic]]/[[spiritual healing]], 42% believed in [[haunted houses]], 41% believed in [[Demonic possession|satanic possession]], 36% in [[telepathy]], 25% in [[reincarnation]], and 15% in [[channeling]].<ref>Skeptical Inquirer, 30, 1; 37-40</ref> A survey by Jeffrey S. Levin, associate professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk found that over 2/3 of the U.S. population reported having at least one mystical experience.<ref>USA Today, January 12, 1994</ref><ref name=fate/> A [[1996]] [[Gallup poll]] estimated that 71% of the people in the [[United States]] believed that the government was covering up information about [[UFO]]s. A 2002 Roper poll conducted for the [[Sci Fi channel (United States)|Sci Fi channel]] reported that 56% thought [[UFO]]s were real craft and 48% that [[Extraterrestrial life|aliens]] had visited the [[Earth]].<ref name=fate/> A [[2001]] [[National Science Foundation]] survey found that 9 percent of people polled thought [[astrology]] was very [[scientific]], and 31 percent thought it was somewhat [[scientific]]. About 32% of Americans surveyed stated that some numbers were lucky, while 46% of [[Europe]]ans agreed with that claim. About 60% of all people polled believed in some form of [[Extra-sensory perception]] and 30% thought that [[UFO]]s were "some of the unidentified flying objects that have been reported are really space vehicles from other civilizations."<ref>[http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind04/c7/c7s2.htm#fn21 ''Science and Technology: Public Attitudes and Understanding-Public Knowledge About S&T'', Chapter 7 of Science and Engineering Indicators 2004, National Science Board, National Science Foundation]</ref> ==Paranormal subjects== {{main|List of paranormal subjects}} This section explores the notable paranormal beliefs that appear in [[popular culture]]. ===Ghosts=== {{main|Ghosts}} For believers, [[ghosts]] are generally seen to be the [[spirit]] or [[soul]] of a deceased person.<ref name="parasych">http://www.parapsych.org/glossary_e_k.html#g Parapsychological Association, glossary of key words frequently used in parapsychology, Retrieved December 13 2006</ref> Alternative theories expand on that idea and include belief in the ghosts of deceased animals. Sometimes the term "ghost" is used synonymously with any spirit or [[demon]]<ref name="thefreedictionary">http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ghost Retrieved December 13 2006</ref>, however in popular usage the term typically refers to a deceased person. The belief in ghosts as [[souls]] of the departed is closely tied to the concept of [[animism]], an ancient belief which attributed souls to everything in nature.<ref name="EncyOccult">Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology edited by J. Gordon Melton Gale Research, ISBN 0-8103-5487-X</ref> As the nineteenth-century [[anthropologist]] [[James Frazer]] explained in his classic work, ''[[The Golden Bough]]'', souls were seen as the creature within that animated the body.<ref>{{gutenberg|no=3623|name=The Golden Bough}}</ref> Although the human soul was sometimes symbolically or literally depicted in ancient cultures as a bird or other animal, it was widely held that the soul was an exact reproduction of the body in every feature, even down to clothing the person wore. This is depicted in artwork from various ancient cultures, including such works as the [[Egyptian Book of the Dead]], which shows deceased people in the afterlife appearing much as they did before death, including the style of dress. A widespread belief concerning ghosts is that they are composed of a misty, airy, or subtle material. [[Anthropology|Anthropologists]] speculate that this may also stem from early beliefs that ghosts were the person within the person, most noticeable in ancient cultures as a person's breath, which upon exhaling in colder climates appears visibly as a white mist.<ref name="EncyOccult">Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology edited by J. Gordon Melton Gale Research, ISBN 0-8103-5487-X</ref> This belief may have also fostered the metaphorical meaning of "breath" in certain languages, such as the [[Latin]] ''[[spiritus]]'' and the [[Greek language|Greek]] ''[[pneuma]]'', which by analogy became extended to mean the soul. In the [[Bible]], [[God]] is depicted as animating [[Adam (Bible)|Adam]] with a breath. Numerous theories have been proposed by [[skeptics]] to provide non-paranormal explanations for [[List of allegedly haunted locations|ghosts sightings]].<ref name="EncyOccult">Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology edited by J. Gordon Melton Gale Research, ISBN 0-8103-5487-X</ref> Although the evidence for ghosts is largely [[anecdotal]], the belief in ghosts throughout history has remained widespread and persistent. ===UFOs=== [[Image:PurportedNJUFO1952.jpg|thumb|right|100px|A 1952 photo of a purported UFO over [[Passaic, New Jersey|Passaic]], [[New Jersey]].]] {{main|UFOs}} The possibility of [[extraterrestrial life]] is not, by itself, a paranormal subject. Many scientists are actively engaged in the search for unicellular life within the [[solar system]], carrying out studies on the surface of [[Mars]] and examining [[meteors]] that have fallen to [[Earth]].<ref>[http://www.spacedaily.com/news/life-03zzt.html NASA Scientists To Discuss Search For Extraterrestrial Life], Space Daily, Dec 11, 2003</ref> Projects such as [[SETI]] are conducting an astronomical search for [[radio]] activity that would show evidence of intelligent life outside the solar system.<ref>[http://www.howstuffworks.com/seti.htm How SETI Works], HowStuffWorks.com, Accessed July 4, 2007</ref> [[Evolution|Scientific theories]] of how life developed on Earth allow for the possibility that life developed on other [[planets]] as well. The paranormal aspect of [[extraterrestrial life]] centers largely around the belief in [[unidentified flying objects]] and the phenomena said to be associated with them. Early in the history of UFO culture, believers divided themselves into two camps. The first held a rather conservative view of the phenomena, interpreting it as unexplained occurrences that merited serious study. They began calling themselves "[[Ufology|ufologists]]" in the 1950s and felt that logical analysis of sighting reports would validate the notion of extraterrestrial visitation.<ref name="EncyOccult">Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology edited by J. Gordon Melton Gale Research, ISBN 0-8103-5487-X</ref> The second camp consisted of individuals who coupled ideas of extraterrestrial visitation with beliefs from existing quasi-religious movements. These individuals typically were enthusiasts of [[occultism]] and the paranormal. Many had backgrounds as active [[Theosophists]], [[Spiritualists]], or were followers of other [[esoteric]] doctrines. In contemporary times, many of these beliefs have coalesced into [[New Age]] spiritual movements.<ref name="EncyOccult">Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology edited by J. Gordon Melton Gale Research, ISBN 0-8103-5487-X</ref> Both secular and spiritual believers describe UFOs as having abilities beyond what is considered possible according to [[aerodynamics]] and [[physical laws]]. The transitory events surrounding many UFO sightings also limits the opportunity for repeat testing required by the [[scientific method]]. Acceptance of UFO theories by the larger [[scientific community]] is further hindered by the many possible [[hoaxes]] associated with UFO culture. ==Paranormal challenges== {{main|List of prizes for evidence of the paranormal}} In 1922, ''[[Scientific American]]'' offered two US $2,500 offers: (1) for the first authentic spirit photograph made under test conditions, and (2) for the first psychic to produce a "visible [[psychic]] manifestation." [[Harry Houdini]] was a member of the investigating committee. The first [[mediumship|medium]] to be tested was George Valiantine, who claimed that in his presence spirits would speak through a trumpet that floated around a darkened room. For the test, Valiantine was placed in a room, the lights were extinguished, but unbeknownst to him his chair had been rigged to light a signal in an adjoining room if he ever left his seat. Because the light signals were tripped during his performance, Valiantine did not collect the award.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://skepdic.com/randi.html | title=Randi $1,000,000 paranormal challenge| publisher=The Skeptic's Dictionary | date= | first= | last= | accessdate =2008-02-03 }}</ref> Since then, many individuals and groups have offered similar monetary awards for proof of the paranormal in an observed setting. These prizes have a combined value of over $2.4 million dollars.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.skepticreport.com/skepticism/getrichquick.htm | title=Get Rich Quick or Save the World| publisher=Skeptic Report | date= September, 2003 | first=Claus | last=Larsen | accessdate =2007-03-07 }}</ref> ==Etymology== The word “paranormal” has been in the English since at least 1920.<ref>“Paranormal” in Merriam-Webster http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paranormal</ref><ref>“Paranormal” in Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/paranormal</ref> It consists of two parts: [[para]] and [[normality (behavior)|normal]]. In most definitions of the word paranormal, it is described as anything that is beyond or contrary to what is deemed scientifically possible.<ref name=glossary>[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2320/is_1_68/ai_n13699208/pg_4 Glossary, The Journal of Parapsychology], [[Parapsychological Association]], accessed [[August 05]], [[2006]]</ref> The definition implies that the scientific explanation of the world around us is the 'normal' part of the word and 'para' makes up the above, beyond, beside, contrary, or against part of the meaning. ''Para'' has a [[Greek language|Greek]] and [[Latin language|Latin]] origin. Its most common meaning (the Greek usage) is 'similar to' or 'near to', as in [[paragraph]]. In Latin, ''para'' means 'above,' against,' 'counter,' 'outside,' or 'beyond'. For example, ''parapluie'' in [[French language|French]] means 'counter-rain' &ndash; an [[umbrella]]. It can be construed, then, that the term paranormal is derived from the Latin use of the prefix '[[para]]', meaning 'against, counter, outside or beyond the norm.' ==See also== {{sisterlinks}} '''Paranormal:''' [[Cryptozoology]], [[Forteana]], [[Ghosts]], [[List of haunted locations|Haunted locations]], [[Mysticism]], [[New Age]], [[Occult]], [[Paranormal fiction]], [[List of U.S. paranormal guides|Paranormal guides (U.S.)]], [[Paranormal and occult hypotheses about UFOs|Paranormal explanations for UFOs]], [[Parapsychology]], [[Psychics]], [[Supernatural]], [[UFOs]], [[Unidentified submerged object|USO]], [[List of UFO sightings|UFO sightings]] '''Authors:''' [[Charles Fort]], [[Bernard Heuvelmans]], [[J. Francis Hitching]], [[J.B. Rhine]],[[Robert Ripley]],[[ Arthur C Clark ]],[[Carl Sagan]], '''Skepticism:''' [[Committee for Skeptical Inquiry]], [[Debunking]], [[Ghost Hunters]], [[Hoaxes]], [[James Randi]], [[List of prizes for evidence of the paranormal|Prizes offered for paranormal proof]], [[Skepticism]] '''Science:''' [[Anomaly]], [[Fringe science]], [[Pseudoscience]], [[Scientific method]] ==References== {{reflist|2}} [[Category:Paranormal]] [[Category:Forteana]] [[Category:Parapsychology]] [[Category:Pseudoscience]] [[ca:Fenòmens paranormals]] [[cs:Paranormální jev]] [[de:Paranormal]] [[es:Paranormal]] [[fa:فراهنجار]] [[fr:Paranormal]] [[id:Paranormal]] [[it:Paranormale]] [[nl:Paranormaal]] [[ja:超常現象]] [[pl:Zjawiska paranormalne]] [[pt:Paranormal]] [[ro:Paranormal]] [[ru:Аномальные явления]] [[fi:Paranormaali ilmiö]] [[sv:Paranormal]] [[tr:Paranormal]] [[zh:超常現象]]