FEARS OF THE PARANORMAL IN OURSELVES AND OUR COLLEAGUES: RECOGNIZING THEM, DEALING WITH THEM

Abstract

Ostensibly objective scientists frequently show quite irrational and unethical behavior when presented with data about psi (psychic phenomena), the paranormal, subtle energies, and the like. Observations and some research suggests that, in addition to ignorance, semi-consciousness and unacknowledged fears of psi affect their thought and behaviors. Even researchers who advocate the importance of psi sometimes show similar distorted behavior, especially when effect size goes beyond statistically-significant-but-practically-trivial effects and become strong. Such unrecognized and unacknowledged resistance can sabotage both research and application. The researcher is not independent of the research in these areas. This paper focuses on recognizing and dealing with these widespread ambivalences and fears about psi phenomena.