Instructions
Over the last few weeks we have been looking closer at science versus pseudoscience, for this assignment we will apply the last few weeks to a paper concerning the paranormal.
Step one: Choose a topic that is considered to be in the realm of the paranormal, such as alien abuctions, ESP, or ghosts.(Go to Paranormal topics module for a list of topics you can choose from, obviously you can’t choose a topic that was throughly discussed in the textbook.)
Step Two: Compile a short list of claims and evidence used to support the existance of the phenomena. You can use various websites and books, don’t forget to include the source in the works cited portion of your paper.
Find as much “evidence” as you can for the chosen topic. It may be stories on the internet, or as a last resort first hand account. Try to find the strongest evidence, however, most the evidence may be weak. Take this seriously, there is a reason that paranormal activity have been in our society since the beginning. The GOAL is to find what they consider to be science in the paranormal activity.
Third Step: Create a Scientific explanation as an alternative explanation to the paranormal phenomena. (This reading should help, Required Reading: Superstition and Miracles) Do more than simply state the alternative explanation, support how the alternative explanation answers the paranormal phenomena by referring back to the evidence presented earlier in your paper. Connect the dots for the reader.
Fourth Step: Create a test for your scientific explanations, (This reading should help, Required Reading: Testing Scientific Explanations) Explain to the reader how the test will be go and how this test directly test the scientific explanation you presented earlier in the paper.
TOPICS
Poltergeist Activity – physical manifestation of spirit phenomenon
Demons, Elementals – spirits which are believe not to have once been people.
Clairevoyancy/Claireaudiance/Clairesentiance
Spirit contact techniques – Ouija Boards/Dousing/Seances.
Crytozoology
UFO – including Abduction, Sightings
Religions/Cults in relation to any paranormal claims i.e Voodoo dolls/Magic etc
Precognition – Visions, Dreams etc.
Telekinesis
Spontaneous Human Combustion
Pyrokinesis
Alchemy
Miracles
Reincarnation
Mind Control
Remote viewing
psychic surgery/psychic healers
psychokinesis
