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ERIC Number: EJ969593
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1740-4622
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Ghost Hunting as a Means to Illustrate Scientific Methodology and Enhance Critical Thinking
Rockwell, Steven C.
Communication Teacher, v26 n3 p158-162 2012
The increasing popularity of television shows featuring paranormal investigations has led to a renewed enthusiasm in ghost hunting activities, and belief in the paranormal in general. These shows typically feature a group of investigators who, while claiming to utilize proper scientifically correct methodologies, violate many core scientific principles. For example, many of these shows highlight the use of ghost hunting "tools" as a means of collecting data. However, the tools they use, such as an electromagnetic field detector (EMF) designed for sensing electromagnetic waves, have no valid theoretical connection to the paranormal. Additionally, those depicted on these shows do not typically employ an "a-priori" hypothesis; any unusual reading they discover is assumed to be paranormal in nature. In this ghost hunting activity students will: (1) become more practiced in critical thinking and logical reasoning skills; (2) become more familiar with the steps of the scientific method; and (3) be introduced to the concept of validity in measurement, "a-priori" hypothesis formation, and the role of theory. A list of references and suggested readings is included.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A