A faculty of psychologists is much more skeptical regarding the existence of ESP than beginning psychology students. The students, however, are unaware of this discrepancy. The greater acceptance of ESP by the students is due to cultural and psychological factors which encourage such beliefs. The skepticism of academic psychologists arises because the evidence for ESP has failed to meet generally accepted scientific standards. Among these are (1) a replicable experiment, (2) the elimination of more plausible explanations, (3) isolation of an independent variable, (4) a coherent theory, and (5) practical applications. Much of the research in ESP may be criticized because of the lack of accurate reporting, improper design, and inadequate controls. In view of these considerations behavioral scientists should make a public disavowal of belief in ESP.
The path to licensure for academic psychologists: How tough is the road?
