View and Opinions on Psychic Ability

Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Parapsychology is defined as “the scientific study of interactions between living organisms and their external environment that seem to transcend the known physical laws of nature.” (Palmer, J., 2013). Parapsychology encompasses psychic abilities like clairvoyance, telepathy, and extrasensory perception or ESP, of which are psychological phenomena that are inexplicable by science.

In the early times until now, stories of experiences still seem to make its way to the masses. People of different religion, culture, age, gender and educational attainments seem to meet at a common understanding regarding the “supernatural”. A research has examined the notion that people tend to believe in psychic ability because they possess a way of thinking that make them more likely to exchange normal experiences with paranormal causation.

A majority of Americans - 57% - say they believe in psychic phenomena such as ESP (Extra Sensory Perception), telepathy or experiences that can’t be explained by normal means. Just over a third, however, do not think such phenomena occur. But the number of believers has declined somewhat over the years. In 1989, when CBS News last polled on the subject, 64% of the public said they believed in psychic phenomena; 26% said they did not. There are some demographic differences. Americans age 65 and over are most skeptical about ESP, telepathy and other like experiences. Those age 65 and over do not believe in the paranormal by 47% to 32%. By 62% to 31%, those under 65 think psychic phenomena take place. (Mather, B.C., 2002)

The researchers are interested in this field that’s why this study will be initiated.

Statement of the Problem

Generally, this study would like to determine the views and opinions of people in Saint Mary’s University about the existence of psychic abilities.

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms...