Your essay must focus on the scientific explanation the following claims, not the pseudoscientific/paranormal explanation.
Ghost hunters can find ghosts using a variety of techniques.
Explain how ghost hunters convince other people and themselves of the existence of ghosts by misusing or misinterpreting the following equipment, observations, and behaviors: 1) EMF (electromagnetic field) meters, 2) EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) recordings, 3) photographs and videos of “spirit orbs,” 4) dowsing rods, 5) psychic mediums, and 6) pareidolia.
Your essay must explain how at least one logical fallacy applies to your topic, such as: anecdotal fallacy, appeal to ignorance, appeal to emotion, special pleading, appeal to popularity (bandwagon), appeal to tradition or antiquity (ancient wisdom)
Your essay must discuss the harm in belief in pseudoscience and the paranormal. How might belief in the specific pseudoscientific/paranormal claim of your topic adversely affect both the individual and the society at large. How might thinking skeptically and demanding extraordinary evidence for extraordinary claims favorably affect both the individual and the society at large? Why is it important for a person to develop solid critical thinking skills and employ skepticism when evaluating any claim, whether made by a paranormal enthusiast, website or blogger, TV commercial, politician, or spiritual leader? For examples, go to the website What’s the Harm?
(Links to an external site.)
Your research essay must include a thesis statement. Underline your thesis statement.
Your research essay must quote from at least three sources. You are encouraged to use readings and other sources assigned for the course.
Your research essay must be 5-7 pages (1250-17500 words) in length and conform to MLA format, including proper in-text citation and works cited page.