Psychics and mediums

Psychics today usually do what is called “cold readings” (John Edward does so). Cold readings are done by the so-called psychic without previous knowledge of the person or persons being “read.”

Take a look at eSkeptic, an email newsletter of the Skeptics Society.

“When confidential information leaks out of an organization, people suspect a spy, not a psychic.”
–John Allen Paulos, Innumeracy

“Aren’t you a bit surprised that the only message that the dead seem to be able to give to us is someone had a nickname Miss Piggy? And they can only tell us that, you know, I had a heart condition?….I want to hear just one of the psychics today tell me when is there going to be the next bus bombing in Tel Aviv so we can avoid going on that bus.”
–Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, on “Larry King Live,” March 6, 2001

Joe Nickell has an excellent explanation of “cold readings” using John Edward’s performances in the Skeptical Inquirer, Nov-Dec 2001.

“Joe Nickell, CSICOP (Committee for Skeptical Inquiry) point man for all things supernatural and occult, was clear and concise, as usual, as he went through a brief litany of cold reading techniques used by Edward. Talk fast, ask a lot of questions (i.e., go fishing for details), be vague and suggestive (”I’m getting ‘July’ here. Anything significant about July? What about 8, the number 8, the 8th of the month, August, something.”), know that most people die of heart disease or cancer and that jewelry is likely to be significant for most people (”I’m getting a ring here, anything important about a ring? I sense a watch, a bracelet, something on the wrist or arm.”). In short, let the subjects reveal information and let them be the ones to fix something significant to your questions, phrases, words, etc.”

maryt