Are some parapsychologists too commercially orientated to produce credible research?

[Dr B]

There are a number of TV parapsychologists around at the moment - some do have a PhD - oddly some do not!!!! (not even an undergraduate degree it would seem).

Nonetheless, these people are supposed to be experts. A brief look at those who crop up a good deal on these dodgy programmes shows that (i) they do not publish in peer-reviewed journals (ii) often do not even publish on the topic they are supposed to be expert in (iii) often only have conference presentations to their name or as their principle publication. They are not associated with prominant theories or ideas and are not known to have a particular view.

Is it the case that some are so busy saying yes to all these TV companies that they simply do not have time to actually do any empirical research? Is this a problem? If they are not doing any research - what are they expert on and how do they claim to be experts?

Is it time we took a closer look at these people as they claim to represent promoting science in the public domain - but it may be more promoting themselves rather than science.

[Harryprice]

Can ANYONE call themselves a parapsychologist? If so, I guess it would be difficult to complain that they are not doing what they should be doing.

[dalriada]

Can ANYONE call themselves a parapsychologist? If so, I guess it would be difficult to complain that they are not doing what they should be doing.

Technically speaking you're supposed to be a Full member of the Parapsychological Association, which means having a Phd, publications etc, be elected by the membership committee and paying the yearly dues (which amusingly quite a few people have neglected to do over the years, while still trading on the title)

http://www.parapsych.org/member_index.html

[Harryprice]

Technically speaking ...

But there's no law, presumably. So anyone COULD call themselves a parapsychologist. They might get nasty looks but that's about all, yes?

[dalriada]

But there's no law, presumably. So anyone COULD call themselves a parapsychologist. They might get nasty looks but that's about all, yes?

No law, it's just bad form.
Techically speaking anyone can also call themselves a "psychologist" the generic term isn't a legally protected title, although specific group titles are.
But you won't find many of the academics in UK parapsychology departments on the list of BPS chartered members either..

http://www.bps.org.uk/e-services/find-a-psychologist/

[Dr B]

I dont think you can call yourself a psychologist without a PhD at least in the UK.

People try to get around it by calling themselves 'psychological therapist' or some such nonsense....they imply without stating it.

When you work with the media - they ask you how you would like to be referred to (they dont always listen but the good media do). It is at this point people call themselves parapsychologsts even when they are not. I remember a the first so-called expert for MH doing this and getting the production company into some trouble over it when i explained to the presenters / production company he had no qualifications at all in science, psychology, parapsychology or the such....He was fired not long after.

A small victory on my part....

[bindeweede]

A small victory on my part....

Good on ya.

There are a number of TV parapsychologists around at the moment.

Names not wise to mention, I expect.

[Dr B]

Why thank you...and yes, not necessary to name names - it would also take some time as there is, in my opinion, more than one falling foul of this.

Some might also be prominent in skeptical as well as parapsychological circles as well

[Hayley]

This is something that bugs me a great deal because anyone can now do a course out the back of a magazine (I recall that the paranormal magazine used to offer parapsychology courses for £50)

I have also noticed that a lot of parapsychologists tend to now provide theories and conclusions that satisfy their fans or their following, despite knowing that what they've said is flawed. Either that or they'll hold a middle ground so that they don't displease people who could potentially buy their books.

I have also noticed a trend amoung people who announce themselves as 'paranormal experts' or 'paranormal researchers' who have huge followings to not actually do any research. They'll just post an article and ask their "fans" what they think.

It really, really, really bugs me (yes, three really's!) because these people could be helping people understand the rational side to apparent paranormal phenomena but instead they're making a fast buck and the people who do try to explain things rationally are cast as the bad guy. I don't like being the bad guy.