The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
The mission of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry is to promote scientific inquiry, critical investigation, and the use of reason in examining controversial and extraordinary claims.
Now Online: Skeptical Inquirer Volume 37.1
January/February 2013
Selected articles by:
Latest Articles
Montauk Monster and the Raccoon Body Farm
by Joe Nickell
Skeptical Briefs · Investigative Files · Volume 22.1
In July 2008, the carcass of a creature soon dubbed the “Montauk Monster” allegedly washed ashore near Montauk, Long Island, New York. It sparked much speculation and controversy, with some suggesting it was a shell-less sea turtle, a dog or other canid, a sheep, or a rodent—or even a latex fake or possible mutation experiment from the nearby Plum Island Animal Disease Center.
Skinwalkers
by Noah Nez
Skeptical Briefs · Native Skeptic · Volume 22.1
There is little documented information about the details of “witchcraft” among the Najavo—or Diné, as they call themselves. What is relatively well known is their term “Skinwalker,” or “yee naaldlooshii,” which means, “with it, he goes on all fours.” This is a reference to the special ability to transform into a four-legged animal.
CFI/Argentina Report 2012
by Alejandro Borgo
Special Articles
October 29, 2012
A report on the wide variety of activities of CFI/Argentina in 2012, including lectures, television appearances, online organizing, and more.
Neurologic Illness or Hysteria? A Mysterious Twitching Outbreak
by Joe Nickell
Skeptical Inquirer · Article · Volume 36.4
Six cases were reported, then twelve, then fifteen and counting as the story captured attention across the United States and beyond. I twice visited Le Roy on behalf of the Skeptical Inquirer, to talk with parents and others involved, visit relevant sites, and otherwise investigate this strange outbreak.
The Social and Symbolic Power of AIDS Denialism
by Nicoli Nattrass
Skeptical Inquirer · Article · Volume 36.4
AIDS denialism has proved socially resilient because dissident “hero scientists” provide legitimacy, “cultropreneurs” offer fake cures in the place of antiretroviral treatment, and HIV-positive “living icons” seem to provide proof of concept.
Eyewitness to the Paranormal: The Experimental Psychology of the ‘Unexplained’
by Matthew J. Sharps
Skeptical Inquirer · Article · Volume 36.4
Research in experimental psychology has shown that many paranormal sightings fall directly within the realm of eyewitness memory. Experiments reveal that such “sightings” derive from the psychology of the observers rather than from supernatural sources. Experiments show these proclivities.
