Parapsychology

Parapsychology, scientific evaluation of ESP (extrasensory perception) and phenomena concerned with life after death, reincarnation, etc., particularly claims to communication with souls of the dead (spiritism, or, incorrectly, spiritualism). Tests of the former have generally been inconclusive; of the latter, almost exclusively negative. But in both cases many believers hold that such phenomena cannot be subjected to laboratory evaluation. Because of the disparity among various accounts of the spirit world, parapsychology is generally treated with skepticism.

See also: Extrasensory perception; Psychical research.