Paranormal and Pseudoscience- Assignment 2 by Cassandra Arndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp Created By: Cassandra Arndt en-us 2017-04-02 06:38:31 UTC 2025-09-23 05:13:12 UTC hello@padlet.com Post #1 Title: Ghosts: Assignment 2 - Paranormal and Pseudoscience (GNED-1512) CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164142892 Created By: Cassandra Arndt, Working Individually.

Background Image Source:
(http://www.pcdesktopbackgrounds.com/ghost-desktop-computer-wallpaper-background-and-animated-gif/)]]> 2017-04-02 06:42:15 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164142892 Three Videos: CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143063 2017-04-02 06:48:50 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143063 Post #2: Ghost Adventures Compilation CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143136 The video is a collection of clips from the Ghost Adventures’s TV Show. There are many cases where the three men have images of ghosts, sense ghosts with EMF detectors, are touched by ghosts, or even hear ghosts calling out. They are undoubtedly strong paranormal believers and want to deliver proof to their audience that ghosts exist.

However, it is clear that the red flag of confirmation bias is strong factor in this show. Both the men and the viewers are solely looking for ghosts, so any indication (e.g. sound, movement) is an apparent sign of a spirit.  Most of the buildings they enter are very old and have weak structures, I believe many of these “ghost signs” are a result of creaky furniture or animals who inhabit the building. The show also uses scientific-sounding language in a proof of verbosity- like way, by claiming that infrared cameras can capture “ghost matter” and ectoplasm in ghosts. Some flaws are that this is an entertainment show and the cast is motivated by money. Reactions can be heighted, and pictures/videos/sounds can be manipulated to raise ratings and viewership. 

]]> 2017-04-02 06:51:21 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143136 Post #3: Oprah's Ghost Story CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143271 Oprah discusses her own ghost experience when she had a fellow cast member, Akosua Busia stay at her home. Oprah claims that she saw a clear figure move across the room when she woke up from a paralyzed-like sleep in the middle of the night. Apparently her friend Akosua, fought the ghost all night and forced it into Oprah’s room (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=yM9IEgyVGGg).

As previously discussed in class, Oprah is one of the most influential people in the world and is definitely an authoritative figure capable of swaying the thoughts of her viewers. According to Brian Dunning, she definitely demonstrates the red flag of appeal to authority as her viewers will “uncritically accept every word the world’s wealthiest woman says” (https://youtu.be/bVs4j3HLmY4?t=5m19s). During a deep sleep it is possible that Oprah was dreaming or hallucinating. According to Live Science, “hypnopompic hallucinations hit during the waking-up process. People report hearing voices, feeling phantom sensations and seeing people or strange objects in their rooms” (http://www.livescience.com/12868-top-10-spooky-sleep-disorders.html). It is more likely that Oprah suffered from this than a ghostly experience, however; it is simpler to believe in ghosts. Another flaw could be that it is entertainment television and this story is just to generate attention and increase viewership ratings. Oprah has no proof of the actual occurrence aside from her personal story, so it is difficult to judge its authenticity. 

]]> 2017-04-02 06:54:58 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143271 Post #4: Susan Rowlen's Explanation For Why People See Spirits CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143352 This video is a discussion with psychic medium Susan Rowlen, discussing why people can see spirits and why others cannot. Apparently those with anxiety have higher sensory awareness and it is easier for these people to sense ghosts. She also describes a time where she was contacted by a spirit to save the spirit's living friend from cancer. She encourages the viewers to open their minds and not be afraid of being able to sense spirits (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KOFEwgrJIQ).

For this object, I feel as though one reason for belief is emotional connection. Susan tries to connect with people who suffer with anxiety and relate it to paranormal abilities or a “gift”. As she describes the connection she had to the lady with cancer, it perpetuates belief by creating an emotional situation. It may force those in similar situations to contact her to get in touch with their dead loved ones as well. Another factor of belief is the unexplained, it is still undetermined whether ghosts exist (http://web.randi.org/swift/ghost-faq-facts-and-fiction) so it may influence people to think that they have paranormal abilities and can sense them. Some flaws in this video, is that the testimonial has the possibility of being fake to persuade the audience to believe her. The view count is also quite low, so her credibility of being a “psychic medium” does not seem as legitimate as some other more popular figures. 

]]> 2017-04-02 06:57:46 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143352 Three Websites: CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143514 2017-04-02 07:02:29 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143514 Post #5: The Winchester House Sightings CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143598 The Winchester House in San Jose, California is known to be one of the most spirit inhabited buildings. It was rumoured that Sarah Winchester was plagued by good and bad ghosts which caused her to design the mansion in this way (http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/thehouse.cfm). It led to columns being designed upside down, staircases that lead to the ceiling, and doors that lead to nowhere. It became a symbol and known as “the house built by spirits” (http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/thehouse.cfm). My connection in particular, is a collection of ghost sightings and interactions from the home during Winchester House tours. Many claim to have seen Sarah's ghost, a man in overalls or other black silhouettes. Visitors have also heard voices, knocking, felt cold or were “touched” by ghosts.

For this object, there are a lot of reasons for belief and red flags present. Firstly, many visitors touring the Winchester House will have confirmation bias. When they are touring the sight, they are expecting to “see” or “feel” a ghost. So these people will dismiss anything that does not fit within their belief and will believe a normal coincidence must be ghost-related (Reasons For Belief and Red Flags Summary Page.docx). For example, a review stated “During the behind the scenes tour I threw up. I had encountered a very strong paranormal unwelcomed attack” (http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/sightings.cfm?startrow=51). It seems extremely unlikely that this was a paranormal attack, but rather he/she just felt ill that day. Another apparent red flag is mystical energy, as many reviews stated that certain rooms in Winchester House have an odd feeling in them. For example, “I felt these strange energy swirling around my head. It was like being in a mini tornado”(http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/sightings.cfm?startrow=226). This “energy” factor attempts to create more belief in ghost presence at the Winchester House, when it actually has no meaning (Reasons For Belief and Red Flags Summary Page.docx). 

Furthermore, some reasons for belief are patternicity and the unexplained. Many have claimed they have seen silhouettes or shadow figures, which could have been from an object in the house and not a ghost. Lastly, as ghosts are an unknown aspect and we are unsure of their existence, it sways many to believe that it is real. 

The Winchester House’s main motivation is to make money, therefore; the sightings section influences people to visit. Having this section available, flooded with positive reviews is great for business and draws attention from ghost believers. 

]]> 2017-04-02 07:06:16 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143598 Post #6: Ariana Grande's Ghost Experience CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143687 Famous pop-singer Ariana Grande claimed to have her own ghost/demon experience when she visited Stull Cemetery in Kansas City. She apparently photographed three demon-like faces, and was even haunted by a moving, “massive black matter”. She did not entice it or threaten it so it left after she woke up the next day (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/05/ariana-grande-demon_n_4221025.html).

As Ariana Grande is a famous celebrity and is loved by many adoring fans of all ages, she is encouraging the red flag of appeal to authority. She clearly believes in demons and ghosts and has the ability as an authoritative figure to convince her fans to believe. Although the picture was never shown, the “faces” she could have been due to her finding a pattern in the image, when it could have been statues, plant-life, or bugs in the camera. Another reason for her belief could be agenticity, because she described them as “textbook demons” and that she knew that the black matter “feeds on fear”. She attributes these ghosts or demons to having some sort of authority and speaks as if they have a place/control in this world (http://www.michaelshermer.com/2009/06/agenticity/).

In terms of limitations or flaws, the image was never shown so it is very difficult to believe its authenticity. Currently, Ariana only has a personal story and no actual proof that these demons existed. Furthermore, her ghost story was only revealed a few months after her first album release. This could also be a self-promotional piece to gain more attention and sales for her music. Lastly, she refers to the demons being “textbook”, however; this is extremely vague as there have been numerous representations of demon/ghost-like figures. 

]]> 2017-04-02 07:09:35 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143687 Post #7: Mexican Ghost Legends CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143776 This particular object discusses a collection of Mexican ghost legends or folk tales that are still relevant in Mexican culture today. The spiritual world and ghosts are so important to Mexican heritage that they dedicate November 1st to the “Day of the Dead” (http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/3928-tricksters-avengers-and-guardian-spirits-mexican-ghosts). 

As these ghost legends are so deeply connected to the Mexican culture, it is clear that belief closely resonates with ideology and the red flag of ideological support. For example, the first lore of “Hombrecito” mentions that if someone sees his ghost it foretells catastrophes and dangerous situations. However, this story is not relevant in other places of the world and is only significant to their beliefs and development of their culture. Another reason for their belief is agenticity that these spirits have control and power in the universe, and directly affect their lifestyle (http://www.michaelshermer.com/2009/06/agenticity/).

]]> 2017-04-02 07:13:12 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164143776 Three Images: CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164144035 2017-04-02 07:21:11 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164144035 Post #8: Spectre of Newby Church Image CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164144105 Below is a photo known as the “Spectre of Newby Church”, the image was photographed in 1963 by Reverend K.F. Lord. The reverend claimed that the “ghost” figure was not there before the picture was taken. Many criticized the image to have been subject to double-exposure and/or was manipulated in some way. However, scientists confirmed that it was completely authentic and that the Spectre stands 9 feet tall (http://www.paranormal-encounters.com/wp/the-specter-of-newby-church/).

If scientists thoroughly examined the image, and no manipulation was present many will credit the unexplained to their belief. Ghosts still have yet to be proven to exist, so this image further drives its unknown nature (http://web.randi.org/swift/ghost-faq-facts-and-fiction). The possibility of ghost existence convince many to believe and as this image seems to be authentic, it influences many to believe in the Spectre. Another possible reason for belief is patternicity and that we automatically see a figure, when it could have been a smudge or other environmental factors when the picture was taken. Some comments from the image describe that the figure could have derived from the architecture in the background or even candle wax (http://www.paranormal-encounters.com/wp/the-specter-of-newby-church/).

Although the image was checked by scientists, it does not mention the depth the scientists went through. There still could be possible flaws in the image considering the quality of the camera, lighting or if there was a smudge/dirt on the lens.

Image Source:
(http://www.paranormal-encounters.com/wp/the-specter-of-newby-church/)

]]> 2017-04-02 07:23:57 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164144105 Post #9: Snapchat Ghosts CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164144236 Snapchat has become a popular application for people to share images of their faces with funny filters, however; many have caught “ghosts” in images. When selecting a certain filter that allows for a second face, people have experienced the filter appearing when they are alone and attribute this to ghosts (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/ghost-snapchat-users-horror-after-8847700).

Some flaws within these images are that Snapchat’s algorithm constantly searches for something it thinks is a face. Therefore, certain shadows or furniture will be “face-like” enough for the filter to be applied (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/ghost-snapchat-users-horror-after-8847700). So this does not indicate that a spirit is nearby, but rather objects in the background appear to the application as another person. A reason for belief is definitely simplicity because it is easier to believe ghosts are nearby then researching the possible technical aspects of the Snapchat application.

Image Sources:
(http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/spooky-snapchat-post-leave-you-8157587)
(http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/ghost-snapchat-users-horror-after-8847700)

]]> 2017-04-02 07:27:56 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164144236 Post #10: Tulip Staircase Ghost Image CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164144285 Similarly to the Spectre of Newby Church, the Tulip Staircase Ghost was photographed by Reverend Ralph Hardy in 1966. There is an appearance of a ghost grasping the railing on the right side of the image. Although many skeptics questioned its authenticity, many officials including experts from Kodak said the photo was not manipulated in any way (http://www.ghost-story.co.uk/index.php/ghosts/ghost-photos/129-the-tulip-staircase-ghost-photo-greenwich-england).

The Tulip Staircase Ghost is a phenomenon that is still yet to be explained, even experts seem to be puzzled by the ghostly figure. Therefore, many believe in the presence of ghosts in the Tulip Staircase because it is unexplained. Again, there is a possibility that it could be real which perpetuates belief. Patternicity could also be a factor, where the viewers see a figure when it is actually the architecture of the building or lighting/shadows. In addition, experts seem to believe this image is authentic, this further generates belief due to the red flag of appeal to authority. Many will be more inclined to believe in the image if it has been checked by experts of Kodak (a famous camera company). 

Image Source:
(http://www.ghost-story.co.uk/index.php/ghosts/ghost-photos/129-the-tulip-staircase-ghost-photo-greenwich-england)

]]> 2017-04-02 07:29:11 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164144285 Four Reflection Questions: CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164192322 2017-04-02 20:13:33 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164192322 Post #11: Reflection Document CassandraArndt https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164214608 2017-04-03 01:29:59 UTC https://padlet.com/CassandraArndt/lgyqqm4ce0xp/wish/164214608