How Did They Do That? The Techniques Psychics Use To Fool You.
07/10/2013 21:12
As we examine and investigate psychic claims, we learn more about the techniques used to convince people of their abilities. It is very easy for those of us who see ourselves as critical thinkers to sit back and wonder just how in the hell people fall for some of these charlatans. The fact is, psychics that are intentionally faking or elaborating on a perceived ability are very good at fooling people from all walks of life. Everything from skilled cold readings to flat-out tricks are used to convince people who are otherwise prone to thinking logically. There are ones who are not intentionally misleading people and they have convinced themselves so deeply of their gifts that it makes it even easier to convince others. They have an air of sincerity which, when coupled with a seemingly uncanny intuition can cause even those who see themselves as skeptical to believe in them.
The claim of psychics working with law enforcement has been heralded by believers, questioned by skeptics, and vilified by cynics. The general consensus is that no crime has been effectively solved by a psychic's tip. One challenge to this claim uses the argument that it is only the official word and individual police officers have given credit to psychics for their help. Others include cases of retro-fitting (fitting facts of the case after an event to any possible hit or guess the psychic may have put out there) and confirmation bias (seeing only the data that supports a belief). This does not exclude members of law enforcement, professors, and other people that are normally predisposed to questioning such things. We usually hear that they were convinced because of seeing these people in action--but their evidence is anecdotal and not concrete proof of anything other than all people are subject to looking only at what they want to see.
What claimed psychics depend on most is the very real human desire to "believe". As a skeptic myself, I am the first to admit that I would very much like to believe in something outside of what we can see, feel, and touch. At the same time, I have come to a point where I accept that everything we know about psychic ability and the paranormal in general are subjective experiences and how they are perceived by others. Nothing concrete proves any of it and while there might be some interesting workable theories in existence--the fraudulent ones that are relying on how good they 'sound' to others are making it very difficult for any of that to be taken seriously. They will 'fish' for information in very subtle ways that aren't always easily recognizable. Facial ticks are studied and learned with a careful eye on body language, any vocal response..anything that gives them yet another clue they can work from. They will bounce on anything that has a positive reaction while quickly dismissing the misses. We've all seen this, but how sure can we be that we are immune to its effects? Can we become equally skilled at not revealing anything that would give clues?
Another tactic used by intentional frauds is one of the oldest ones in the book--plain, old fashioned charm. Many will use this charm to make themselves more believable to people, especially those that are wanting to be well-known. They will converse intelligently, especially on the subject of skepticism. They will express sorrow and shame for some of their fellow psychics that have been proven to be frauds, saying "It's ones like these that make us all look bad." Once there is any kind of an "in" by someone slow to believe in their abilities, the psychic will build on that connection. In my opinion, one of the strongest examples of this is retired FBI Special Agent Robert Ressler and the psychic Noreen Renier.
Robert Ressler was a criminal profiler for the FBI and very well trained himself in taking bits of information to predict what a criminal would do next. By 1980, he had become friendly with a former actress-turned-psychic Noreen Renier, even asking her to speak at an FBI training seminar. She would milk this meeting for all it was worth and then some by stretching it to include herself as practically a member of the FBI. Renier's career spanned decades, including books and speaking engagements as well as her claimed psychic 'help' in police investigations. Many of the officers she claims to have worked with deny speaking with her and the few that do appear to be predisposed to believing--especially Robert Ressler. He has testified in behalf of Renier during her many court appearances, including when she sued a skeptic for publicly calling her out as a fake. Ressler's examples of witnessing her abilities include her prediction of former President Ronald Reagan getting shot. In actuality, she claimed that she felt he was having pains in his chest, "possibly a heart attack". He also took her prediction of a successful attempt on Reagan's life and fit it to the assassination of Anwar Sadat. Other cases have Ms. Renier flat out fantasizing and touting these delusions as fact in her books and television appearances.
It was by doing this that the skeptic she had successfully sued in 1986 for libel, was able to counter-sue for breach of agreement. When the case had been settled before, both parties were instructed to refrain speaking about the other in any negative way in the future. Noreen Renier went back on that agreement in television appearances as well as her book "A Mind For Murder". In 2007, the tables were turned he won his own lawsuit against Renier. She continues to be popular with her supporters, however those that are more skeptical see her past incidents of fails and blatant self-promotion as evidence of fraud. What should not be forgotten is the number of people she fooled.
We do not advise consulting with a psychic. The collected data against these abilities outweighs any anecdotal evidence in their favor. However, that is our opinion and it's not one we expect everyone to share. There are also those who might want to go and 'test' a psychic to see if there is anything to it. For those who truly desire to seek the 'services' of one, we do advise taking some simple tips from the Association For Skeptical Enquiry (from their booklet "Before You See A Psychic" by Tony Youens").
1). Psychics will often use generic "character readings" as a point to begin fishing out other bits of information. It is simply filler, relying on the fact that general characteristics apply to anyone at different times in their life. Recognize this tactic for what it is. An example would be "I am seeing inner turmoil over a decision" or "I sense conflict with a family member". These are things that could apply to everyone, past or present.
2) The second tip from Youens is to have the psychic agree to allow recording the reading. This not only makes the psychic accountable for any claims that are made, it will also document if you yourself gave anything away. Our memories have been shown to be faulty so it is wise not to rely on it alone. Don't allow the psychic to make excuses for the session not being recorded--if they refuse, simply move on.
3) Watch for the questions a psychic will ask. If their abilities or gifts are as insightful as they claim, they shouldn't need outside information. Offer nothing and don't be tempted to validate. It is a very common reaction to want to validate someone, but that is often what a charlatan is counting on. Also be aware that questions will often be reworded to sound like they are hitting on something--another tactic used to elicit more information.
4) Youens further advises that you make the psychic specify exactly what they are claiming they can do. If they claim to predict future events, write down what they say will happen and pin down time frames. Take note of how many times there are vague references (eg. "there will be tornadoes in the Midwest this summer") as well as outright misses in comparison to actual hits. Anything that does hit will often be vague..only count ones that are specific.
5) Always be aware that tricks are used to get information, especially if there is any kind of advance notice on the appointment. The internet has made it that much easier for someone to find out a great deal about you just by having your name and a few small details. From that information, they can continue to make educated guesses on the rest. For instance, a recent marriage could lead to educated guesses as 'sensing happiness' or 'you are currently looking for a newer place to live"...and of course, looking for the reactions to these 'hits' they are getting. Others who perform for audiences have been alleged to put their own people as specific plants to fool others as well as recorders placed throughout to pick up on people's conversations. The only excuse for doing anything like this is to get fame and scam people, so anyone like this should be caught red-handed and exposed when possible.
If someone chooses to believe in psychic ability, it should be done with a mindset that is open to questioning the ones making that claim. Don't allow belief to wipe out the facts that stand up to the lies and misleading statements. In our opinion, the charlatans that are out there take more pride in fooling intelligent people than the obviously gullible. Show them that they can't continue to operate without being questioned.
The burden of proof is on them. Make them prove it.
~Angela~
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