Abstract

Attempts to show that there is a fairly consistent structure to scientific controversy in parapsychology. The elements of this structure are (a) overzealous supporters preoccupied with evangelism, (b) fanatic bias leading to harmful and irresponsible criticism, (c) incompetent "investigators" masquerading as authorities, (d) promise of a commercial enterprise developing from the work, and (e) media more concerned with controversy than fact. The case of Palladino illustrates this concept.