When considering a controversial topic like haunted houses, it is important to carefully look at the available evidence from more than one point of view. You can begin to shape your beliefs by critically examining the evidence provided by experts who have studied the topic of haunted houses and the evidence from those who claim to have experienced a haunted house. Each article in this book provides various kinds of evidence and makes various kinds of arguments favoring or challenging the reality of haunted houses.

Some articles directly contradict others. It is your job to decide which articles present a truthful and reasonable case. You can do this by reading each article critically. This does not mean that you criticize, or say negative things about, an article. It means that you analyze and evaluate what the author says. This chapter describes a critical reading...