Melissa Pollak

In the following viewpoint, Melissa Pollak argues that the widespread belief in paranormal phenomena such as ESP, ghosts, and UFOs reveals a decline in critical thinking skills among Americans. The scientific illiteracy exhibited in paranormal beliefs is detrimental to a culture that relies on an informed public to solve society’s problems, Pollak maintains. Some scientists insist that the entertainment industry’s promotion of paranormal topics is partly responsible for the increase in pseudoscientific beliefs. The media should therefore be encouraged to advance the understanding of science and scientific concepts. Pollak is a researcher with the National Science Foundation’s Division of Science Resource Studies.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Pollak’s opinion, what is the difference between science literacy and scientific literacy?
2. What percentage of Americans believe...