Ebook: Scientifical Americans: the culture of amateur paranormal researchers

Popular paranormality vs. skepticism -- The amateur research and investigation group (ARIG) -- Paranormal in popular culture -- Ghost hunters and paranormal investigators -- Seeking monsters: Bigfoot and other Cryptids -- UFO spotters -- 21st-century ARIG -- Science and the public -- Science and the paranormal -- ARIG portrayal of science to the public -- Methods and evidence -- Inquiry and investigation -- Pseudoscience -- Beyond the veil -- Ghost hunting guidebooks.;"American culture's honorific regard for science, coupled with the public's unfamiliarity with scientific methods, created a niche for self-styled paranormal experts to achieve national renown without scientific training or credentials. The author provides a comprehensive examination of the ideas, missions and methods promoted by these passionate amateurs"--