Does education foster belief in paranormal phenomena?

A study conducted in the US has revealed a surprising link between educational attainment and belief in paranormal phenomena. Upper-division and graduate students were found to be more susceptible to beliefs about ghosts, telepathy, and haunted places than their younger counterparts. The analysis shows that despite a general tendency toward skepticism, a growing number of students express uncertainty or belief in these phenomena. These findings, presented in the journal "Skeptical Inquirer," may be surprising, especially in the context of previous studies suggesting the opposite.

As hard as it may be to believe, according to recent studies, higher education is directly linked to an increased tendency to believe in ghosts and other paranormal phenomena.

Contrary to scientists' expectations, a survey of 439 students conducted in the US found that older students and graduate students were more likely than their younger counterparts to believe in stories about haunted houses, people with supernatural powers, telepathy and channeling, as well as many other unlikely phenomena.

The results were detailed in the January issue of Skeptical Inquirer magazine.