Less skeptical

More importantly, study does not necessarily mean the development of skepticism about these phenomena.

While 23 percent of freshmen expressed a general belief in paranormal concepts – from astronomy to communication with the dead – 31 percent of seniors also affirmed their beliefs in this area, a figure that rose to 34 percent among sophomores.

"As one acquires higher degrees of education, the likelihood of believing in the paranormal increases," Farha and Steward wrote.

Based on research into current areas of scientific interest, scientists have concluded that the media are responsible for initiating most beliefs in most paranormal phenomena (such as alien abductions), and that many well-educated people tend to express their beliefs in these areas because they are skilled at defending them.