Cold reading
Wikipedia contributors · 2024 · Wikipedia
Summary
Reference overview of the techniques (Barnum statements, statistical guessing, leading questions, observed micro-reactions) by which an apparent psychic can produce specific-seeming information.
Why it matters here
Direct reference for the 'cold reading explains mediumship' skeptical hypothesis.
Linked claims
Stage mentalists reproduce 'mediumship' on demand. Cold and hot reading are well-documented techniques.
Most claimed mediumship is reproducible by cold reading. Some controlled lab studies (Beischel and others) report small but anomalous effects.
Tarot has no evidence of predictive accuracy. Apparent accuracy is reader skill plus client interpretation.
Related evidence hubs
Evidence around dying, near-death experience, and what (if anything) continues.
Cryptomnesia, anoxia models, cold reading. Counter-anchors.
Reports of contact with the deceased.
Whether anything of mind continues.
Telepathy, precognition, remote viewing, PK.
Practice claims — prayer, reiki, chakras, astrology, tarot, manifestation.
Astrology, tarot, numerology, dream interpretation.
Determinism, free will, destiny.