Retorts

Skeptical Survey

The conclusion that New Zealanders can demonstrate a sound knowledge of basic science facts [Basic Science: How Much Do We Know?, November] cheered me up. In September 1993 a temporary disability had me watching TV one Saturday afternoon. I switched on in the middle of a program which suggested UFOs as probably vehicles from another civilisation, and that accounts of encounters people had with them were being suppressed by the "authorities" in case of panic.

My letter to the TV station concerning lack of evidence did not get sent, but I did suggest to a class of 13 to 14-year-old science students that this lack was counter to the influence of science, and quite harmful because of that. In discussion it became evident that (a) several of them had seen the program (which surprised me as the afternoon had been a fine, warm one) and (b) many were inclined to believe such assertions as were made. A couple of months later, conversation with a 15-year-old School Certificate candidate suggested that such beliefs were both widespread and firmly held.

In March 1994 I asked 26 boys of an academically able 3rd-form class (aged about 13) at a single sex school for their views on a range of beliefs, then repeated this with both a 4th-form class and a 5th-form class. In summary, I found:

Fifty percent or more of the 3rd-formers in the sample believed in ghosts, life after death, God or a god, the devil, telekinesis, lucky numbers, heaven, foretelling the future, and that UFOs are from another civilisation.

Fifty percent or more of 4th-formers believed in the same things and also (unlike the 3rd-formers) mental telepathy.

The only belief more than 50% of 5th formers held was the UFO one.

Generally 5th-formers are more sceptical than 4th-formers, who in turn are more sceptical than 3rd-formers about these beliefs. However 4th-formers are more sceptical than both 3rd- and 5th-formers on communication with the dead and on witches. Also the belief that Friday 13th is unlucky increases from 3rd- through 4th- or 5th-formers sampled.

Five 5th-formers (of 23 in the sample), but no 4th- or 3rd-formers answered "no" to all beliefs presented.

Incidentally, the Otago Daily Times (13 May 1994) reported that a poll for Le Monde found 61% of French people believed "more or less" in God, compared to 66% of those asked the same question 8 years ago. Also about 34% said they believed in the devil, up from 24% in 1986, and 56% believe in some form of life after death.

RA Gillanders, Dunedin