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{{Infobox Organization |
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|name = Comitato Italiano per il Controllo delle Affermazioni sulle Pseudoscienze |
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|image = CICAP.png |
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|image_border = |
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|size = <!-- default 200 --> |
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|caption = |
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|map = <!-- optional --> |
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|msize = <!-- map size, optional, default 200px --> |
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|mcaption = <!-- optional --> |
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|abbreviation = CICAP |
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|motto = |
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|formation = {{start date and age|1989}} |
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|extinction = <!-- date of extinction, optional --> |
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|type = NGO |
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|status = <!-- ad hoc, treaty, foundation, etc --> |
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|purpose = [[Scientific skepticism]] |
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|headquarters = |
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|location = [[Padua]], Italy |
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|coords = <!-- Coordinates of location using a coordinates template --> |
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|region_served = [[Italy]] |
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|membership = |
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|language = [[Italian language|Italian]] |
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|leader_title = Executive Director |
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|leader_name = [[Massimo Polidoro]] |
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|main_organ = <!-- gral. assembly, board of directors, etc --> |
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|parent_organization = <!-- if one --> |
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|affiliations = [[European Council of Skeptical Organisations]] |
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|num_staff = |
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|num_volunteers = |
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|budget = |
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|website = www.cicap.org |
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|remarks = |
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}} |
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'''CICAP''' ('''Comitato Italiano per il Controllo delle Affermazioni sulle Pseudoscienze'''; in English '''Italian Committee for the Investigation of Claims of the Pseudosciences''') is an Italian, non-profit, skeptic educational organization, founded in 1989. CICAP's main goals are the promotion of the scientific analysis of alleged [[paranormal]] and [[pseudoscientific]] phenomena.<ref name=statuto>{{cite web|language=italian|title=STATUTO del Comitato Italiano per il Controllo delle Affermazioni sul Paranormale|url=https://www.cicap.org/new/files/statuto2012.pdf|website=www.cicap.org|accessdate=17 September 2014}}</ref> It is a member of the [[European Council of Skeptical Organisations]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Skeptics Organisations ECSO Members|url=https://www.ecso.org/member-org|accessdate=17 September 2014}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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CICAP was started by the Italian science journalist [[Piero Angela]] together with a group of scientists including Luigi Garlaschelli. The first attempt at creating an organization that investigates alleged paranormal phenomena in Italy dates back to 1978, only two years after the founding of [[CSICOP]] (today [[Center for Inquiry|CFI]]), when following Piero Angela’s television show ''Indagine sulla parapsicologia'' (Inquiry on Parapsychology), 22 scientists and researchers of various disciplines released a common declaration calling for the establishment of a committee for the examination of alleged paranormal phenomena.<ref name=CICAPFAQ>{{cite web|language=italian|title=FAQ - Tutto quello che vorreste sapere sul CICAP|url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=100439|accessdate=17 September 2014}}</ref> |
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[[File:Piero angela.jpg|thumb|left|[[Piero Angela]], national convention of CICAP (2001)]] |
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The initiative didn't come into being until 1987-1988, when Piero Angela organized numerous meetings amongst the Italian subscribers of ''Skeptical Inquirer'' magazine that terminated with a meeting in [[Turin]] on October 9, 1988. During the meeting, the association’s goals and objectives were defined along with the name for the committee: ''Comitato italiano per il controllo delle affermazioni sul paranormale'' (Italian Committee for the Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), chosen because the acronym “CICAP” resembled “check-up” in English.<ref name=10anni>{{cite web|language=it|last1=Polidoro|first1=Massimo|title=CICAP: 1989-1999: Bilancio su 10 anni di attività e prospettive future|url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=100005|website=CICAP|accessdate=17 September 2014}}</ref><ref name=CICAPtorino>{{cite web|language=it|last1=Mangiardi|first1=Umberto|title=Il Cicap di Torino : scopriamo che cos’è|url=http://www.mole24.it/2012/06/08/il-cicap-di-torino-scopriamo-che-cose/|accessdate=18 September 2014}}</ref> |
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The Committee was formalized on June 12, 1989. Lorenzo Montali was appointed executive director and [[Massimo Polidoro]] the director of the association’s magazine. Two [[Nobel Prize]] laureates are or have been members: [[Carlo Rubbia]] and [[Rita Levi Montalcini]]. Other notable members included the philosopher, [[Semiotics|semiotician]] and novelist [[Umberto Eco]].<ref name="GuardianNaples2005">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/oct/06/worlddispatch.italy | title=No blood, sweat or tears | first=Barbara | last=McMahon | newspaper=[[The Guardian]] | date=October 6, 2005 | accessdate=July 28, 2009|postscript=<!--None--> }}</ref> {{asof|2009}}, the executive director is Italian skeptic investigator and writer Massimo Polidoro.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cicap.org/en/about_cicap.htm |year= 2007 | title= About CICAP | publisher= CICAP |website= cicap.org | accessdate=July 29, 2009 }}</ref> |
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In the beginning, CICAP was primarily concerned with parapsychology ([[telepathy]], [[psychokinesis]], etc.). With time, CICAP began branching out into other areas of pseudoscience (such as [[alternative medicine]]), both historical (such as those involving dragons or the sword in the rock) and above all, contemporary legends ([[urban legends]]).<ref name=CICAPtorino/> The rise in popularity of other pseudoscientific phenomena prompted the organization to change its name.<ref name=10anni/> In September 2013, CICAP announced a change in its name altering the P of the acronym from ''paranormale'' (paranormal) to ''pseudoscienze'' (pseudosciences).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=275444 |title= Il CICAP cambia nome: non più solo 'paranormale' ma 'pseudoscienze' |date= September 9, 2013 |language= IT |publisher= CICAP |website= cicap.org}}</ref> The new name includes not only supernatural phenomena, but also pseudoscientific ideas and claims regarding treatments whose efficacy is not scientifically proven, conspiracy theories, urban legends and historical falsifications. |
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A short list of CICAP investigations during its history includes verifying [[astrology|astrological predictions]], powers of [[Magician (paranormal)|magicians]], [[dowsing|dowsers]], healers and [[fakirs]], [[Unidentified flying object|UFOs]], the blood of [[Januarius|St.Januarius]] and contacts with the [[afterlife]]. |
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CICAP also deals with verifying astrological predictions.<ref name=activities>{{cite web|title=CICAP's activities|url=http://www.cicap.org/en/cicap_activities.htm|accessdate=25 September 2014}}</ref> In fact, every December, it collects a sample of astrological predictions made by astrologers and clairvoyants during the year and publishes a year-end report on the outcomes of the predictions. Since 2009, CICAP organizes an annual “Anti-Superstition” day in various cities during a Friday the 17th.<ref>{{cite web|language=it|title=Venerdì 17 luglio 2009: Il CICAP lancia la "Prima Giornata Anti-Superstizione"|url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=273903|accessdate=25 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|language=it|title=Venerdì 17, la gimcana contro la superstizione|url=http://milano.repubblica.it/multimedia/home/6930211/1/1|website=Milano Repubblica |accessdate=25 September 2014}}</ref> |
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The organization has always worked closely with Italian media to help insure accurate coverage of paranormal topics.<ref name="Polidoro">{{Cite news|url=http://www.csicop.org/genx/polidoro | last=Nisbet | first=Matt | title=Introducing Italy's Version of Harry Houdini | newspaper=Generation SXeptic | publisher=[[Committee for Skeptical Inquiry]] | location=Ithaca, NY | date= August 31, 2000 | accessdate= July 29, 2009|postscript=<!--None--> |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090802085646/http://csicop.org/genx/polidoro |archivedate= 2009-08-02}}</ref> |
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In October 2004, CICAP and the CSI co-sponsored a World Skeptics Congress in Italy.<ref name="WorldCongress2004">{{cite web|url=http://www.cicap.org/congress/index.html|title= World Skeptics Congress 2004 |publisher=CICAP |website= cicap.org |accessdate= 2009-07-29}}</ref> |
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CICAP's Logo is based on the [[grid illusion]]. Designed in 1992 by Franco Ramaccini, was amended in 2009 with the inclusion of the words, "Comitato Italiano per il Controllo delle Affermazioni sul Paranormale".<ref name=CICAPFAQ/> |
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==Scope== |
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[[File:Braci.jpeg|thumbnail|Marta Annunziata fire-walking]] |
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The subject matters investigated by CICAP <ref name=activities/> can be divided into three categories: |
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* Paranormal Phenomena which would violate the fundamental laws of modern science: investigations of [[parapsychology]] such as [[telepathy]], [[precognition]], [[clairvoyance]], [[Psychokinesis|telekinesis]]. Other subjects that fall under this category are generally described as "scientifically inexplicable": [[Firewalking|fire-walking]], [[Electronic voice phenomenon|Electronic voice phenomena (EVP)]], religious paranormal events, and so on. |
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* Pseudoscience: those disciplines that claim to be scientifically valid but that systematically elude experimental verification when the scientific method is applied: astrology, [[alternative medicine]], [[creationism]], [[E-rays|Earth Radiation]], [[numerology]], etc. |
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* Mysteries and legends: stories that are not strictly paranormal but are unusual such as [[urban legend]]s, UFOs and alleged alien events such as [[crop circle]]s, traditional legends such as those involving [[dragon]]s or the sword in the stone. |
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==Method== |
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CICAP applies [[scientific skepticism|rational skepticism]] in its activities. This posits that every empirical statement can only be accepted after experimental verification. CICAP applies the scientific method to its investigations.<ref name=CICAPFAQ/> CICAP often employs the collaboration of magicians in its investigations to ascertain the possible use of tricks. For example, [[Silvan (illusionist)|Silvan]] is a CICAP sympathizer and has collaborated with CICAP in some of its initiatives. |
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==Limits== |
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CICAP does not cover metaphysics, in particular religion and faith, because these phenomena cannot be studied scientifically. CICAP investigates religious claims regarding material manifestations such as relics or the St. Janarius blood miracle in Naples because these phenomena are subject to scientific examination.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Minotti|first1=Andrea|title=Esiste davvero il paranormale? Intervista a Massimo Polidoro, esperto del CICAP|url=http://www.cronaca-nera.it/2604/esite-paranormale-intervista-massimo-polidoro-esperto-cicap|accessdate=2 November 2014}}</ref> CICAP is interested in informing the public. Its members have different religious and political beliefs, but they all agree that alleged pseudoscientific phenomena must be investigated and the results publicized.<ref name=CICAPFAQ/> |
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==Organization== |
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[[File:CICAP members.jpeg|thumbnail|From the left: Francesco Grassi, Marino Franzosi, Beatrice Mautino, Piero Angela, Marta Annunziata, Paolo Attivissimo, Francesca Guizzo, Steno Ferluga, Massimo Polidoro, Luigi Garlaschelli, Paola De Gobbi]] |
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The association is self-financed <ref name=InterviewPolidoro>{{cite web|title=Interview with Massimo Polidoro (47:20)|url=http://www.theskepticsguide.org/podcast/sgu/392|publisher=SGU Productions|accessdate=10 July 2014}}</ref> and its supporting members are its only sustaining force as shown in the fundraising campaign implemented in early 2000: “Progetto CICAP 2000” (Project CICAP 2000) whose aim was to give the committee a permanent headquarters. The goal was to raise the 300 million lire for the acquisition of the necessary infrastructure. The goal was achieved and the office space was purchased in Padua. Curious, given that his fortune was based on the artistic and literary paranormal, was the adhesion of Tiziano Sclavi, who contributed five million lire. Sclavi is in fact a supporter of CICAP and declared that the occult and paranormal are great in fiction but that reality is a whole other thing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Umberto Eco e Tiziano Sclavi parlano del CICAP|url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=100459|accessdate=2 November 2014}}</ref> |
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The national headquarters is located in Padua while the bulk of the outreach activities and the national press archive are located in Turin. Some regions have local groups or chapters<ref name=InterviewPolidoro/> with their own CICAP branches. Currently, there are local groups in Abruzzo-Molise, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont, Apulia, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto. Furthermore, there is a local group in Canton Ticino, Switzerland. |
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''' |
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== CICAP Fest == |
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''' |
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Every two years, CICAP organizes a national conference, CICAP fest, where internal and external speakers meet to discuss a paranormal or pseudoscientific theme. '''It features panel discussions, talks and exhibits and relies heavily on volunteer efforts. The conference is held altogether in italian, but usually accomodates english speaking speakers with simultaneous interpretation, to enable international participation in panels and talks.''' |
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'''In 2017 the conference focused on magic. Speakers included [[James Randi]], [[Susan Gerbic]], Carol Faggi, Max Vellucci, Gianfranco Preverino, Pino Rolle, Francesco Busani, Marco Aimone and Alex Rusconi as well as popular TV personalities. Executive director of the conference is Massimo Polidoro.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gerbic |first1=Susan |authorlink=Susan Gerbic |title=Skeptical Adventures in Europe, Part 4 |url=https://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/skeptical_adventures_in_europe_part_4 |website=Csicop.org |publisher=CFI |accessdate=20 January 2019}}</ref> |
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The conference is open to the general public, but requires a participation fee that is used to finance the group’s activities.<ref name=CICAPFAQ/> |
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''' |
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==Conferences and main events== |
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CICAP organizes a national conference every two years where internal and external speakers meet to discuss a paranormal or pseudoscientific theme. The conference is open to the general public, but requires a participation fee that is used to finance the group’s activities.<ref name=CICAPFAQ/> |
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==Investigations== |
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[[File:CICAP-circle making.jpeg|thumb|Francesco Grassi during a circle making session]] |
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The organization has investigated a number of paranormal phenomena including: |
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* The alleged [[San Gennaro#The Blood Miracle|San Gennaro blood miracle]] in Naples<ref name="SanGennaro">{{Cite journal | first= L. | last= Garlaschelli | first2= F. | last2= Ramaccini | first3=S. | last3=Della Sala | title=The blood of St. Januarius | journal= [[Chemistry World|Chemistry in Britain]] | volume=30 | issue=2 | year=1994 | page= 123 | url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=101014 | accessdate=July 28, 2009 | postscript=<!--None--> }}</ref><ref name="Williams2013">{{cite book |last= Williams |first= William F. |title= [[Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience|Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience: From Alien Abductions to Zone Therapy]] |year= 2013 |origyear= 2000 |publisher= [[Routledge]] |isbn= 9781135955229 |chapter= Januarius, St., Miracle Of |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=vH1EAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT196 |page= 168}}</ref> |
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* Russian psychic [[Nina Kulagina]]<ref>{{cite web|first=Massimo | last=Polidoro | authorlink=Massimo Polidoro | url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=101003 | title=Secrets of a Russian psychic | publisher= CICAP |website= cicap.org | date=December 12, 2000 | accessdate=July 28, 2009 }}</ref> |
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* The alleged miracles of [[Padre Pio]]<ref name="GuardianNaples2005"/> |
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* Italian crop circles<ref name="GuardianNaples2005"/><ref>{{cite web|title=SPECIAL CROP CIRCLES|url=http://www.cicap.org/new/articolo.php?id=273540|accessdate=2 November 2014}}</ref> |
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In September 2005, [[National Geographic Channel|National Geographic Channel's]] program ''[[Is It Real?]]'' (episode 10) asked for a demonstration of "Knockout" Chi (a no-touch knockout technique), during which instructor Leon Jay was unable to knock-out Luigi Garlaschelli, an investigator from CICAP.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Polidoro | first=M. | authorlink=Massimo Polidoro | title=Just like Jedi Knights (if only) |magazine= [[Skeptical Inquirer]] | publisher=[[Committee for Skeptical Inquiry]] | date=May–June 2008 | volume=32 | issue=3 | page=21|postscript=<!--None--> }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM_qg5d1YGI | title=George Dillman explains Chi K.O. nullification |website=YouTube | accessdate=July 28, 2009}}{{Copyvio link}}</ref> |
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In September 2016, CICAP tested a mother and daughter pair that claimed they could psychically transmit [[zener cards]] to each other. Massimo Polidoro and Luigi Garlaschelli tested the women Amalia Maruca and mother Carmela Paola at the offices of Nuova Menle. The women had been reported to have a 90 to 100 percent accuracy rate by newspaper ''La Nuova Provincia de Biella''. Polidoro and Garlaschelli used a small blind between the women to remove their ability to see the cards, but they had a clear view of each others faces. During the first test the result was 24 correct out of a run of 25 cards. A higher blind was next used so they could not see each other and the results were 7 correct out of 25 cards. The third round used a tablet computer which eliminated the sound of pen drawing on paper, a technique called "sound reading". The results were 5 correct out of 25 cards. For the final tests, zener cards were eliminated and cards with popular optical illusions were used. The women stopped the test after 5 cards saying they could not transmit. CICAP switched to normal playing cards, the results were 2 out of 25 cards. CICAP concluded that the effect disappears when the women could not see each other and no telepathy existed when non-zener cards were used.<ref name="Telepathy">{{cite journal |last1=Polidoro |first1=Massimo |authorlink=Massimo Polidoro|title=A Telepathy Investigation |journal=Skeptical Inquirer |date=2018 |volume=42 |issue=5 |pages=21-23 |publisher=Committee for Skeptical Inquiry}}</ref> |
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==Publications== |
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CICAP continues its dissemination activities through conferences and public lectures, radio and television appearances, through the publication of ''Query'' a quarterly magazine (formerly ''Scienza & Paranormale'', Science & Paranormal), books and articles regarding these topics, through the conservation of a library and an archive of articles. Additional material, both on CICAP own research as well as foreigner skeptical and scientific papers translated into Italia, is published on [http://www.queryonline.it/ QueryOnline], the online version of the printed magazine.<ref name=activities/> |
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==See also== |
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* ''[[Skeptical Inquirer]]'' |
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==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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==External links== |
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* {{Official website|http://www.cicap.org/en/index.php}} |
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{{Skeptic organizations}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Cicap}} |
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[[Category:Skeptic organisations in Italy]] |
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