What Did the So-Called 'Lying Monk' Really See?

What Did the So-Called 'Lying Monk' Really See?

Matthew J. Sharps and Jana L. Price-Sharps examine the legend of the so-called "Lying Monk," Fray Marcos de Niza, arguing that psychology—not deception—best explains the myths surrounding his expedition to Cibola. Using examples of source confusion, language ambiguity, misinterpretation, and faulty perception, they show how ordinary cognitive processes can transform modest observations into enduring legends of lost cities, strange beasts, and giants. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/what-did-the-so-called-lying-monk-really-see/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/what-did-the-so-called-lying-monk-really-see/] About the Authors: Matthew J. Sharps is professor of psychology at California State University, Fresno. He is the author of numerous papers and publications in cognitive and forensic cognitive science, including the 2022 book Processing under Pressure: Stress, Memory, and Decision-Making in Law Enforcement (3rd ed.). He has consulted on eyewitness issues in numerous criminal cases and has published several articles in Skeptical Inquirer on the implications of eyewitness principles for erroneous observations and interpretations. Jana L. Price-Sharps is a licensed psychologist who specializes in trauma treatment with forensic and first responder populations. She is a full-time faculty member at Walden University in the Forensic Psychology PhD program and a part-time faculty member in the Department of Psychology at California State University, Fresno. She conducts research on interactive factors in forensic, clinical, and cognitive psychology. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

Exploring Robben Island: How the Ghosts of the Past Haunt the Researchers of Today

Malorie Mackey recounts her experiences conducting penguin conservation research on South Africa's Robben Island, exploring how its haunting history, eerie landscape, and lack of environmental control can make even skeptical scientists feel as though they are encountering ghosts. Drawing on psychology research, she argues that stress, uncertainty, and our fear of the unknown help explain why supposedly haunted places can feel genuinely paranormal despite the absence of supernatural evidence. Read this article and find accompanying references at: skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/exploring-robben-island-how-the-ghosts-of-the-past-haunt-the-researchers-of-today/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/exploring-robben-island-how-the-ghosts-of-the-past-haunt-the-researchers-of-today/] About the Author: Malorie Mackey is an investigative journalist who studies anthropology with a specialization in mythology, occult studies, and folklore. As a member of the Explorers Club, host of the show and podcast Weird World Adventures, and creator of MaloriesAdventures.com, she is always excited to investigate the unknown. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

Boosting Facts and Busting Myths about Mythbusting

Stefan T. Siegel examines six common misconceptions about mythbusting, arguing that effectively countering misinformation requires more than simply correcting facts—it demands evidence-based strategies that address emotions, identities, and social influences. He advocates a balanced approach that combines mythbusting and fact-boosting, focuses on persuadable audiences, and uses tools such as prebunking, critical thinking, and media literacy to build long-term resilience against misinformation. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/boosting-facts-and-busting-myths-about-mythbusting/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/boosting-facts-and-busting-myths-about-mythbusting/] About the Author: Stefan T. Siegel is a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Business Education (IWP) at the University of St. Gallen (HSG). He is the author of international articles and books and has several years of work experience in research and teaching in higher education. He has been awarded prizes for his work. His current research focuses on educational theory, educational myths, professionalization of teachers, science communication, and sustainability education. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

The Fine Art of Baloney Detection—Sagan's Essay Three Decades Later

Massimo Pigliucci revisits Carl Sagan's classic "Baloney Detection Kit" thirty years after its publication, arguing that its core principles remain valuable but require updating to address modern challenges such as social media, misinformation, cognitive biases, and the misuse of logical fallacies. He proposes a more nuanced approach to critical thinking that emphasizes statistical literacy, expertise, media awareness, and skepticism toward corporate influence while preserving Sagan's central commitment to evidence-based reasoning. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/the-fine-art-of-baloney-detection-sagans-essay-three-decades-later/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/the-fine-art-of-baloney-detection-sagans-essay-three-decades-later/] About the Author: Massimo Pigliucci is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His books include Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk (Chicago Press) and Philosophy of Pseudoscience (coedited with Maarten Boudry, Chicago Press). More by Massimo at https://massimopigliucci.org [https://massimopigliucci.org] Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]

Optimizing the Tools of Our Trade

Stephen Hupp previews the next issue of Skeptical Inquirer, Volume 50, no. 4, titled "Optimizing the Tools of Our Trade". Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/optimizing-the-tools-of-our-trade/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/2026/06/optimizing-the-tools-of-our-trade/] About the Author: Stephen Hupp, PhD, is the executive director of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the editor of Skeptical Inquirer. Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ [https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/]