Aims of the New Zealand C.S.I.C.O.P.

To investigate scientifically and with an open mind, claims and events of an apparently paranormal nature.
To report the results of these investigations and where possible, to provide rational, scientific explanations.
To provide reliable information about paranormal claims.
To encourage a more critical attitude to pseudoscience and to bogus paranormal claims, and to alert people to the dangers of uncritical acceptance.
To increase public awareness of the difference between legitimate science and pseudoscience.
To investigate the psychological, social, and ideological factors behind belief in the paranormal.

These aims will be pursued by:

Establishing a network of people interested in critically examining claims of the paranormal.
Publishing a newsletter and distributing information material.
Publishing articles, monographs and books that examine claims of the paranormal.
Maintaining a library.
Preparing bibliographies of relevant published material.
Encouraging and commissioning research by objective and impartial inquirers.
Conducting meetings, seminars and conferences.
Making available informed members to the media and interested groups.
Setting up controlled tests and investigations of paranormal claims.

The Skeptical attitude means:

Seeking all relevant factual evidence concerning an event, claims or theory.
Keeping an open mind until a satisfactory explanation is found, and not rejecting a priori any paranormal claims without inquiry.
Maintaining a position of uncertainty when there is insufficient or ambiguous evidence; recognising that having no explanation at present is preferable to jumping to conclusions.
Avoiding cynicism as this is not in the spirit of open minded inquiry.
Seeking scientifically a normal explanation of any claimed paranormal event.