科学家不愿检查超自然现象的第三个原因是它们似乎与已知的物理定律相矛盾。研究不可能的重点是什么？只有一个傻瓜会浪费他的时间。与现有理论冲突的数据问题不能被夸大。亚瑟·埃丁顿（Arthur Eddington）曾经说过，直到从理论上证实任何实验之前，您永远都不应该相信任何实验，但是这种幽默的观点具有无法打动的现实。
(A third reason scientists are reluctant to examine paranormal phenomena is that they appear to contradict known physical laws. What is the point of studying the impossible? Only a fool would waste his time. The problem of data in conflict with existing theory cannot be overstated. Arthur Eddington once said you should never believe any experiment until it has been confirmed by theory, but this humorous view has a reality that cannot be discounted.)