I think there are several types of skeptics. 

Skeptic type #1 I will call the robo-person.
This type of skeptic has a hard time relating to people in general, and I think this is probably because they are smarter or more detail-focused than the majority of others. These folks are puzzlers, and often prefer the company of thier computer to the company of relatives or folks from work. They even need lots of time away from friends to do thier thinking hobbies. I have noticed that these types of skeptics tend also to be very controling people, but only in one sphere: they must always feel they have the superior mind. If this kind of person doubts himSELF, doubts his own mind, he becomes very very freaked out. His mind has always been his comforter, he could always count on it to get him through any situation, in the way that others might use friends or relatives. If something comes along that this type of skeptic can't logically explain, he rejects it outright. This kind of skeptic believes nothing paranormal, and not only that, he thinks the whole idea is ridiculous, and scoffs at those who don't agree with him. These kind of skeptics often describe themselves as "athiests" and reject the idea that athiesm is just another tpye of unprovable belief.  In my studies I have noticed that this type of skeptic usually has difficult parents. So, for him, the best way of coping with these parental figures is to escape into his mind. These folks would rather read about the paranormal from people they feel are reputable (like Carl Sagan or James Randi)  than actually go hunting for it themselves.

Skeptic type #2: I will call the anxiety-guy.
This type of skeptic tends to have secret powerful fears. They may be afraid of germs, strangers, or of losing control. These skeptics cannot bear the idea that there may be something they don't understand that might be able to interact with them. These folks will say they don't believe in voodoo, for example, but will not attend a scarey voodoo ritual unless all thier buddies are there with them making fun of it (these types seek comfort in social groups). So this type is the first to make a joke about a person who might think they have experiences a paranormal event. Usually its a good-humored joke, but at the same time he refuses to let the idea be taken seriously. In my experience, though, this type is also the most terrified if they experience an event themselves. Because of this, the anxiety-guy may switch sides back an forth between being a believer and then being a skeptic, and you never know what they think from day to day, because it depends on how high thier anxiety level is that day. Thier parents are generally  reported to be "normal".

Skeptic #3 I will call the thrill-seeker.
This person wants to experience the paranormal. They want to believe that tarot cards are magic. They want to expereince the childlike thrill of seeing or learning something new and mysterious. Luckily, this type usually will research the paranormal in order to have these experiences, and ends up learning quite a bit about what is written on the subject. These types will try to distinguish between real and unreal events, and often they employ the help of the robo-man to reason out thier ideas more clearly. This type of skeptic is not afraid to delve into direct experience to learn more. They will participate freely in voodoo, UFO watching, drum circles, ghost hunts, and more. They will usually say they have first hand experiences that they may puzzle about for years. They may not believe what they saw, but they won't be afraid to discuss it. In my experience, I would say half of these types of skeptics eventually become full-blown believers. Thier parents tend to have been oppressive and restrictive.

Skeptic #4 is the non-skeptical "skeptic".
These folks like to stand out, and can be very intelligent, while at the same time making wild claims about witnessing paranormal events. These claims may or may not be true, but they have no qualms about discussing them, and may stretch the  story if it gives it some colorful flair.  This same type of person may have no interest whatsoever in the paranormal, and simply space out if you start talking about the subject. Its either all or nothing for these folks. The ones who are interested in the paranormal may eventually claim to be psychic, to have special powers, to actually be an animal, or other ideas most people think are odd. These people are extremely creative, and are smart enough to be able to handle the social repercussions when they let it "all hang out" in thier own unique way. They may claim they can see spirits, and usually the sight elicits a powerful emotional response in these folks. I have often found that these people were latch-key kids, or they have very very small schools growing up. This type often has absent parents.

My hands are getting too cold in this cave of a house I have, so I can't continue detailing these  types. I think this about covers it though, except for the skeptics who are only skeptical when they are around other skeptics, and believers when they are around other believers. Anyhow, I thought these observations might be fun to look through. Have I missed any other types?  By the way, I must admit I am type #3, the thrill-seeker. The lines between the types are not firm, I have seen some overlap.

What type are you?

blinddog50 said:

A lot of assumptions.
Did you come to these generalities on your own or were you channelling a message from an Indian spirit guide

though eye of newt and wolfbane soup in a himalayan bowl.

#3 could better be described as the 'gullible skeptic'.
#4 is definitely leaning more towards being bi-polar than being skeptical.

I think I would be classified as a #5 Skeptic.
One that knows BS when he sees or smells it.

Yeah, the first type of skeptic listed, the robo-man, hates to be catagorized. I figure thats your type.

These types are not all of my making, I have based them on a few of the Myers-Briggs types, and some Jungian personality types.

alicat said:

Nefri… Kira…. give it a rest please.

give what a rest?

alicat said:

Really?  I find that a bit difficult to believe.

Have I put this post under the wrong topic perhaps?  This is a serious post, I am not joking or trying to poke fun at anyone. I think its important to think about what personal biases people may have when discussing controvercial phenomenon. The scientists biases can color thier opinions! We all have a personality type, and this will effect the way we think about the paranormal. Do you not see this as a valid discussion?

alicat said:

Kira… Nefri…. whatever.  ENOUGH PLEASE!

Very puzzling. I wish I had not taken the time to type all that out. Sorry if I offended. I will leave the Skeptical View Forums, apparently certain topics are not allowed.

Orion said:

Well, Nefri, you're entitled to your opinion as to how to best "categorize" "skeptics"  in as a subversively derogatory and insulting manner possible, but don't expect anyone to agree.

Guess you have skeptics all figured out, huh?  Boy, they're busted, those silly people.

I did not say I had figured it all out. I was merely stating an opinion. I even asked for further ideas. I am not insulting anyone. People are different, its a fact.  Here is a snippet of a paragraph from a site on the INTJ Myers-Briggs type:

"Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's Achilles heel. While they are capable of caring deeply for others (usually a select few), and are willing to spend a great deal of time and effort on a relationship, the knowledge and self-confidence that make them so successful in other areas can suddenly abandon or mislead them in interpersonal situations."

Is this an insult too?

And if you didn't read to the end, I indicated that I fit one of those bills, as well. Am I then insulting myself?

By the way, I didn't come to these forums because I am a blind believer. In fact, I am not a believer of most of the crap out there, on GH, GA or the other shows.