Psychic (sī'kĭk) refers in part to the human mind or psyche (ex. "psychic turmoil"). The word is derived from the Greek word psychikos (of the soul/mental) and was first used by French astronomer Camille Flammarion. In popular usage the term psychic describes paranormal forces and influences, or abilities such as psychokinesis and extra-sensory perception. People said to be sensitive to, or able to use, these paranormal forces are called psychics. The term also refers to stage magicians, mentalists, and charlatans who perform psychic-like illusions without paranormal abilities.
Belief in paranormal psychic phenomena is common. A survey conducted by the Gallup Organization in 2005 suggested that 41% of the general United States population had a belief in extra-sensory perception. Some psychologists offer magical thinking as an explanation for the beliefs.
The existence of paranormal psychic abilities is highly controversial. Parapsychology explores this possibility, but no evidence for paranormal phenomena has gained wide acceptance in the mainstream scientific community.