The Psychology of Paranormal Belief

The Psychology of Paranormal Belief PDF

Author: Harvey J. Irwin

Publisher: Univ of Hertfordshire Press

Published: 2009-09

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 1907396381

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With a thorough and systematic review of investigations into the bases of belief in paranormal phenomena, this discussion explores the four main theoretical approaches relating to the nature of such beliefs. Objective and well-researched, this account addresses different points of view on the topic--while some commentators depict paranormal believers as foolish, others propose that paranormal beliefs must be understood as necessities that serve certain psychodynamic needs. The foundations and shortcomings of each approach are also documented, and a new comprehensive theory attempts to explain the development of scientifically unsubstantiated beliefs.

An Introduction to the Psychology of Paranormal Belief and Experience

An Introduction to the Psychology of Paranormal Belief and Experience PDF

Author: Tony Jinks

Publisher: McFarland

Published: 2011-11-08

Total Pages: 275

ISBN-13: 0786489162

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When someone admits to a strange experience, such as witnessing an unidentified flying object, having telepathic hunches, or seeing angels or ghosts, listeners usually explain it away as mistaken perception, intoxication, ignorance, or even mental illness. Though these unsympathetic psychology-based explanations remain the most popular responses to claims of the supernatural, those who use them often have little understanding of what such dismissive "solutions" actually entail. This study offers a balanced and accessible analysis of various explanations for the paranormal. By providing insight into how these theories are applied, or misapplied, to inquiry into the paranormal, it clarifies the relationship between the field of psychology and the supernatural. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

The Psychology of Paranormal Belief

The Psychology of Paranormal Belief PDF

Author: Harvey J. Irwin

Publisher: Univ of Hertfordshire Press

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 9781902806938

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"This book, written by an internationally renowned researcher in the field, provides a thorough and systematic review of empirical investigations into the bases of belief in paranormal phenomena. Opening with a foreword by the highly respected researchers into paranormal belief Dr Caroline Watt and Professor Richard Wiseman, this book will be of particular interest to professional researchers and serious students of the subject, as well as to clinical psychologists and counsellors." --Book Jacket.

The Psychology of the Paranormal

The Psychology of the Paranormal PDF

Author: David Groome

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-04-01

Total Pages: 112

ISBN-13: 1351391119

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Can mediums communicate with the dead? Do people really believe they’ve been abducted by aliens? Why do some people make life decisions based on their horoscope? The Psychology of the Paranormal explores some commonly held beliefs regarding experiences so strange they can defy an obvious scientific explanation. The book explains how psychologists have conducted experiments to provide insight into phenomena such as clairvoyance, astrology, and alien abduction, as well as teaching us fundamental truths about human belief systems. From debunking myths about Extra Sensory Perception, to considering whether our lives can truly be fated by the stars, The Psychology of the Paranormal shows us that however unlikely, belief in the paranormal will continue to be widespread.

Anomalistic Psychology

Anomalistic Psychology PDF

Author: Christopher C. French

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2017-09-16

Total Pages: 346

ISBN-13: 1137368063

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The science behind claims of alien encounters and visions of ghosts can be even more fascinating than the sensationalist headlines. What leads some people to believe in the paranormal? Why might someone think they have been abducted by aliens? And is there any room for superstition in the modern world of science? Anomalistic Psychology - Provides a lively and thought-provoking introduction to the psychology underlying paranormal belief and experience. - Covers the latest psychological theories and experiments, and examines the science at the heart of the subject. - Uses a unique approach to apply different psychological perspectives – including clinical, developmental and cognitive approaches – to shed new light on the key debates. Whether you are a psychology student or simply curious about the paranormal, Anomalistic Psychology is the essential introduction to this contested and controversial field. Belief in the paranormal has been reported in every known society since the dawn of time – find out why.

The Psychology of the Psychic

The Psychology of the Psychic PDF

Author: David F. Marks

Publisher:

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13:

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At a time when there is a growing fascination with the paranormal and the occult (witness the popularity of "The X-Files" and movies such as "The Sixth Sense"), this penetrating analysis of so-called psychic abilities offers a long overdue and thorough refutation of the whole psi craze. Illustrations.

Wings of Illusion

Wings of Illusion PDF

Author: John F. Schumaker

Publisher:

Published: 1990

Total Pages: 204

ISBN-13:

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"'Wings of Illusions' offers a unique and disquieting perspective on paranormal belief, including religious belief. Schumaker points out that reality-defying beliefs represent one of the few truly universal elements of human culture. ... The object of this study is to trace the psychological origins of the paranormal and to consider the implications of the prevalence of paranormal belief for the future development of humanity." -- Back cover.

Tall Tales about the Mind and Brain

Tall Tales about the Mind and Brain PDF

Author: Sergio Della Sala

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 550

ISBN-13: 9780198568766

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Does listening to Mozart make us more intelligent? Does the size of the brain matter? Can we communicate with the dead? This book presents a survey of common myths about the mind & brain. It exposes the truth behind these beliefs, how they are perpetuated, why people believe them, & why they might even exist in the first place.

Parapsychology

Parapsychology PDF

Author: Caroline Watt

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2017-07-05

Total Pages: 526

ISBN-13: 1351912836

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Many people believe that they have experienced paranormal phenomena and others claim to possess psychic abilities. For the past hundred years or so, researchers have undertaken systematic and scientific work into these alleged experiences and abilities. This collection of articles provides readers with a general sense of the methods used in this research, the findings that have been obtained and the controversies generated by this work. They cover a wide range of issues, including the psychology of paranormal belief, investigations into ghosts and hauntings, laboratory research into extra-sensory perception and psychokinesis, and controlled tests of psychics and mediums. An introductory essay sets each of the selected papers in context and provides additional references for those wishing to delve deeper into the issues surrounding each of the areas covered.

Pseudoscience and the Paranormal

Pseudoscience and the Paranormal PDF

Author: Terence Hines

Publisher: Prometheus Books

Published: 2010-09-30

Total Pages: 516

ISBN-13: 1615920854

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Television, the movies, and computer games fill the minds of their viewers with a daily staple of fantasy, from tales of UFO landings, haunted houses, and communication with the dead to claims of miraculous cures by gifted healers or breakthrough treatments by means of fringe medicine. The paranormal is so ubiquitous in one form of entertainment or another that many people easily lose sight of the distinction between the real and the imaginary, or they never learn to make the distinction in the first place. In this thorough review of pseudoscience and the paranormal in contemporary life, psychologist Terence Hines teaches readers how to carefully evaluate all such claims in terms of scientific evidence.Hines devotes separate chapters to psychics; life after death; parapsychology; astrology; UFOs; ancient astronauts, cosmic collisions, and the Bermuda Triangle; faith healing; and more. New to this second edition are extended sections on psychoanalysis and pseudopsychologies, especially recovered memory therapy, satanic ritual abuse, facilitated communication, and other questionable psychotherapies. There are also new chapters on alternative medicine, which is now marketed in our drug stores, and on environmental pseudoscience, with special emphasis on the evidence that certain technologies like cell phones or environmental agents like asbestos cause cancer.Finally, Hines discusses the psychological causes for belief in the paranormal despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. This valuable, highly interesting, and completely accessible analysis critiques the whole range of current paranormal claims.