The Psychology of Paranormal Belief

The Psychology of Paranormal Belief
Author: Harvey J. Irwin
Publisher: Univ of Hertfordshire Press
Total Pages: 256
Release: 2009-09
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 1907396381

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
Author: Tony Jinks
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 275
Release: 2011-11-08
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 0786489162

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 the Paranormal

The Psychology of the Paranormal
Author: David Groome
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 101
Release: 2019-04-01
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1351391127

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
Author: Christopher C. French
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 346
Release: 2017-09-16
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1137368063

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 Paranormal Belief

The Psychology of Paranormal Belief
Author: Harvey J. Irwin
Publisher: Univ of Hertfordshire Press
Total Pages: 228
Release: 2009
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 9781902806938

"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 Psychic

The Psychology of the Psychic
Author: David F. Marks
Publisher:
Total Pages: 360
Release: 2000
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN:

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.

The Paranormal

The Paranormal
Author: Erich Goode
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2012
Genre: Parapsychology
ISBN: 9781616144913

Unlike many books on the paranormal, which usually focus on debunking or verifying such beliefs, this volume explores paranormal beliefs as a social phenomenon - who believes, why, and what are the consequences?

Religion, Supernaturalism, the Paranormal and Pseudoscience

Religion, Supernaturalism, the Paranormal and Pseudoscience
Author: Homayun Sidky
Publisher: Anthem Press
Total Pages: 520
Release: 2019-11-30
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1785271636

"Religion, Supernaturalism, the Paranormal, and Pseudoscience" provides a comprehensive rejoinder to the challenges posed to science, scientific anthropology, evolutionary theory and rationality by the advocates of supernatural, paranormal, and pseudoscientific perspectives and modes of thought associated with the current rise of irrationalism, antiintellectualism, and emboldened religious fundamentalism and violence. Drawing upon H. Sidky’s scientific anthropological background and ethnographic field research of supernatural and paranormal beliefs and practices in several cultures over three decades, the book answers several important questions: Why do humans have a proclivity for the supernatural and paranormal thinking? Why has humanity remained shackled to sets of ideas inherited from a violent past that have no basis in reality and which bestow an illusionary solace, promote bloodshed, endless cruelties and fervent hatreds, and have come at a high cost? Why have ancient superstitions been held as sacred, inviolate truths while other aspects of the archaic belief systems of which they were a part have long been discarded? Why have not humans outgrown religion and paranormal beliefs?

Parapsychology and Religion

Parapsychology and Religion
Author: Everton de Oliveira Maraldi
Publisher: BRILL
Total Pages: 103
Release: 2021-06-29
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 9004467831

Everton Maraldi explores how research on alleged anomalous processes informs the study of religious/spiritual experiences and examines the theoretical and methodological possibilities and challenges of an interdisciplinary dialogue between parapsychology and psychology of religion.

Parapsychology

Parapsychology
Author: Caroline Watt
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 526
Release: 2017-07-05
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 1351912836

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.