Event overview
Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit Invited Speaker Series
Abstract
Studies typically find that as much as three-quarters of the population believe in some kind of paranormal phenomenon, with popular items being ghosts, seeing into the future, telepathy, and astrology. Currently there are a number of questionnaire measures of paranormal belief but none are both comprehensive and free from theoretical limitations. This talk will describe the development and content of a new measure of paranormal belief. The four areas of belief are: supernatural forces; God or destiny; Aliens, extraordinary life forms, and conspiracies; and consciousness beyond the body. Relationships among these areas of belief suggests a general tendency to endorse items lacking in reliable evidence and scientific explanation.
Biographies
Anna Stone is a senior lecturer and researcher at the University of East London. Her research interests include why people believe in the paranormal and she is co-author of Anomalistic Psychology: Exploring Paranormal Belief and Experience with Professor Chris French.
Mark McDermott is Professor of Psychology at the University of East London where he has taught full time since 1989. Before that he trained as a clinical psychologist. He has a particular interest in the measurement of individual differences, having co-authored a variety of published questionnaires, including ones assessing rebelliousness, public understanding of depression, resistance to health persuasion messages, and mortality awareness.
Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit Invited Speaker Series
Dates & times
| Date | Time | Add to calendar |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Nov 2016 | 6:00pm - 7:30pm |
Accessibility
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