The psychology of paranormal beliefs |
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| Authors: | D F Marks |
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| Institution: | (1) School of Psychology, Middlesex Polytechnic, Queensway, Enfield, (England) |
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| Abstract: | Summary Investigation of paranormal claims has failed to find any repeatable paranormal phenomena, yet beliefs in such phenomena are extemely prevalent. Some of the psychological mechanisms which support these beliefs are described. Mental imagery, subjective validation, coincidence, hidden causes, and fraud all contributeto the folklore in this field. Magical thinking is as evident today as it ever has been. Recent research suggests that increased skepticism concerning paranormal claims can result from special educational procedures which emphasize critical thinking rather than learning scientific facts. |
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| Keywords: | Psychology paranormal beliefs motivation mental imagery coincidence hidden causes subjective validation fraud education hoax-dehoax procedure |
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