Anomalistic Psychology

by Holt, Nicola; Simmonds-Moore, Christine; Luke, David; French, Christopher

• ISBN13: 9780230301504
• ISBN10: 0230301509
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-03-15
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Summary

How can psychologists explain strange experiences such as hallucinations or unusual beliefs in ghosts and angels? This compelling introduction aims to uncover how and why such beliefs occur, exploring explanations based on different psychological models, and evaluating the scientific basis of parapsychology and the challenges that researchers face.

Author Biography

Nicola J. Holt is Lecturer in Psychology at the University of the West of England, Bristol, and Honorary Research Fellow at the Anomalous Experiences Research Unit at the University of York, UK. Christine Simmonds-Moore is Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of West Georgia, USA, where she has developed a course that critically evaluates paranormal experiences. David Luke is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Greenwich, UK, where he teaches the Psychology of Exceptional Human Experience. He is a past president of the Parapsychological Association. Christopher C. French is Professor of Psychology and Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit at Goldsmiths College, University of London, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction & Overview
Cognitive explanations
Personality and individual difference explanations
Explanations for superstitious beliefs and behaviour
Issues of Pseudoscience and Scientific Fraud
Methodological Issues Related to the Study of Paranormal Cognition
Apparitions
Mental mediumship
Conclusions