Psychology and the Paranormal
Exploring Anomalous Experience
- David F. Marks - Arles, France
Cognitive Psychology
The field of research on the paranormal has changed enormously in the last 20 years. Examining experiences of ESP, psychokinesis, precognition, ganzfeld, dissociative states, out-of-the-body experiences, alien abductions and near-death experiences, David Marks appraises the best available evidence to date on scientific claims of the paranormal. Each chapter also provides a description of the psychological processes that are likely to contribute to these experiences, and to the high prevalence of paranormal beliefs.
Importantly, this book does not take a fixed sceptical or ‘disbelieving’ view of the phenomena but, as far as possible, offers a neutral gaze which will equip readers to make up their own minds, as well as providing them with the critical skills to defend their conclusions.
Really interesting, read as to how belief systems can heavily influence paranormal beliefs. The book includes links to theories on measuring paranormal which is very helpful. Although it took a bit of research to understand the theories the author introduced which was needed in order to understand the rest of the book. Overall, an interesting read and we will be utilising its contents for the upcoming theory sesison
Sage College Publishing
