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E-book
Author Irwin, H. J. (Harvey J.)

Title The Psychology of paranormal belief : a researcher's handbook / Harvey J. Irwin ; foreword by Caroline Watt and Richard Wiseman
Published Hatfield (Hertfordshire, England) : University of Hertfordshire Press, 2009

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Description 1 online resource (viii, 213 pages)
Contents Foreword by Richard Wiseman and Caroline A. Watt Acknowledgements 1 Introduction 2 Sociocultural influences on paranormal belief 3 The psychometrics of paranormal belief 4 The social marginality hypothesis 5 The worldview hypothesis 6 The cognitive deficits hypothesis 7 The psychodynamic functions hypothesis 8 Theoretical integration: a causal model of belief in scientifically unaccepted phenomena References Appendices: Some historically significant measures of paranormal belief Author index Subject index
Summary 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
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 129-176) and indexes
Notes Print version record
Subject Parapsychology -- Psychological aspects
BODY, MIND & SPIRIT -- Parapsychology -- General.
Parapsychology -- Psychological aspects
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9781905313846
1905313845
9781907396380
1907396381