The psychology of paranormal belief : a researcher's handbook / Harvey J. Irwin.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Irwin, H. J. (Harvey J.)

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Parapsychology--Psychological aspects.

Parapsychology.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (225 p.)

Place of Publication:

Hertfordshire, England : University Of Hertfordshire Press, c2009.

Language Note:

English

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 comp

Contents:

Cover; Copyright; Contents; Foreword; Acknowledgments; Chapter 1: Introduction; Chapter 2: Sociocultural influences on paranormal belief; Chapter 3: The psychometrics of paranormal belief; Chapter 4: The social marginality hypothesis; Chapter 5: The worldview hypothesis; Chapter 6: The cognitive deficits hypothesis; Chapter 7: The psychodynamic functions hypothesis; Chapter 8: Theoretical integration: a causal model of belief in scientifically unaccepted phenomena; References; Appendices; Author Index; Subject Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Description based on online resource; title from title page (ebrary, viewed August 28, 2013).

ISBN:

1-905313-84-5

OCLC:

609852617