From the publisher’s website: From the ancient world to the present day, anomalous experiences - such as apparitions, premonitions, out-of-body and near-death experiences - provide stories that continue to mystify and intrigue. In this lively introduction, the authors investigate what these stories signify, and why some people turn to the paranormal for explanation. From defining anomalous experiences to examining the psychological models and methods that have been used to explain them, this text will help open up these strange tales to analysis. Whatever your level of study, this introduction will guide you through the key areas of this fascinating subject.
Contents:
Introduction & Overview
Cognitive Explanations
Personality and Individual Difference Explanations
Explanations for Superstitious Beliefs and Behaviour
Pseudoscience and the scientific status of parapsychology
Methodological issues related to the study of psi
Apparitions
Out-of-body experiences and near-death experiences
Mental Mediumship
Concluding comments