Psychology – Intriguing Phenomena of the Mind
December 13, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
John W. Martin asked:
Psychology – Intriguing Phenomena of the Mind
http://www.yallways.com
Strictly defined, psychology is the study of mental processes and behaviors. Psychologists study everything from interpersonal relationships to unconscious habits of the mind. They also attempt to relate behaviors and thoughts to neurological processes. While most professionals in this field work within the realm of mainstream science, some have adopted a focus on “paranormal psychology,” commonly referred to as parapsychology.
Parapsychology first developed as a field in the 19th century. In 1882, the Society for Psychical Research was founded in London to promote the critical evaluation of paranormal psychic phenomena. Three years later, psychologists in the United States created the American Society for Psychical Research. Both organizations still exist today and continue to conduct prominent research. They are now joined by other interested institutions, like the Parapsychological Association, and sections of major universities.
Parapsychology focuses on several key phenomena. One of the most heavily studied is extrasensory perception (ESP). ESP refers to the ability to garner information without using any of the known physical senses. This can include precognition, telepathy, and clairvoyance. A key method of ESP study has involved sensory-deprivation. When unable to use other sense, subjects are able to test supposed ESP abilities. Results from these so-called “ganzfeld experiments” seem to prove the existence of some ESP phenomena. However, such findings have not been confirmed by the general scientific community.
Some parapsychologists specifically focus on the survival of consciousness beyond the death of a person’s physical body. Most research in this area involves exploration of near-death experiences. These refer to instances where a person has come close to death or been revived after cited as medically deceased. In many such cases, subjects describe an “out of body experience” in which he or she was able to observe the situation from outside their physical self. Other subjects have reported communicating with deceased loved ones or spiritual figures. Today, this phenomenon is widely studied in universities, such as at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and by the International Association for Near-Death Studies.
A more obscure segment of parapsychology is the study of psychokinesis, or the ability of the mind to influence physical matter. Although claims in this area are numerous, scientific study of such phenomena is difficult. One popular method of studying this phenomenon involves using computers as random number generators. A subject is then asked to try and influence the outcome of the device. Some results from these experiments seem to show that a person can influence a random event. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to determine whether data is accurate or simply the result of chance success.
Despite some empirical findings, most scientists still consider parapsychology to be a pseudoscience. They do not support supposed experimental findings, and continue to debate the credibility of parapsychologists. However, this has not deterred researchers, and parapsychology continues to be studied by scholars around the world. Some projects have even received government funding and media support. However, more experimental findings are necessary before even a single parapsychology claim can be verified.
Psychology – Intriguing Phenomena of the Mind
http://www.yallways.com
Strictly defined, psychology is the study of mental processes and behaviors. Psychologists study everything from interpersonal relationships to unconscious habits of the mind. They also attempt to relate behaviors and thoughts to neurological processes. While most professionals in this field work within the realm of mainstream science, some have adopted a focus on “paranormal psychology,” commonly referred to as parapsychology.
Parapsychology first developed as a field in the 19th century. In 1882, the Society for Psychical Research was founded in London to promote the critical evaluation of paranormal psychic phenomena. Three years later, psychologists in the United States created the American Society for Psychical Research. Both organizations still exist today and continue to conduct prominent research. They are now joined by other interested institutions, like the Parapsychological Association, and sections of major universities.
Parapsychology focuses on several key phenomena. One of the most heavily studied is extrasensory perception (ESP). ESP refers to the ability to garner information without using any of the known physical senses. This can include precognition, telepathy, and clairvoyance. A key method of ESP study has involved sensory-deprivation. When unable to use other sense, subjects are able to test supposed ESP abilities. Results from these so-called “ganzfeld experiments” seem to prove the existence of some ESP phenomena. However, such findings have not been confirmed by the general scientific community.
Some parapsychologists specifically focus on the survival of consciousness beyond the death of a person’s physical body. Most research in this area involves exploration of near-death experiences. These refer to instances where a person has come close to death or been revived after cited as medically deceased. In many such cases, subjects describe an “out of body experience” in which he or she was able to observe the situation from outside their physical self. Other subjects have reported communicating with deceased loved ones or spiritual figures. Today, this phenomenon is widely studied in universities, such as at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and by the International Association for Near-Death Studies.
A more obscure segment of parapsychology is the study of psychokinesis, or the ability of the mind to influence physical matter. Although claims in this area are numerous, scientific study of such phenomena is difficult. One popular method of studying this phenomenon involves using computers as random number generators. A subject is then asked to try and influence the outcome of the device. Some results from these experiments seem to show that a person can influence a random event. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to determine whether data is accurate or simply the result of chance success.
Despite some empirical findings, most scientists still consider parapsychology to be a pseudoscience. They do not support supposed experimental findings, and continue to debate the credibility of parapsychologists. However, this has not deterred researchers, and parapsychology continues to be studied by scholars around the world. Some projects have even received government funding and media support. However, more experimental findings are necessary before even a single parapsychology claim can be verified.
The Paranormal – Outside the Realm of Science
May 31, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
John W. Martin asked:
The Paranormal – Outside the Realm of Science
http://www.yallways.com
The term “paranormal” is exceptionally broad. It can refer to any number of intriguing concepts or phenomena that are beyond what mainstream science can explain. Topics range from psychic phenomena to bizarre animals to UFO sightings and beyond. The definition is so far-reaching that most experts must focus on a specific subtopic of the paranormal in order to conduct substantial research. Thus, several fields of study, including crytozoology, parapsychology, and ufology, all fall under the heading of the paranormal.
Paranormal occurrences can be classified into many different categories. Of these many subtopics, phenomena related to death receive some of the greatest attention. This category includes unexplained occurrences involving supposed ghosts, spirits, and demons. For example, there are events relating to communications beyond the grave via Ouija boards, séances, and psychic processes. There are also more shocking paranormal phenomena involving ghost sightings and possession.
Another popular category within the umbrella of the paranormal is extraterrestrial-related phenomena. This includes UFO sightings, supposed abductions, and unexplained radio events. Often, UFO and ghost-related events can be linked to a third paranormal archetype; mysterious places. Numerous locations on Earth have been cited as possessing paranormal qualities related to unexplained events or constructions in the area. These places are also sometimes linked to cryptozoology, another category of the paranormal dealing with mysterious creatures, and ancient historical mysteries.
Still other paranormal events relate to people who claim they can channel paranormal phenomena through magic, witchcraft, and psychic powers. Research of these events has led to the field of parapsychology. Parapsychologists use an experimental approach to find statistically valid reasons for supposed “extra-sensory perception.” With the creation of several organizations devoted to this study, parapsychology has become more common. It has even been accepted by such renowned groups as the Stanford Research Institute and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Most paranormal phenomena are relegated to the realm of folklore and urban legends. However, scientific research into paranormal topics has been on the rise in recent decades. Unfortunately, it is difficult to collect information regarding paranormal events. Most researchers are forced to rely on anecdotal accounts from supposed eyewitnesses. Without firm, empirical evidence, many scholars have rejected all theories surrounding the paranormal. However, other scientists see the lack of evidence as adding to the challenge of the paranormal. Thus, they have dedicated their careers to uncovering credible data. This has led to experiments and observations made with advanced equipment and proper utilization of the scientific method.
Paranormal phenomena challenge conventional science. This naturally leads to numerous skeptics and critics. Despite those that seek to debunk all paranormal events, studies have shown that most people do believe in some form of paranormal phenomena. In fact, a 2005 Gallup Poll showed that 73 percent of Americans believe in some form of paranormal activity. This shows that interest in the unexplained is far from fading, and studies related to the paranormal are likely to continue until answers are found.
The Paranormal – Outside the Realm of Science
http://www.yallways.com
The term “paranormal” is exceptionally broad. It can refer to any number of intriguing concepts or phenomena that are beyond what mainstream science can explain. Topics range from psychic phenomena to bizarre animals to UFO sightings and beyond. The definition is so far-reaching that most experts must focus on a specific subtopic of the paranormal in order to conduct substantial research. Thus, several fields of study, including crytozoology, parapsychology, and ufology, all fall under the heading of the paranormal.
Paranormal occurrences can be classified into many different categories. Of these many subtopics, phenomena related to death receive some of the greatest attention. This category includes unexplained occurrences involving supposed ghosts, spirits, and demons. For example, there are events relating to communications beyond the grave via Ouija boards, séances, and psychic processes. There are also more shocking paranormal phenomena involving ghost sightings and possession.
Another popular category within the umbrella of the paranormal is extraterrestrial-related phenomena. This includes UFO sightings, supposed abductions, and unexplained radio events. Often, UFO and ghost-related events can be linked to a third paranormal archetype; mysterious places. Numerous locations on Earth have been cited as possessing paranormal qualities related to unexplained events or constructions in the area. These places are also sometimes linked to cryptozoology, another category of the paranormal dealing with mysterious creatures, and ancient historical mysteries.
Still other paranormal events relate to people who claim they can channel paranormal phenomena through magic, witchcraft, and psychic powers. Research of these events has led to the field of parapsychology. Parapsychologists use an experimental approach to find statistically valid reasons for supposed “extra-sensory perception.” With the creation of several organizations devoted to this study, parapsychology has become more common. It has even been accepted by such renowned groups as the Stanford Research Institute and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Most paranormal phenomena are relegated to the realm of folklore and urban legends. However, scientific research into paranormal topics has been on the rise in recent decades. Unfortunately, it is difficult to collect information regarding paranormal events. Most researchers are forced to rely on anecdotal accounts from supposed eyewitnesses. Without firm, empirical evidence, many scholars have rejected all theories surrounding the paranormal. However, other scientists see the lack of evidence as adding to the challenge of the paranormal. Thus, they have dedicated their careers to uncovering credible data. This has led to experiments and observations made with advanced equipment and proper utilization of the scientific method.
Paranormal phenomena challenge conventional science. This naturally leads to numerous skeptics and critics. Despite those that seek to debunk all paranormal events, studies have shown that most people do believe in some form of paranormal phenomena. In fact, a 2005 Gallup Poll showed that 73 percent of Americans believe in some form of paranormal activity. This shows that interest in the unexplained is far from fading, and studies related to the paranormal are likely to continue until answers are found.
