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.
I Used my EVP Machine!
December 10, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
Bobby Elgee asked:
by Bobby Elgee; Sights Unseen Paranormal
Today, I used my EVP machine and it recorded a ghost’s voice. I also utilized my Ghost Image Capture Device to take a picture of a ghost. Another investigator used an Electric Detector that picks up spirit energy. I also used my Indoor Battery-Powered Illuminator–fancily called ‘a torch’ by our friends across the pond–to light up some ghosts in a dark room. We also used an interesting invention, a Television Spirit Capture Device, which records video of dead people. Finally, we analyzed all this research data on a computer that is specifically set up with programs–like Photoshop and Itunes–that help to find ghosts.
Does the above paragraph sound as asinine and ignorant to you as it does to me? Interestingly enough, there are ghost hunting teams that use language similar to what I’ve typed above. To me, reading a paragraph like this makes a couple of things painfully obvious:
1. The person writing it has absolutely no technical expertise whatsoever.
2. They aren’t even coming close to practicing debunking. For people like this, everything is a ghost.
Sorry, for venting…the moral to this story is KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT. I have a lot to learn, that’s why I do research, read my owner’s manuals, and depend on experts and consultants to help me research potential evidence.
None of the technology used in ghost hunting was originally designed to find ghosts. Be accurate in your description of the equipment you use. Know what it was originally designed for, and the theory behind using it to detect possibly paranormal events.
Otherwise, you risk looking like a fool. Not sure about you, but I’m enough of a goof ball as it is, so I like to cover all my bases.
Now, you’ll have to excuse me because my Electoplasma Initiator/Personal Massager is ringing.
by Bobby Elgee; Sights Unseen Paranormal
Today, I used my EVP machine and it recorded a ghost’s voice. I also utilized my Ghost Image Capture Device to take a picture of a ghost. Another investigator used an Electric Detector that picks up spirit energy. I also used my Indoor Battery-Powered Illuminator–fancily called ‘a torch’ by our friends across the pond–to light up some ghosts in a dark room. We also used an interesting invention, a Television Spirit Capture Device, which records video of dead people. Finally, we analyzed all this research data on a computer that is specifically set up with programs–like Photoshop and Itunes–that help to find ghosts.
Does the above paragraph sound as asinine and ignorant to you as it does to me? Interestingly enough, there are ghost hunting teams that use language similar to what I’ve typed above. To me, reading a paragraph like this makes a couple of things painfully obvious:
1. The person writing it has absolutely no technical expertise whatsoever.
2. They aren’t even coming close to practicing debunking. For people like this, everything is a ghost.
Sorry, for venting…the moral to this story is KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT. I have a lot to learn, that’s why I do research, read my owner’s manuals, and depend on experts and consultants to help me research potential evidence.
None of the technology used in ghost hunting was originally designed to find ghosts. Be accurate in your description of the equipment you use. Know what it was originally designed for, and the theory behind using it to detect possibly paranormal events.
Otherwise, you risk looking like a fool. Not sure about you, but I’m enough of a goof ball as it is, so I like to cover all my bases.
Now, you’ll have to excuse me because my Electoplasma Initiator/Personal Massager is ringing.
Paranormal Books – Reading Targeted at the Unexplained
December 4, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
John W. Martin asked:
Paranormal Books – Reading Targeted at the Unexplained
http://www.yallways.com
Paranormal phenomena have fascinated generations of researchers and prompted countless of authors to explore the unexplained. From the earliest compilations of anecdotes to modern treatises on the paranormal, there exists an almost endless array of literature related to this field of interest. The collection of texts related to paranormal phenomena continues to grow and earn new readership from those intrigued by the paranormal.
Most paranormal books fall into the non-fiction genre. Those seeking a general overview of the entire paranormal spectrum, several organizations have put together paranormal encyclopedias. Readers with a specific area of interest can also delve deeper into an area of the paranormal with more focused texts. For example, Cryptozoology A-Z is an encyclopedia devoted entirely to mysterious creatures around the world. Other paranormal books attempt to serve as “how-to” guides for experiencing some exceptional phenomena. For example, some authors claim they can teach a reader to harness psychic powers or communicate with the dead. There’s even a collection of guides dealing with ghost hunting using modern technology.
Among the numerous authors of these works, a few stand out for their historical contributions to paranormal books. Perhaps the first modern writer of note was Charles Fort, whose early twentieth century research focused on anecdotal data. Fort spent more than thirty years developing hypotheses regarding paranormal activities. These were eventually published in four books: The Book of the Damned, New Lands, Lo!, and Wild Talents. Each text deals with multiple topics within the realm of the paranormal and expresses Fort’s unique theories. Fort was followed by other noted authors who composed texts with a more specific focus. For example, in the mid-twentieth century Barnard Heuvelmans became an expert on cryptozoology and published more than a dozen works on the topic.
Today, several top authors continue to contribute paranormal books to our literary collection. Most writers choose a specific field of the paranormal for their publications. For example, noted author Dr. Robert Moody focuses on life after death and near-death experiences. His most recent work, Life After Life, has sold more than twelve million copies. Fictional authors have also gained praise from paranormal enthusiasts. Titles relating to alternate histories and future developments are especially popular, and authors like George Orwell, Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C. Clark have developed strong followings for their work in this genre. Despite successes, work in this area continues to be controversial. For example, famed UFO author Grant Cameron was recently barred from lecturing in the United States and has had difficulty gaining access to presidential archives. His research currently focuses on the White House’s involvement in UFO phenomena.
Paranormal books have become so popular that some publishers now focus entirely on this genre. For example, Paraview Pocket Books works with notable publisher Simon & Schuster to market non-fiction paranormal texts to the public. They also develop paranormal-related television and film productions. Similarly, the International Society for Paranormal Research works with authors to publish paranormal-themed books. In fact, their title ISPR Investigates the Ghosts of New Orleans recently became a best-seller in Europe.
Within the vast spectrum of paranormal books, there is sure to be something for every interest level. However, within this genre there is a fine line between fiction and non-fiction. Thankfully, more and more authors are publishing findings based on empirical research and credible anecdotes. Each year, hundreds of new paranormal books are published, and this number is likely to grow as readership interest increases.
Paranormal Books – Reading Targeted at the Unexplained
http://www.yallways.com
Paranormal phenomena have fascinated generations of researchers and prompted countless of authors to explore the unexplained. From the earliest compilations of anecdotes to modern treatises on the paranormal, there exists an almost endless array of literature related to this field of interest. The collection of texts related to paranormal phenomena continues to grow and earn new readership from those intrigued by the paranormal.
Most paranormal books fall into the non-fiction genre. Those seeking a general overview of the entire paranormal spectrum, several organizations have put together paranormal encyclopedias. Readers with a specific area of interest can also delve deeper into an area of the paranormal with more focused texts. For example, Cryptozoology A-Z is an encyclopedia devoted entirely to mysterious creatures around the world. Other paranormal books attempt to serve as “how-to” guides for experiencing some exceptional phenomena. For example, some authors claim they can teach a reader to harness psychic powers or communicate with the dead. There’s even a collection of guides dealing with ghost hunting using modern technology.
Among the numerous authors of these works, a few stand out for their historical contributions to paranormal books. Perhaps the first modern writer of note was Charles Fort, whose early twentieth century research focused on anecdotal data. Fort spent more than thirty years developing hypotheses regarding paranormal activities. These were eventually published in four books: The Book of the Damned, New Lands, Lo!, and Wild Talents. Each text deals with multiple topics within the realm of the paranormal and expresses Fort’s unique theories. Fort was followed by other noted authors who composed texts with a more specific focus. For example, in the mid-twentieth century Barnard Heuvelmans became an expert on cryptozoology and published more than a dozen works on the topic.
Today, several top authors continue to contribute paranormal books to our literary collection. Most writers choose a specific field of the paranormal for their publications. For example, noted author Dr. Robert Moody focuses on life after death and near-death experiences. His most recent work, Life After Life, has sold more than twelve million copies. Fictional authors have also gained praise from paranormal enthusiasts. Titles relating to alternate histories and future developments are especially popular, and authors like George Orwell, Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C. Clark have developed strong followings for their work in this genre. Despite successes, work in this area continues to be controversial. For example, famed UFO author Grant Cameron was recently barred from lecturing in the United States and has had difficulty gaining access to presidential archives. His research currently focuses on the White House’s involvement in UFO phenomena.
Paranormal books have become so popular that some publishers now focus entirely on this genre. For example, Paraview Pocket Books works with notable publisher Simon & Schuster to market non-fiction paranormal texts to the public. They also develop paranormal-related television and film productions. Similarly, the International Society for Paranormal Research works with authors to publish paranormal-themed books. In fact, their title ISPR Investigates the Ghosts of New Orleans recently became a best-seller in Europe.
Within the vast spectrum of paranormal books, there is sure to be something for every interest level. However, within this genre there is a fine line between fiction and non-fiction. Thankfully, more and more authors are publishing findings based on empirical research and credible anecdotes. Each year, hundreds of new paranormal books are published, and this number is likely to grow as readership interest increases.
