PSS3719 - Parapsychology

Leader: Dr Barry Richardson

Offered

Not offered in 2007

Synopsis

This unit is concerned with psychological phenomena that are "beyond the normal" or not readily explained according to scientific principles. Areas of interest include extrasensory perception, exotic senses, telepathy, precognition, clairvoyance, astrology, graphology, and deja-vu experiences. Methods of gathering and evaluating evidence of parapsychological phenomena will be examined and the roles of belief, illusion, and placebo effects will be discussed.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of normal sensory and perceptual processes;
2. display an appreciation of the role of belief and expectation in human cognitive and perceptual processes;
3. evaluate a range of testing procedures used within and outside the laboratory
4. critically examine relevant literature from a variety of sources

Assessment

Essay (1500 words): 30%
Laboratory report (1000 words): 30%
Examination (2 hours): 40%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour laboratory) per week

Prerequisites

48 points of study in any discipline including SCY2817 or COG1112 or equivalent

Prohibitions

BHS3719