Student Belief and Involvement in the Paranormal and Performance in Introductory Psychology
Authors:
- 1 December 1989
- journal article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Teaching of Psychology
- Vol. 16 (4) , 187-191
Abstract
Student belief and. involvement in 10 paranormal phenomena were assessed via questionnaire. Prevalence of belief was extensive, with over 99% of the sample expressing belief in at least one phenomenon. Personal involvement was less prevalent but substantial. Over 65% indicated personal involvement in at least one phenomenon. In addition, men who believed in ESP/psycho-kinesis and firewalking and women who felt they had personally experienced precognition during dreams had significantly lower course grades than their skeptical and uninvolved counterparts, even when the effect of SAT score was removed. In light of these findings, we discuss the introductory psychology instructor's role in combating unfounded beliefs and fostering critical thinking skills.Keywords
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