Parapsychology (VS1) (U02424)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PPL-4-PARAV1-PS

The course assumes that most students have had little or no previous exposure to research in parapsychology. Parapsychology is the scientific investigation of apparent new means of communication or influence between the organism and its environment. It includes the study of "psi" (extrasensory perception, precognition, and psychokinesis) and "pseudo-psi" (e.g. deception, self-deception, cognitive biases). The option introduces the history and terminology of experimental parapsychology; pros and cons of different research strategies; experimental procedures in extrasensory perception and psychokinesis research; methodological considerations for experimental design, for minimising error, leakage, artefact and fraud; questions of replication and meta-analysis; findings in extrasensory perception and psychokinesis research, focusing on ganzfeld, random number generator, and direct mental interaction with living systems research; the measurement and theories of belief in the paranormal; phenomenology of paranormal experiences; theories of psi; and methodological and metaphysical implications of parapsychology.

Entry Requirements

? This course is only available to part year visiting students.

? This course is a variant of the following course : U00602

? Pre-requisites : Degree major in Psychology and passes in psychology courses at least to the equivalent of junior honours level in Edinburgh. Prior agreement with the 4th Year Honours Course Organiser: Dr Martha Whiteman (EXT. 50 3317).

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Psychology, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Block 2 only

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
29/10/2007	11:10	13:00

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

- Understanding the methodological challenges faced by parapsychologists and how these may also apply to psychology.
- Having a detailed knowledge of two or more topics from the course.