Parapsychology: The Science of Unusual Experience (Hodder Arnold Publication)

This intriguing new book presents an exploration of the unconventional side of psychology: parapsychology. Assuming no prior knowledge of psychology, Roberts explores a wide array of unusual phenomena (dream telepathy, near death experiences, alien abductions, astrology, the placebo effect, and awareness during anesthesia and in comas), addressing the myths surrounding paranormal experience and placing them within the context of scientific study. Containing contributions from some of the leading figures in Europe on the paranormal, Parapsychology' challenges and provokes readers with an up-to-the-minute examination of some of the most puzzling phenomena in psychology. Unlike previous works, the current volume invites readers to step into the shoes of scientists (believers and sceptics alike) to see not only how they must approach the array of weird and wonderful events that demand their attention, but also the tools that they use to do their job. An range of intriguing topics is considered including; dream telepathy, near death experiences, alien abductions, belief in astrology, placebo effects and awareness during anaesthesia and in comas. In addition readers have the opportunity to engage in experiments with the authors. Exploring these and other areas, the book bridges the gap between traditional psychology and its so called fringe areas, providing accessible accounts of how science works on the border of its last frontier: the human mind. Parapsychology' is for readers from a variety of backgrounds; professionals in the field, students, lay readers and anyone who wants to understand what the paranormal can tell us about ourselves as we set out into 21st century. A variety of viewpoints are on offer, with the emphasis on the reader to make their own mind up. Prepared to be unsettled...

seeking To Bridge The Gap Between Traditional Psychology And Fringe Inquires Into The Human Mind, Roberts (psychiatry, King's College, London) And Groome (psychology, U. Of Westminster, London) Assemble A Dozen Papers By Uk Academics Addressing Myth And Method In Science (e.g. The Probability Of Coincidence, The Placebo Effect); Beliefs; And Unusual Experiences Including Dream Precognition, Meditation, Near-death Experiences, And Alien Abductions. The Book Includes Boxed Material On Issues And Experiments For Readers, And A Glossary With Some Definitions Adapted From Thalbourne (1982). Distributed In The Us By Oxford U. Press. Annotation C. Book News, Inc., Portland, Or

Science and experience / Ron Roberts Probability and coincidence / Anthony E. Esgate and David Groome The placebo effect / Christopher C. French The psychology of psychic fraud / Richard Wiseman Astrology / David Groome Unconscious awareness / Tony Towell Dreams / Antje Mueller and Ron Roberts Alien abductions / Christopher C. French Meditation / Stephen Benton Paranormal cognition / Caroline Watt Near-death experiences / Chris A. Roe Gateways to the mind : society and the paranormal / Ron Roberts. Challenges and provokes readers with an up-to-the-minute examination of some of the most puzzling phenomena in psychology. This volume invites readers to step into the shoes of scientists to see not only how they must approach the array of weird and wonderful events that demand their attention, but also the tools that they use to do their job. This text offers an introduction to the wild side and provides a psychological, scientific perspective on pop-psychological areas. The book emphasises evaluating concepts through assessment of the evidence which supports them