Parapsychology is defined as ‘the scientific study of the capacity attributed to some individuals to interact with their environment by means other than the recognised sensorimotor channels’. Research at the KPU examines the following main areas:
ESP and PK
This work examines the possible existence of extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis (PK), including investigations into the ‘ganzfeld’ procedure, dream precognition, and meta-analytic reviews of the experimental literature. Find out more.
loren ipsum
Beliefs and Experiences
Around 50% of the population believe in paranormal phenomena, and about half of these report paranormal experiences. KPU research investigates the psychology behind these beliefs and experiences, including precognitive dreaming, out-of-body experiences, and hauntings. Find out more.
Deception
Many people claiming psychic and mediumistic ability have been shown to have been fraudulent. KPU research explores the psychology involved in conjuring, deception, and eyewitness testimony. Find out more.
loren ipsum
Historical and Conceptual Issues
This work examines how the phenomena associated with parapsychology and its predecessors (mesmerism, spiritualism, and psychical research) have been reported and investigated in the context of wider debates about science and society. Find out more.
loren ipsum
Study Registry
The KPU study registry provides a public repository for planned ESP and PK studies. Study registration enhances the methodological quality of research. The KPU registry provides a rare instance of fully public study registration within psychology. Find out more.
koestlerunit.wordpress.com 