BY:
CAROLINE WATT
Currently, the KPU (The Koestler Parapsychology Unit) has five research staff. Members of the public sometimes contact the KPU seeking help with unusual experiences (for example, feeling that they are being touched when no one is present) that they interpret as paranormal.
Dr Claudia Coelho is investigating whether such
experiences may represent early indicators of psychological distress. Additionally,
using discursive methods she is studying how parapsychologists
construct the concept of anomaly (Coelho, 2004).
construct the concept of anomaly (Coelho, 2004).
Dr. Peter Lamont is interested in the history and
psychology of magic and ostensibly psychic phenomena, beliefs about the
paranormal, psychic fraud and deception more generally, with a particular interest
in how people frame inexplicable events (Lamont, 2004, in press).
Dr. Fiona Steinkamp (part-time) has been
conducting postal and web studies of precognition
(Steinkamp, 2000, 2001). Dr Paul Stevens is studying human detection/interaction with weak magnetic fields at biologically relevant frequencies, as well as evaluating physical mechanisms underlying cases of extended communication (e.g. telepathy, sense of presence, micro-level
psychokinesis effects) (Stevens, 2000, 2001).
(Steinkamp, 2000, 2001). Dr Paul Stevens is studying human detection/interaction with weak magnetic fields at biologically relevant frequencies, as well as evaluating physical mechanisms underlying cases of extended communication (e.g. telepathy, sense of presence, micro-level
psychokinesis effects) (Stevens, 2000, 2001).
I am interested in experimenter effects in
parapsychology, and the psychology of paranormal belief and experience (Watt
& Ramakers, 2003; Wiseman & Watt, 2004).
Perhaps the greatest achievement of the Koestler
Unit so far has been its success in studying this controversial topic within a university
setting, in ‘seeding’ new units in other UK universities, and in enriching the academic
profile of our department.
In an article taking stock of his first 10 years as
Koestler Professor, Robert Morris discussed how he sought to develop what he
called an integrative parapsychology: ‘a systematic and responsible research programme
that would integrate this controversial area into the ongoing research
and teaching activities of the University community’ (Morris, 1995, p.24). Bob Morris has indeed achieved this goal.
and teaching activities of the University community’ (Morris, 1995, p.24). Bob Morris has indeed achieved this goal.
FURTHER READING
For a reader giving a broad overview of parapsychology and providing key references, see:Wiseman, R. & Watt, C. (Eds.) (2005). Parapsychology. International Library of Psychology Series (D. Canter, Editor-in-Chief). Aldershot: Ashgate. Introduction to parapsychology (4th edn). Jefferson, NC: McFarland.
For an introductory textbook on parapsychology
and anomalous experiences, see: Irwin, H.J. (2004).
References:
CAROLINE WATT, The
Psychologist Vol 19 No 7, July 2006, www.thepsychologist.org.uk
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