School Of PsychologyThe Psychology of Superstitious Belief and Paranormal ExperiencesWestern Sydney University Unit Code: 100021.2
Discipline: BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE NOT ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED
Student Contribution Band: 1
Level: 3
Credit Points: 10
Assumed Knowledge
Topics introduced in 100020 - Social and Developmental Psychology, 100022 - Biological Psychology and Perceptual Processes, and 100016 - Human Learning and Cognition are reintroduced and applied to the content of the unit. Familiarity with these topics is desirable.
Prerequisite
101184 Psychology: Human Behaviour AND 101183 Psychology: Behavioural Science
Unit Enrolment Restrictions
Pre-requisites will not apply to students enrolled in courses 1630 Graduate Diploma in Psychological Studies and 1501 Graduate Diploma in Psychology. Enrolment in these awards requires graduate status; hence the students have demonstrated proficiency in tertiary studies. Each applicant in these awards is assessed individually and provided with an individual study sequence by the Course Advisor.
About this Unit
The unit introduces and defines the concepts of superstition and the paranormal, which remain strong themes in modern society. The development and manifestations of superstitious and paranormal belief are examined with reference to learning, cognitive and personality factors. In addition, putative reasons for the experience of seemingly irrational and bizarre events (e.g., ghost and UFO visitations) are examined with particular reference to neuropsychological variations within the population.
Specialisations