PSYCH 352 - Parapyschology & Pseudoscience

Credits: (3)
One of psychology’s functions is to explain human experience. This includes experiences which may seem unusual or inexplicable to the layperson. This course will deal with the way that psychologists deal with claims that do not fall within the boundaries of known science, areas that we call parapsychology or pseudoscience. We will examine the evidence for such claims, both pro and con, using the standards of the scientific method. We will especially attend to the psychological processes which often contribute to these claims. By the end of the semester you should be able to determine whether a specific claim is scientific or pseudoscientific, whether acceptable evidence has been provided for various claims that are made, know something about the psychological processes that may lead to various paranormal claims, and have some expertise in at least one or two areas of pseudoscience and/or the paranormal.