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All In The Mind

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

  • Spooky science: what's behind a paranormal experience?

Spooky science: what's behind a paranormal experience?

Saturday 26th October 2024

Uncover the psychology behind ghost sightings with Professor Chris French. Are paranormal experiences real or just tricks of the mind?
30 minutes
Informative
Entertaining
Engaging
Eye-opening
Honest

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All In The Mind
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ABC Radio
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Ghosts or Brain Tricks? The Science Behind Paranormal Experiences

Episode Overview

  • Sleep paralysis can explain many ghost sightings.
  • Cultural context influences how we interpret paranormal experiences.
  • Cognitive biases often lead us to believe in the supernatural.
  • Cold reading techniques are commonly used by psychics.
  • Paranormal beliefs can sometimes offer psychological comfort.
If I made the same comment during a statistics lecture, people would think I was a bit crazy. It wouldn't make any sense at all. It's the context
Ever wondered why some people swear they've seen ghosts while others remain sceptical? This episode of 'All In The Mind' tackles the spooky subject of paranormal experiences with a scientific twist. Host Sana Khadar chats with Professor Chris French, an expert in anomalistic psychology, who has spent decades studying why our minds conjure up ghostly encounters. But here's the kicker—he's a sceptic!
French explains how sleep paralysis, cognitive biases, and cultural contexts can all trick us into believing we've had supernatural experiences. You'll also hear some hilarious and hair-raising personal anecdotes, like Khadar's own ghost-hunting escapade with her best friend. This episode doesn't just debunk myths; it dives into the psychological processes that make us see and believe in the paranormal. So, if you're curious about what really goes bump in the night, this episode is a must-listen.
It’s both entertaining and enlightening, giving you a fresh perspective on those eerie experiences that make your hair stand on end. Ready to find out what’s really going on in your brain when you think you’ve seen a ghost? Tune in and get spooked in the most scientific way possible!