Paranormal Beliefs, Uncertainty, Belief in Science, Reality Testing, Schizotypy, and Rationality-Experientiality

Cheetham, Jack (2019) Paranormal Beliefs, Uncertainty, Belief in Science, Reality Testing, Schizotypy, and Rationality-Experientiality. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess whether paranormal beliefs were correlated with, or predicted by, emotional response to uncertainty, belief in science, reality testing, schizotypy, and rationality-experientiality. The research utilised an opportunity sample of 153 individuals, who completed six self-report measures. It was hypothesised that belief in science would have significant negative correlations with, and be a significant predictor of, paranormal beliefs. Also, that rationality and experientiality would be significant predictors of paranormal beliefs. Finally, it was hypothesised that uncertainty would have significant positive correlations with paranormal beliefs. Analysis included Pearson correlations, along with ‘enter’ and ‘stepwise’ methods of multiple regression. Results showed that paranormal beliefs exhibited significant positive correlations with uncertainty, reality testing, and schizotypy. While, they were found to possess significant negative correlations with belief in science and rationality. Regression analysis indicated that belief in science and reality testing were significant predictors of belief in the paranormal. The ‘stepwise’ method of regression showed that reality testing explained the largest amount of variance. These results are debated in relation to relevant literature. Limitations, implications, and future directions are also considered.