v to learn how coincidence and probability judgements influence perceptions of anomalous experience
DESCRIPTION
When two unrelated events correspond. There is no obvious relationship between the two But… a belief forms, creating a cognitive bias, that one causes the other.TRANSCRIPT
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v
To learn how coincidence and probability judgements influence perceptions of anomalous
experience.
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• When two unrelated events correspond.
• There is no obvious relationship between the two
• But… a belief forms, creating a cognitive bias, that one causes the other.
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Coincidences can lead to superstitious beliefs-
Bjorn Borg would not shave when he had started a winning streak in a tennis tournament. He had won once when hehadn't shaved andthese 2 phenomenawere linked in his mind.This is called the psychology of contiguity.
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The Research: CoincidenceZusne & Jones (1989):Ever though about someone 5 mins before you learn of their death?
Spooky?Not really. In a country the size of USA, 3000 people would
experience this by chance alone.
So… what seems to be a paranormal coincidence can be explained by chance.
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The Research: CoincidenceFalk (1982; 1989):Extraordinary coincidences are singled out when they occur and given a significant status. This suggests a bias in cognitive processing.Peter Kay - Connie's Funeral - YouTubeFurthermore, unlikely coincidences are considered more significant when they happen to us- egocentric bias.
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However…. The flipside:• Is there even such a thing as
coincidence?
Chopra (2003): All events can be related to unseen or prior causes/associations.
This view is becoming accepted by scientists.
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Something else to think about:
Calculations of coincidences depend on memories- track must be kept of previous occurrences etc.
Memory: • Subject to error• False memories?• Biased?• Wishful thinking?• Suggestion?
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Many people misjudge the probability of unrelated events occurring and think it’s paranormal.
E.g. Thinking about a person and then they ring you
Part of a dream coming true.
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Probability Judgements: The Research
Langer & Roth (1975):Early success at a task (E.g. picking lotto
numbers) enhanced an illusion of control. Ps believe skill was involved and are biased in success recall- contributes to a belief in ESP.
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Paulus (1988):
Believers more likely to consider dreams as predictive- based on a dream event and future
occurrence.
Shows poor estimation of probabilities leads to paranormal beliefs.
Probability Judgements: The Research
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However….
• Although many studies find a difference in probability estimation between believers and non-believers, not all do.
• Suggests that this area not fully understood.
• Could be because methodology is flawed
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However…
• Research doesn’t identify where cognitive factors come from. Innate or learned?
Banziger (1983):
Ps who were sceptics on parapsychology course became more sceptical in their thinking.
Therefore, cognitive styles are altered by experience, leading to a change in probability judgements.