Cognitive Biases and Beliefs

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This chapter examines the cognitive biases that shape human decision-making, particularly regarding numbers and paranormal beliefs. It explores the interplay between skepticism and belief, highlighting how these biases influence perceptions of conspiracy theories and emotional investment in controversial discussions.

The psychologist Chris French has spent decades studying paranormal claims and mysterious experiences, from seemingly impossible coincidences to paintings that purportedly predict the future. In this episode from April 2024, Ian Sample sits down with French to explore why so many of us believe in what he terms ‘weird shit’, and what we can learn from understanding why we are drawn to mysterious and mystic phenomena. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod