Instant Genius The psychology of paranormal experiences
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Oct 2, 2025 
In this insightful discussion, psychologist and magician Richard Wiseman dives into the intriguing world of paranormal psychology. He explains how our brains might misinterpret the environment, leading us to feel eerie presences or see faces in everyday objects, a phenomenon known as pareidolia. Wiseman also covers the science behind ghostly sensations and night terrors, revealing cultural influences and evolutionary factors that shape our experiences. Plus, he sheds light on the mechanics of seances and the tricks behind mediumship. Get ready to rethink what spooks you!
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What Constitutes A Ghostly Experience
- Ghostly experiences often include a sense of presence, sudden temperature drops, creaks, or visual apparitions.
- These reports cluster in specific locations and can be studied scientifically to find environmental causes.
Environments Can Create Haunted Hotspots
- Paranormal reports cluster in specific spots of buildings where historical accounts point to strange experiences.
- Wiseman found drafts, hidden doors, darkness and other environmental factors often explain these clusters.
A Real-Life Creepy Airbnb Escape
- Jason recounts an isolated Airbnb that felt threatening and forced him to flee with his partner.
- He recognised the fear as irrational but could not explain its sudden intensity.
