In 'Paranormality,' Richard Wiseman delves into the world of paranormal phenomena, providing a skeptical perspective by explaining the psychological tricks and cognitive biases that underlie such experiences. The book covers topics like ghost sightings, psychic abilities, and mind control, offering insights into human behavior and belief systems. Wiseman also includes activities to demonstrate how these phenomena can be replicated through natural means.
In 'Quirkology', Professor Richard Wiseman delves into the backwaters of human behavior, uncovering tell-tale signs of lying, the science behind speed-dating and personal ads, and what a person's sense of humor reveals about their mind. Wiseman's research involves secretive observations, unusual experiments in various settings, and even staging fake events in allegedly haunted buildings. The book presents a fun, clever, and unexpected picture of the human mind, drawing from thousands of research subjects worldwide.
In 'The Luck Factor,' Richard Wiseman presents the results of his extensive research on why some people are consistently lucky while others are not. The book is based on interviews and experiments involving over 1,000 people who self-identify as lucky or unlucky. Wiseman identifies four key principles that distinguish lucky people: they are skilled at creating and noticing chance opportunities, make decisions based on intuition, have positive expectations about the future, and adopt a resilient attitude that transforms bad luck into good. The book provides practical tips and scientific evidence to support the idea that luck is not random but can be influenced by one's behavior and mindset.
Rip It Up presents a radical approach to self-help, focusing on the 'As If' principle, which suggests that simple physical actions can instantly change how you think and feel. Drawing on scientific evidence, Richard Wiseman offers practical techniques for making significant life changes, such as losing weight or stopping smoking, by altering behavior rather than just thinking differently.
First published in 1936, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie is a timeless guide to improving interpersonal skills. The book is divided into four main sections: Six Ways to Make People Like You, Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking, and Nine Ways to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment. Carnegie's principles emphasize the importance of genuine interest in others, active listening, and avoiding criticism and argument. The book offers practical advice on how to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and influence others by aligning their self-interest with yours. It has been a cornerstone of personal development and business success for generations[2][3][5].
In 'How to Stop Worrying and Start Living', Dale Carnegie provides a set of practical formulas and techniques to help readers overcome their worry habits. The book, first published in 1948, has been updated and remains highly relevant today. It offers advice on how to eliminate business and financial worries, avoid fatigue, improve sleep, and cultivate a mental attitude that brings peace and happiness. Carnegie's approach includes rules such as living in 'day-tight compartments', accepting the worst-case scenario, and keeping busy to crowd out worry. The book is filled with inspiring examples and stories of people who have successfully applied these principles to achieve a more enjoyable and fulfilling life.
This week, Scott is joined by Dr. Richard Wiseman, a psychologist renowned for his work on magic, illusion, deception, luck, and self-development. As the UK's only Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, Dr. Wiseman has published over 100 academic papers and authored bestselling books such as The Luck Factor, Paranormality, Quirkology, and Rip It Up. Dr. Wiseman’s research bridges science and everyday life, offering insights into success, well-being, and the quirks of human perception. In this episode Scott and Dr. Wiseman explore the fascinating psychology behind magic, and his attempts to scientifically study what appears to be psychic phenomenon. We also discuss the secrets of self-transformation.
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The Psychology Podcast 
