The Science of Paranormal Belief - Chris French

What really drives our belief in the paranormal? Why do conspiracy theories and pseudoscience persist, even in the age of information?

In this eye-opening episode of Indian Genes, we dive deep into the world of anomalistic psychology with Professor Chris French, Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London. A leading expert in the psychology of paranormal beliefs, Chris has spent decades exploring what makes people believe in ghosts, UFOs, psychic powers, and other unexplained phenomena.

From false memories to sleep paralysis, from magical thinking to cognitive biases, Professor French breaks down the psychological mechanisms behind some of our most mysterious experiences. We also discuss how these beliefs relate to wider societal trends—like the rise in conspiracy theories and the danger of pseudoscience in public discourse.

Whether you're a skeptic, believer, or somewhere in between—this episode challenges you to question what you think you know.

Topics Covered:

• The psychology behind paranormal experiences
• UFO & UAP latest Sightings
• Why people believe in conspiracy theories
• Sleep paralysis & shadow figures
• False memories and how they form
• The role of cognitive biases in magical thinking
• The dangers of pseudoscience and poor scientific literacy

Book - The Science Of Weird Shit

Link https://amzn.in/d/8mZcHUJ

More on Professor Chris French:

• Fellow of the British Psychological Society & Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
• Patron of the British Humanist Association
• Author of Anomalistic Psychology: Exploring Paranormal Belief and Experience
• www.gold.ac.uk/apru

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