Abstract
Many Americans believe in paranormal phenomena despite a lack of credible evidence. The acceptance of systems such as astrology and numerology can leave people vulnerable to financial and emotional exploitation. This study explores personality variables associated with the acceptance of personal information generated by a scientific or astrological system. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a positive or negative personal statement, generated from either a scientific or an astrological source. The following hypotheses were tested: positive statements would be accepted more than negative statements, participants who exhibit subclinical narcissism will more strongly reject negative statements and will more strongly accept positive statements, participants searching for a purpose in life will be more accepting of astrological statements, and individuals who score high on sensation seeking will be more likely to accept any of the statements regardless of their source. The results of this study should shed insight into a pattern of irrational thinking and may educate people on how to avoid common fallacies.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Jason Piccone, Dr. Glenn Scheyd
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-12-2013 1:00 PM
End Date
4-12-2013 5:30 PM
Belief in Paranormal Prophecies: Motivated by Narcissism, the Need for Meaning, or Self-focused Sensation Seeking
Alvin Sherman Library
Many Americans believe in paranormal phenomena despite a lack of credible evidence. The acceptance of systems such as astrology and numerology can leave people vulnerable to financial and emotional exploitation. This study explores personality variables associated with the acceptance of personal information generated by a scientific or astrological system. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a positive or negative personal statement, generated from either a scientific or an astrological source. The following hypotheses were tested: positive statements would be accepted more than negative statements, participants who exhibit subclinical narcissism will more strongly reject negative statements and will more strongly accept positive statements, participants searching for a purpose in life will be more accepting of astrological statements, and individuals who score high on sensation seeking will be more likely to accept any of the statements regardless of their source. The results of this study should shed insight into a pattern of irrational thinking and may educate people on how to avoid common fallacies.
