Effects of Social Influence and Persuasion on Paranormal Beliefs
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Authors
Vallee, Jenna M.
Issue Date
2009-02-20T13:42:09Z
Item Type
Article
Degree Name
Academic Department
Advisor
item.page.dc.subject.keywords
Keyword
social influence , persuasion , paranormal beliefs , Paranormal , education level , media
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Abstract
In the last decade scholars have unexpectedly found that beliefs in the paranormal were not significantly lower
in college students vs. the general population. This research has produced a lot of controversy and concern regarding the student's education level and reasoning skills. To investigate further, the current experiment analyzed the relationship between media and social influence and college students' beliefs concerning the paranormal. In contrast to previous research, no differences in beliefs were supported as a function of media or social influence. Potential reasons for the lack of significant results are discussed and proposals for future studies are offered.