Intelligence and paranormal belief: Examining the role of context

Author(s): Foster, C. L., Stovin, G.

Journal/Book: J Parapsychol. 1998; 62: PO Box 6847, College Station, Durham, NC 27708. Parapsychology Press. 65-77.

Abstract: This paper examines the role of context in the relationship between belief in the paranormal and intellectual ability. It is argued that expressed paranormal belief is dependent upon the context in which it is measured and that such context effects may account for disparities in research findings of earlier investigators. Sixty participants were divided equally into three conditions. All participants completed the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices, Set 1, a short test used as an indicator of intellectual ability. Participants in one condition were presented with a pro-paranormal context statement that cast paranormal belief in a positive light. Participants in the second condition were presented with an anti-paranormal statement that cast paranormal belief in a negative light. Participants in the third condition acted as a control group and were therefore given no context statement. All participants then completed Tobacyk and Milford's (1983) Paranormal Belief Scale. It was predicted that paranormal belief scores would be highest in the pro-paranormal condition, and lowest in the anti-paranormal condition. This prediction was confirmed. It was further hypothesized that this context effect would be more apparent among participants of high intellectual ability, resulting in a spurious positive correlation between belief scores and intelligence scores in the pro-paranormal condition, and a spurious negative correlation in the and-paranormal condition. No correlation was expected in the control condition. This hypothesis was not confirmed. Significant negative correlations were obtained in both the pro- and anti-paranormal conditions. A nonsignificant negative correlation was obtained in the control condition. These results do not support the notion that reports of negative correlations between paranormal belief and intellectual ability are accounted for by context effects on paranormal belief scores. Implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.

Note: Article Smith MD, Liverpool John Moores Univ, Ctr Appl Psychol, 15-21 Webster St, Liverpool L3 2ET, Merseyside, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): CRITIQUE; SCALE

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