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Believing in Magic by Stuart A. Vyse
The Psychology of Superstition
Examines behavioral research and shows that everyday superstitions are the natural result of several well-understood psychological processes. This book demonstrates how complex, even paradoxical, human behavior can be understood through scientific investigation. It suggests to provide alternative methods of coping with life's uncertainties.Although we live in a technologically advanced society, superstition is as widespread as it has ever been. Far from limited to athletes and actors, superstitious beliefs are common among people of all occupations and every educational and income level. Here, Stuart Vyse investigates our proclivity towards these irrational beliefs. Superstitions, he writes, are the natural result of several well-understood psychological processes, including our human sensitivity to coincidence, a penchant for developing rituals to fill time (to battle nerves, impatience, or both), our efforts to cope with uncertainty, the need for control, and more. Vyse examines current behavioral research to demonstrate how complex and paradoxical human behavior can be understood through scientific investigation, while he addresses the personality features associated with superstition and the roles of superstitious beliefs in actions. Although superstition is a normal part of human culture, Vyse argues that we must provide alternative methods of coping with life's uncertainties by teaching decision analysis, promoting science education, and challenging ourselves to critically evaluate the sources of our beliefs. |
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| Author(s) : Stuart A. Vyse | Format : Paperback Book |
| ISBN-10 : 0195136349 | ISBN-13 : 9780195136340 |
| RRP : £11.99 | Best available price : £ / $ |
| Prices as of : BST check live prices | |
Product Details:
Country Publication : United States
Publication Date : 20/04/2000
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page Length : 272mm
Page Size : 216mm