<p>PSYCHOLOGY IN ACTION: ANOMALISTIC PSYCHOLOGY What’s it about? Anomalistic psychology refers to experiences that do not fit in with conventional physical laws, for example, clairvoyance, telepathy, extra-sensory perception, and psychokinesis. These experiences cannot be explained by science and scientific principles and this area of study is known as parapsychology. In this chapter we will consider the theoretical and methodological issues in the study of anomalous behaviour as there is a great deal of controversy as to whether paranormal experiences really exist. We will consider the factors that underpin anomalous experience including biological, cognitive, and personality factors, the functions of paranormal beliefs and the role of self-deception, deception, superstition, and coincidence in paranormal experience. Finally, we will consider some fascinating examples of anomalous experience, including psychic healing, out-of-body/near death experience, and psychic mediumship. What’s in this unit? THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES IN THE STUDY OF ANOMALOUS EXPERIENCE (See A2 Level Psychology pp. 649–659)  Issues of pseudoscience and scientific fraud.  Controversies relating to Ganzfeld studies of ESP and studies of psychokinesis. FACTORS UNDERLYING ANOMALOUS EXPERIENCE (See A2 Level Psychology pp. 659–678)  Cognitive, personality, and biological factors underlying anomalous experience.  Functions of paranormal and related beliefs, including their cultural significance.  The psychology of deception and self-deception, superstition, and coincidence. BELIEF IN EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE (See A2 Level Psychology pp. 678–685)  Research into: psychic healing, out-of-body and near-death experience, psychic mediumship.</p>