Recent research suggests that paranormal beliefs and delusional beliefs may have similar cognitive foundations. In order toexplore this link further a survey was conducted to investigate the relationship between paranormal beliefs and cognitive dysfunctions known to be associated with the development of clinically defined delusions. A convenience sample of 207 people completed an online inventory of questionnaires measuring paranormal beliefs, inferential confusion, confirmation bias, and metacognitive beliefs. Both dimensions of paranormal belief surveyed here were found to be predicted by these cognitive factors. The construction of paranormal beliefs as delusions is critically discussed.
Paranormal beliefs and cognitive processes underlying the formation of delusions
