Believing in magic : the psychology of superstition

著者

    • Vyse, Stuart A.

書誌事項

Believing in magic : the psychology of superstition

Stuart A. Vyse

Oxford University Press, 1997

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注記

Includes bibliographical references (p. [239]-250) and index

内容説明・目次

内容説明

We all live in a world of uncertainty - in some cases, the most critical events in our lives are completely unpredictable and utterly unexpected. Many people respond to this uncertainty with superstitious beliefs or actions- from carrying good luck charms to knocking on wood or crossing fingers. But even though our understanding or the natural world tells us that these signs and gestures cannot possibly affect the events at which they are directed, superstition is still extremely common, if not universal, among people of all occupations and every educational and income level. Why is superstitious behaviour so prevalent? How is this behaviour established and maintained? Is there a superstitious personality? These are just some of the questions addressed by Stuart Vyse in Believing in Magic. To answer these questions, Vyse examines current behavioural research and show us that every day superstitions are the natural result of several well-understood psychological processes. Written in a style that is both entertaining and informative, this book demonstrates how complex-even paradoxical-human behaviour can be understood through scientific investigation. It addresses the personality features associated with superstition and the roles of operant conditioning, reasoning errors, and social influence in the development of superstitious beliefs and actions. In addition, children;s superstitions and the relationship of superstition to psychopathology are discussed. Although superstition is a normal part of human behaviour, Vyse agrues that we must provide alternative methods of coping with life;s uncertainties by teaching decision analysis, promoting science education, and challenging students to critically evaluate the sources of their beliefs.

目次

1.: Believing in Magic. 2.: The Superstitious Person. 3.: Superstition and Coincidence. 4.: Superstitious Thinking. 5.: Growing-up Superstitious. 6.: Is Superstition Abnormal, Irrational, or Neither?. 7.: A Magical View of the World. References. Index

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詳細情報

  • NII書誌ID(NCID)
    BA3509147X
  • ISBN
    • 0195078829
  • LCCN
    96028082
  • 出版国コード
    us
  • タイトル言語コード
    eng
  • 本文言語コード
    eng
  • 出版地
    New York
  • ページ数/冊数
    xii, 257 p.
  • 大きさ
    24 cm
  • 分類
  • 件名
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