Abstract

Examined the role of context in the relationship between belief in the paranormal and intellectual ability. 60 Ss (aged 18-37 yrs) were divided equally into 3 conditions. All Ss completed the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices, Set 1, a short test used as an indicator of intellectual ability. Ss in 1 condition were presented with a pro-paranormal context statement that cast paranormal belief in a positive light. Ss in the 2nd condition were presented with an anti-paranormal statement that cast paranormal belief in a negative light. Ss in the 3rd condition were given no context statement. Ss then completed the 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 Ss 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 anti-paranormal condition. This hypothesis was not confirmed.