Henley Café Sci: Weird science: An introduction to anomalistic psychology

Basingstoke Science Cafe enthusiasts are invited to the Henley Cafe Scientifique talk on “Weird science: An introduction to anomalistic psychology”.

Please try to avoid last minute bookings. It can cause lots of administration especially when we are full. Thank you

To attend, please email the Henley Café Sci organiser directly at:
[cafescihenley@gmail.com](mailto:cafescihenley@gmail.com)

SUMMARY
Opinion polls show the majority of the general public accepts that paranormal phenomena do occur. Such widespread experience of and belief in the paranormal can only mean one of two things. Either the paranormal is real, in which case this should be accepted by the wider scientific community which currently rejects such claims; or else belief in and experience of ostensibly paranormal phenomena can be fully explained in terms of psychological factors.

This presentation will provide an introduction to the sub-discipline of anomalistic psychology, which may be defined as the study of extraordinary phenomena of behaviour and experience, in an attempt to provide non-paranormal explanations in terms of known psychological and physical factors. This approach will be illustrated with examples relating to a range of ostensibly paranormal phenomena.

SPEAKER:
Chris French, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London. He retired from Goldsmiths in 2020.
Up until 2024, he was Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.

He has published over 200 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics within psychology. His main area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He writes for the Guardian and the Skeptic magazine. His most recent book is The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal (2024, MIT Press).
Patron of Humanists UK
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HOW TO BOOK
These events can be very popular and MUST be booked in advance.

To book your places(s) please email the Henley Café Sci organiser directly at **cafescihenley@gmail.com**. When he has confirmed your booking, please RSVP here so that we know you are coming and can look out for you.

The booking process remains as before
1. Café-Sci announce an event by sending members this announcement email
2. You respond by requesting a registration to attend live
3. If you subsequently find you are not able to attend, please advise as often there is a waitlist
4. You attend at the newly refurbished Henley Hockey Club, where a few members bring their own cushions
5. Avoid the Tesco Car Park, gates close at 9pm.
6. If we cancel, the notice will go those who registered

TIMING AND REFRESHMENTS
Please arrive from 7pm for a 7:30 start. Usual format is 45 min talk followed by 45 Q&A. Liquid refreshments are available at the bar.

Admission is free, but the organisers ask for a voluntary contribution from about £3.

DIRECTIONS:
If coming into Henley along the Reading Road turn right at the roundabout towards Tesco, then first left and left again into the hockey club car park. The entrance is near the far end.

Avoid the Tesco Car park, gates close at 9pm.