Sociology and parapsychological experiences

Parapsychological phenomena, such as telepathy and extra sensory perception, have been experienced by many, studied by parapsychologists, and dismissed by sceptics. But what can sociology offer to our understanding of these and other related experiences? In this lecture, we examine the kinds of questions sociologists have asked in previous research on so called paranormal phenomena; so for example, we discuss studies that have explored the idea that paranormal experiences are more likely to be reported by people who share particular social or cultural characteristics. In the final part of the lecture, however, we consider how sociological perspectives on language and communication suggest new ways to think about parapsychological experiences.