Anomalistic psychology is a subfield of psychology that focuses on the study of extraordinary or anomalous experiences, beliefs, and phenomena that are often considered paranormal, supernatural, or unexplained. It seeks to apply scientific principles and methodologies to investigate and understand subjective experiences such as paranormal beliefs, psychic experiences, mystical experiences, and encounters with unidentified phenomena.

Key aspects of anomalistic psychology include:

1. Investigation of Anomalous Experiences: Anomalistic psychology examines a wide range of anomalous experiences reported by individuals, including extrasensory perception (ESP), telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, psychokinesis, near-death experiences (NDEs), out-of-body experiences (OBEs), and encounters with apparitions, ghosts, UFOs (unidentified flying objects), and cryptids (e.g., Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster). It seeks to understand the psychological and cultural factors that contribute to the occurrence and interpretation of these experiences.
2. Psychological Explanations: Anomalistic psychology applies psychological theories and frameworks to explain anomalous experiences in terms of cognitive, emotional, and perceptual processes. It investigates factors such as suggestibility, selective attention, memory distortion, cognitive biases, attributional processes, and the role of belief systems in shaping individuals’ interpretations of paranormal phenomena. It also considers psychological disorders, altered states of consciousness, and the effects of stress, trauma, and suggestibility on the occurrence and reporting of anomalous experiences.
3. Experimental Research: Anomalistic psychology conducts experimental research to test hypotheses and theories related to paranormal phenomena. It utilizes controlled laboratory experiments, field studies, and survey research to investigate claims of psychic abilities, paranormal experiences, and alleged supernatural phenomena under controlled conditions. It applies rigorous methodological standards to assess the reliability, validity, and replicability of paranormal claims, employing techniques such as double-blind procedures, randomization, and statistical analysis to evaluate the evidence for paranormal effects.
4. Skepticism and Critical Thinking: Anomalistic psychology promotes skepticism, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry in evaluating claims of paranormal phenomena. It encourages a balanced and evidence-based approach to investigating extraordinary claims, distinguishing between anecdotal evidence, subjective experiences, and empirical research findings. It emphasizes the importance of skepticism as a safeguard against pseudoscience, magical thinking, and belief in supernatural explanations unsupported by scientific evidence.
5. Public Education and Debunking: Anomalistic psychology educates the public about the psychological and scientific aspects of paranormal beliefs and experiences. It provides information and resources to help individuals critically evaluate claims of paranormal phenomena, recognize common cognitive biases and logical fallacies, and understand the limitations of subjective experiences as evidence for extraordinary claims. It engages in debunking myths and misconceptions about the paranormal, promoting scientific literacy and skepticism as essential tools for evaluating extraordinary claims in society.

Overall, anomalistic psychology aims to bridge the gap between science and belief by applying scientific methods and critical thinking to the study of paranormal experiences and phenomena. It seeks to demystify extraordinary claims, explore naturalistic explanations for anomalous experiences, and promote a rational and evidence-based approach to understanding the complexities of human perception, cognition, and belief in the face of the unknown.