Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2025
09:26
Disruption of Frontal Lobe Neural Synchrony During Cognitive Control by Alcohol Intoxication
Published on: February 6, 2019
18.9K
Altered fronto-parietal alpha synchronization and coherence in paranormal believers.
Abdolvahed Narmashiri1, Kiomars Sharifi2, Reza Khosrowabadi3
1School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran.
Neuroimage. Reports
|June 26, 2025
Summary
Paranormal belief is linked to distinct brain activity. Researchers found increased alpha band activity and synchronization in the fronto-parietal network of believers compared to skeptics, suggesting a neural basis for these beliefs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Emerging research indicates a correlation between paranormal beliefs and specific neural activity patterns.
- The precise neural mechanisms underpinning paranormal beliefs are not yet fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural mechanisms associated with paranormal beliefs.
- To compare brain activity, specifically connectivity and alpha band activity, between paranormal believers and skeptics.
Main Methods:
- Electroencephalography (EEG) resting state data were collected from participants.
- Analysis focused on comparing brain connectivity and alpha band activity within the fronto-parietal network.
Main Results:
- Paranormal believers exhibited increased alpha band activity compared to skeptics.
- Enhanced fronto-parietal alpha synchronization and coherence were observed in believers.
Conclusions:
- Heightened alpha activity may be associated with cognitive or perceptual tendencies linked to paranormal beliefs.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate the exact role of alpha synchronization in decision-making and perception.
