Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
07:34
Perceptual and Category Processing of the Uncanny Valley Hypothesis' Dimension of Human Likeness: Some Methodological Issues
Published on: June 3, 2013
Close encounters: an examination of UFO experiences
N P Spanos1, P A Cross, K Dickson
1Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Individuals reporting UFO experiences showed no increased psychopathology or lower intelligence. However, they exhibited stronger beliefs in space alien visitation and a correlation between experience intensity and fantasy proneness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Parapsychology
- Sociology
Background:
- UFO experiences range from visual phenomena to alleged alien encounters.
- Previous research has explored psychological correlates of UFO beliefs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological profiles of individuals reporting UFO experiences.
- To compare individuals with intense versus non-intense UFO experiences.
- To examine the relationship between UFO experience intensity and psychological traits.
Main Methods:
- Categorized participants into non-intense (e.g., sky lights) and intense (e.g., alien communication, missing time) UFO experience groups.
- Administered objective psychological tests to UFO groups and comparison groups (community, student).
- Assessed belief in space alien visitation, fantasy proneness, and unusual sensory experiences.
Main Results:
- UFO groups did not differ from comparison groups in psychopathology, intelligence, fantasy proneness, or hypnotizability.
- Individuals reporting UFO experiences showed stronger beliefs in space alien visitation.
- Intense UFO experiences were more frequently sleep-related compared to non-intense experiences.
- Experience intensity correlated with fantasy proneness and unusual sensory experiences.
Conclusions:
- UFO experiences are not indicative of underlying psychopathology or cognitive deficits.
- Belief in space alien visitation is a key differentiator for individuals reporting UFO experiences.
- The intensity of UFO experiences may be linked to sleep phenomena and imaginative processes.
Related Concept Videos
02:30Naturalistic Observations
If you want to understand how behavior occurs, one of the best ways to gain information is to simply observe the behavior in its natural context. However, people might change their behavior in unexpected ways if they know they are being observed. How do researchers obtain accurate information when people tend to hide their natural behavior? As an example, imagine that your professor asks everyone in your class to raise their hand if they always wash their hands after using the restroom. Chances...
01:21Types of Reports II: Incident or Occurrence Report
An Incident or Occurrence Report in a healthcare setting is a crucial document used to record any unexpected occurrence that may or may not have affected a patient, employee, or visitor. Such reports are critical to improving patient safety and include all details leading up to and including the event.
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...
01:23Extrasensory Perception
Extrasensory perception, or ESP, suggests the ability to perceive events beyond the conventional senses of sight, hearing, and touch. Parapsychologists, who research ESP and related psychic phenomena, categorize ESP into three main types: precognition, telepathy, and clairvoyance.
Precognition involves foreseeing future events, such as predicting an accident before it happens. An example of precognition could be someone dreaming about a specific event, like a car crash, which then occurs...
Precognition involves foreseeing future events, such as predicting an accident before it happens. An example of precognition could be someone dreaming about a specific event, like a car crash, which then occurs...
01:16Flashbulb Memory
A flashbulb memory is a highly vivid and detailed memory, often linked to events of significant emotional impact. These memories stand out in contrast to everyday memories due to their clarity and the precision with which they are recalled. The strong emotions associated with the event act as a catalyst, ensuring that specific details, such as one's location, actions, and even peripheral elements, are etched into memory with remarkable accuracy. For example, many people can vividly recall where...
01:28Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination
Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...
01:29Introspection
Introspection, long upheld as a reliable route to self-knowledge, involves examining one's thoughts, emotions, and mental processes. It underpins many psychological practices, from mindfulness meditation to psychotherapy and self-help strategies. However, empirical evidence challenges the accuracy of introspection as a means of understanding oneself.Limitations of Introspective InsightSeminal work by Nisbett and Wilson demonstrated that individuals are frequently unaware of the true causes...