This project will investigate the extent to which differences in sensory processing contribute to the perception of paranormal experiences by using natural variations in sensory processing to determine when sensory events are perceived differently and if these perceptions are linked to unexplained (and paranormal) sensory experiences.
Paranormal experiences (PEs) are common. For example, 40% of the UK population report at least one PE. While often described as anomalous, these experiences are nevertheless perceived as very real, and the question remains as to why these common perceptions occur in the healthy human brain.
A valuable approach for investigating sensory-perceptual mechanisms is to investigate populations for whom there is natural variability or divergence in how sensory input is processed - such as in neurodivergent or developing brains. Autistic individuals report 3 times more paranormal experiences than neurotypical people, often ascribing their experiences to spiritual visitations or contact with the dead. Unexpected sensory events from different sensory domains (e.g. vision or touch) are sometimes described by autistic individuals as being touched by someone, seeing shapes, or feeling the nearby pressure of a body when there is nobody present to cause these perceptions.
To create illusory sensory events in the lab, the project will use a type of virtual reality that can manipulate perception of the participant’s own body using a combination of cameras and mirrors to present a live digital representation of the participant’s own body in the same place as the real body. Computer-controlled visual and tactile manipulations will create a range of illusory sensory perceptions, including illusory touch, visual events, and physical changes to or on the body to allow for the controlled investigation of the most common paranormal sensory experiences reported by autistic individuals.
The proposed research will be conducted as a 3-year PhD programme of study collecting objective and subjective measures of illusory sensation alongside qualitative data on the perceived cause and measures of everyday paranormal experiences. Data will be collected from autistic adults, neurotypical adults with and without high autistic-sensory traits, and young children. The aim is to use the natural variations in multisensory integration that occur in these groups to gain insight into whether these differences can explain paranormal sensory experiences and improve our understanding of these events in the typical, general population.
For informal enquiries, contact [Email Address Removed].
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Dr Roger Newport
Secondary supervisor: Dani Ropar
Find out more about research degree funding
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/RN in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
See studentship assessment criteria.
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