Ken Drinkwater

Manchester Metropolitan University | MMU · Department of Psychology

This report describes and presents the raw data from Escolà-Gascón et al.’s1 remote viewing study, which extended similar experiments initiated by the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Remote viewing is a research technique that allows scientists to examine the degree to which individuals might access “distant (or nonlocal) information” w...

Noting concerns about the non-clinical efficacy of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), specifically the instrument's ability to discriminate between lower levels of hopelessness, this paper describes the development of the General Hopelessness Scale (GHS) for use with general samples. Following a literature review an item pool assessing the breadth...

Objectives Since 1972, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) commissioned several research programs on remote viewing (RV) that were progressively declassified from 1995 to 2003. The main objectives of this research were to statistically replicate the original findings and address the question: What are the underlying cognitive mechanisms invo...

An explainer about near-death experiences.

An explainer about poltergeist activity.

An explainer article about conspiracy theories.

An explainer about conspiracy theories.

An explainer.

An explainer on psychics.

Since 2010 the number of psychological investigations examining relationships betweenconspiracy theory (CT) advocacy and endorsement of inaccurate material (i.e.,misinformation, disinformation, and fake/false news) has increased exponentially.However, due to the breadth of topics investigated, the diversity of approaches/methodsemployed, and the ra...

In this research, we provide two important contributions to the psychiatric community. First, we offer the first valid and reliable cognitive test that measures forensic clinicians' ability to detect and avoid diagnostic biases in psychiatric assessments. Second, we also estimate the prevalence of clinical decision bias detection and prevention abi...

Background Chronic time pressure is a common source of everyday stress and anxiety. Noting this, the Chronic Time Pressure Inventory (CTPI) was designed to measure the construct within general samples. The CTPI was validated using procedures informed by classical test theory. This identified a bifactor solution, comprising a general factor encompas...

There's a new group of people on Earth who believe they're aliens. Star people, or starseeds, are individuals who believe they have come to Earth from other dimensions to help heal the planet and guide humanity into the "golden age"-a period of great happiness, prosperity and achievement.

The Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (RPBS) is the prevailing measure of supernatural credence. However, there exists only limited evidence to support the temporal stability and predictive validity of the instrument over time. Acknowledging this, the present study assessed the test–retest reliability of the RPBS using a large, heterogeneous sample a...

Have you ever been convinced that something is a particular way only to discover you've remembered it all wrong? If so, it sounds like you've experienced the phenomenon known as the Mandela Effect.

Awareness of the potential psychological significance of false news increased during the coronavirus pandemic, however, its impact on psychopathology and individual differences remains unclear. Acknowledging this, the authors investigated the psychological and psychopathological profiles that characterize fake news consumption. A total of 1452 volu...

This special episode contains a webinar organised by the Team to discuss their BIAL Foundation funded project 'A latent profile analysis and structural equation modelling of paranormal belief, psychopathological symptoms, and well-being' (123/2020). The project produced several published outcomes. These can be found via Google Scholar. All episod...

By assessing interrelationships among variables within a specified theoretical framework, network analysis (NA) provides nuanced insights into how associations between psychological constructs are related to outcome measures. Noting this, the authors used NA to examine connections between Paranormal Belief, cognitive-perceptual factors (Schizotypy,...

This study investigated relationships between thin mental boundary functioning, creativity, imaginary companions (ICs), and anomalous ‘(entity) encounter experiences.’ A convenience sample of 389 respondents completed the Revised Transliminality Scale, Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences, Creative Experiences Questionnaire, Surve...

Evaluation of prior research suggests that belief in the paranormal is more likely to be associated with negative psychological functioning, when presented alongside cognitive-perceptual factors that askew thinking and insight. The current study examined this notion using a sample of 3,084 participants (1,382 males, 1,693 females, nine non-binary)....

This was an event that was ran for the MMU Paranormal Society from 2015/2016

This is a draft poster/schedule that was developed in 2017, to outline up coming events that the newly formed MMU Paranormal society would be hosting.

An accessible pamphlet outlining Clinical Psychology services offered by Oldham NHS was designed and produced as a pilot study. This project involved several focus groups, including service users and health care professionals from Oldham NHS to appraise and assist in redesigning an accessible leaflet that explained the nature of clinical psychology...

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Ego Resiliency Scale-Revised (ER89-R). Though support exists for a multidimensional conceptualisation using classical test theory approaches (i.e., a higher-order model comprising Openness to Life Experiences and Optimal Regulation factors), this measure has not been subjected to Rasch analysis...

A lay- and student- friendly summary of our team's 5+ year research program on ghostly episodes and the phenomenon of Haunted People Syndrome (HP-S). Available at: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/ghosted/

Despite conceptual similarities among the established non-cognitive constructs of Mental Toughness, Ego Resiliency, Self-efficacy, and Grit, preceding research typically considered these as adversary rather than complementary and potentially additive. Subsequently, comparatively few studies have examined these together. This paper, via two independ...

This study examined variations in well-being as a function of the interaction between paranormal belief and psychopathology-related constructs. A United Kingdom-based, general sample of 4,402 respondents completed self-report measures assessing paranormal belief, psychopathology (schizotypy, depression, manic experience, and depressive experience),...

The concept of sustainability is closely related to the security of the individual. The Ego Resiliency Scale Revised (ER89-R) is a brief, widely used scale that examines resilience as the ability to flexibly alter reactions in response to varying contextual demands. Consistent with contemporary evidence, the measure conceptualises ego resiliency as...

The philosophical school of Evidentialism holds that people should form, amend, and relinquish a belief wholly in accordance with the available evidence for that belief. This paper reviews the extent to which believers in paranormal phenomena respect Evidentialism’s so-called “ethics of belief.” The analysis focuses on several common violations of...

This study investigated personal perceptions (involvements) and comprehensions (interpretations) of self-ascribed paranormal abilities. Twelve participants with supposed supernatural powers took part in semi-structured interviews exploring the origin, phenomenology, and nature of their powers. Interview transcripts were analysed using reflexive the...

Can Science And The Paranormal Coexist - Paranormal Podcast 716 https://jimharold.com/can-science-and-the-paranormal-coexist-paranormal-podcast-716/

https://jimharold.com/can-science-and-the-paranormal-coexist-paranormal-podcast-716/

This study investigated relationships between inter-class variations in paranormal experience and executive functions. A sample of 516 adults completed self-report measures assessing personal encounter-based paranormal occurrences (i.e., Experience, Practitioner Visiting, and Ability), executive functions (i.e., General Executive Function, Working...

Abstract: Perception of randomness, patterns in visual noise, and coincidences have been associated with propensity to endorse paranormal and conspiracist beliefs. There is, however, controversial evidence about the relationships and related explanatory paths. Whereas some studies report a strong association between pattern and randomness perceptio...

This study examined whether scores on self-report measures of executive functions varied in accordance with level of self-professed paranormal ability. The investigators compared three groups varying in attribution of paranormal facilities: practitioners (Mediums, Psychics, Spiritualists and Fortune-Tellers), self-professed ability and no ability....

The spread of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on global sport. This is especially true at the elite level, where it has disrupted training and competition. Concomitantly, restrictions have disrupted long-term event planning. Many elite athletes remain unsure when major events will occur and worry about further interruptions. Although some ath...

This study investigated the degree to which cognitive bias mediated the relationship between thinking style and belief in the paranormal. A sample of 496 participants completed the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (RPBS), the Belief in Science Scale (BISS), the Cognitive Biases Questionnaire for Psychosis, and the reality testing subscale of the Inv...

Background Human hygiene behaviours influence the transmission of infectious diseases. Changing maladaptive hygiene habits has the potential to improve public health. Parents and teachers can play an important role in disinfecting surface areas and in helping children develop healthful handwashing habits. The current study aims to inform a future i...

Co-Investigator (if available): Unspecified masters student-If available The primary investigator will supervise the analysis and write up of the project the student's dissertation and the projects publication in an academic press. If a student is not available, then this responsibility lies with the principle investigator Collaborating Organizatio...

This study examined whether scores on indices related to subclinical delusion formation and thinking style varied as a function of level of self-professed paranormal ability. To assess this, the researchers compared three groups differing in personal ascription of paranormal powers: no ability, self-professed ability, and paranormal practitioners (...

This study examined the degree to which within-individual variations in paranormal experience were related to belief in the paranormal, preferential thinking style, and delusion formation. A sample of 956 non-clinical adults completed measures assessing experience-based paranormal indices (i.e., paranormal experience, paranormal practitioner visiti...

One of the atmospheric locations on our visit to Ordsall Hall.

A paranormal talk at Ordsall Hall.

This is one of the epicenters of paranormal phenomena at Ordall Hall.

Ghosted! Who Has Paranormal Experiences and Why https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/ghosted/ Information about our new forthcoming text!

Photographic Anomaly at Ordsall Hall taken during a field trip.

During a haunt vigil we explored this atmospheric space.

Evidence suggests that subjective and objective anomalies associated with ghostly episodes form a unidimensional Rasch scale and that these interconnected “signs or symptoms” arguably describe a syndrome model. This view predicts that symptom perception—that is, the phenomenology of these anomalous episodes—can be markedly skewed by an experient’s...

Twilight Tales: A Discourse of Anomalistic, Supernatural & Paranormal Phenomena The Paranormal Team This podcast involves discussions about topics related to Anomalistic Psychology and the paranormal. Available listening platforms: Anchor https://anchor.fm/paranormal-team Breaker https://www.breaker.audio/twilight-tales-a-discourse-of-anomalist...

A location at Ordsall Hall associated with ghost-like feelings and sensations.

This perspective critically examines the extent to which non-cognitive skills training, in the form of mental toughness, can help elite athletes cope with negative psychological effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The spread of COVID-19 has had a profound effect on global sport. This is particularly true at the elite level, where it has c...

In the UK, there exists a significant 'action gap' between Government advice on measures necessary to counter the threat of Covid-19, and the behaviour of a significant minority of the population (i.e. those who fail to socially distance). This disconnect arises mainly from lack of message potency (i.e., impact and congruence), inflexible behaviour...

Entity encounter experiences (or encounter experiences; EEs) are commonly reported across the world (Hill et al., 2018) and comprise a “family tree” of related anomalies spanning claimed interaction with “spirits, angels, gods, demons, poltergeists, extraterrestrials, and folklore-type little people” (Evans, 1987; Houran et al., 2019). However, the...

On our exploration of haunt-like activity at Ordsall Hall, the Roof Space was most associated with anomalous feelings and perceptions.

An investigation of ghost-like activity at Ordsall Hall.

Tourism-hospitality businesses sometimes market consumer experiences in terms of “enchantment,” although this phrase is often used vaguely or variously. Therefore, we approached the issue conceptually by examining prior research on the experience economy, extraordinary architectural experiences, and accounts of paranormal tourism. Our critical over...

In the UK, there exists an important "action gap" between Government advice on measures necessary to counter the threat of COVID-19, and the behavior of a significant minority of the population. There are several reasons for this disconnect, including lack of message potency (i.e., credibility and congruence), inflexible/habitual behavior patterns,...

Research suggests a Haunted People Syndrome (HP-S) is defined by the recurrent perception of anomalous subjective and objective events. Occurrences are traditionally attributed to supernatural agencies, but we argue that such interpretations have morphed into themes of “surveillance and stalking” in group-stalking reports. We tested a series of rel...

This paper contains a narrative overview of the past 20-years of environmental research on anomalous experiences attributed to "haunted house." This exercise served as a much-needed update to an anthology of noteworthy overviews on ghosts, haunts, and poltergeists (Houran and Lange, 2001b). We also considered whether new studies had incorporated ce...

Background: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a chronic condition whose status within medicine is the subject of on-going debate. Some medical professionals regard it as a contentious illness. Others report a lack of confidence with diagnosis and management of the condition. The genesis of this paper was a complaint, made by an ME patient, about t...

This study examined whether thinking style mediated relationships between belief in conspiracy and schizotypy facets. A UK‐based sample of 421 respondents completed the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS), Oxford‐Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences Short (O‐Life), and measures indexing preferential thinking style (proneness to rea...

An investigative workshop entitled 'para-design' (paranormal design-thinking beyond or outside of 'normal' design scenarios) explores new territory for design practices. Through examining the degree to which parapsychological belief influences perception of the designed environment, research brought together the anomalous with product design in ord...

This pilot study examined the relationship between paranormal belief and gambling attitudes and behaviours, and thus extends previous research on informedness in relation to paranormal beliefs (Storm, Drinkwater, & Jinks, 2017).

The VAPUS model (Hill et al., 2018, 2019) characterizes the powerful "brand personality" of ghost narratives in terms of their Versatility, Adaptability, Participatory Nature, Universality, and Scalability. This suggests that these narratives act as cultural memes that partly reflect interpersonal or group dynamics. We use these themes in a review...

Ordsall Hall is a historical building with a reputation for being haunted. Drawing upon the principles of para-design this paper examined participants' perceptions of locations within the Hall. The building alongside renovated spaces contains period architectural features. These combine to produce a rich setting in which to investigate the interact...

This study used a modified White Christmas task to examine reports of electronic voice phenomena (EVP) within random noise. Following familiarization with the concept of EVP, 107 participants listened to an audio track combining white and pink noise. Instructions directed participants to press a keyboard button to indicate if they heard EVP. At the...

A summary of some key studies on paranormal belief and experience.

A review of some measures of paranormal belief.

The Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS) is the most widely used measure of general belief in conspiracy theories. The scale comprises five related but distinct factors (Government Malfeasance, Extraterrestrial Cover-up, Malevolent Global Conspiracies, Personal Wellbeing, and Control of Information). Despite this, investigators have typically...

Focusing on lucid dreaming, this paper examined relationships between dissociated experiences related to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (lucid dreaming, nightmares, and sleep paralysis), reality testing, and paranormal experiences/beliefs. The study comprised a UK-based online sample of 455 respondents (110 males, 345 females, Mean age = 34.46 year...

An Overview of Famous Manchester Ghosts. Clips link to videos previously available via internet. Unfortunately, not available in this format.

Non-Cognitive Skills: Brief Overview Brief Presentation

Presentation outlines a 2015 survey (UK university based sample), which investigated prevalence of subjective paranormal experiences (SPEs) and potentially related beliefs.

PROBABILISTIC REASONING BIAS, BELIEF IN THE PARANORMAL & REALITY TESTING: RESEARCH ADVANCES & DEVELOPMENTS

This presentation discusses whether belief in conspiracy theories was associated with a particularly cognitive style (worldview).

Suggestion, Belief in the Paranormal, Proneness to Reality testing deficits & Perception of an Allegedly Haunted Building

What is the Paranormal? An Accessible Presentation at Rochdale Town Hall

Drinkwater and Cocchiarella (2019) delivered a session to Birmingham Midland Institute as part of the : The Thrill of the Dark: Heritages of Fear, Fascination and Fantasy Birmingham, 25-27 April 2019 Venue: Birmingham Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham B3 3BS

The article is an accessible piece focusing on 20 years of a Parapychology course.

Building on the world-renowned reputation of Parapsychology at MMU, Fabrizio Cocchiarella (Interior Design) and Dr Ken Drinkwater (Psychology) recently visited Holland to deliver an ERASMUS workshop to students from Product Design at ArtEZ (Institute for the Arts). Sessions focused on the synergy between the paranormal and design (para-design). Par...

An interest in the effects of paranormal/anomalous history on the experience of space motivated a visit to an old disused warehouse in Manchester, Hotspur Press.

Ordsall Hall is a historical building with a reputation for being haunted. Drawing upon the principles of para-design this paper examined participants' perceptions of key locations within the Hall. The building alongside renovated spaces contains period features and architecture. These combine to produce a rich environment in which to investigate t...

have conducted several studies examining the nature, content and structure of extra-terrestrial-related beliefs. Interest in the topic stemmed from analysis of existing measures of paranormal belief. Psychometric evaluation of existing scales identified nine core facets of paranormal belief: Hauntings (belief in ghosts), Other Life (the idea that o...

Academic Interest in Parapsychology: Interview

Academics from MMU, led by Senior Lecturer and paranormal researcher Dr Ken Drinkwater, with the support of the Ordsall Hall management team, arranged an event to explore feelings and perceptions experienced within Ordsall Hall.

This article outlines issues that potentially limit the usefulness of research examining relationships between dark triad traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and sleep-related measures. Addressing these factors will ensure that future research produces more robust, convincing findings.

A summary of a visit to the allegedly haunted- Ordsall Hall.

In Search of the Anomalous: A Paranormal Exploration of Ordsall Hall

This is a fuller draft of an abridged article that appears online at: https://theconversation.com/the-top-three-scientific-explanations-for-ghost-sightings-58259