Field dependence, suggestibility and belief in paranormal phenomena

This paper examines the relationships between field dependence, suggestibility and belief in paranormal phenomena. In Experiment 1, 91 subjects underwent an hypnosis session to determine their suggestibility. They also completed a paranormal belief scale and a computer test of field dependence. It was shown that suggestibility and field dependence had positive and significant correlations with the belief in paranormal phenomena. In a second experiment (n=39), the interrogative suggestibility of the subjects was assessed. Field dependence/independence was measured using the Embedded Figures Test (EFT) (Witkin, Oltman, Raskin, & Karp, 1971) and the degree of paranormal belief using the paranormal belief scale of Tobacyk and Milford (1983). The results confirmed the hypothesis that more field-dependent and suggestible subjects have a greater belief in paranormal phenomena than field-independent and non-suggestible subjects, although the relationship only held for the subscale "Superstition". The findings with respect to field dependence as measured with the EFT were replicated in a third study (n= 150). Field dependence had a main effect on the amount of belief in "Superstition" across three different instructions. An effect of the different instructions suggesting that paranormal phenomena are scientifically proven (unproven) or an interaction between instructions and cognitive style of the subjects could not be found. In summary, the findings indicate a sustantial relationship between suggestibility and field dependence with belief in paranormal phenomena which could be explained by different coping mechanisms with regard to uncertainty in the external world.