Intuitive versus Reflective Processes in the Formation of Paranormal Beliefs

Abstract

Sperber (1990) proposed a dichotomy of beliefs according to their mode of formation. Intuitive beliefs are deemed to involve a spontaneous, nonverbal or "commonsensical" inference from perceptual input, whereas reflective beliefs additionally entail an attempt to validate the inference through explicit (conscious) reasoning. This study sought to explore the application of Sperber's model to the formation of paranormal belief. Specifically, it examined relationships between facets of paranormal belief and habitual information processing styles. A survey of 220 adults from the general Australian population revealed that paranormal beliefs were predicted by an intuitive-experiential style of information processing. The findings are discussed in relation to the cognitive bases of the formation of paranormal belief.