Factors Affecting Extraordinary Belief

Abstract

The extent of belief in a wide variety of extraordinary phenomena was examined among people of different educational backgrounds. A questionnaire, which included a 30-item Extraordinary Belief Inventory, as well as demographic and personal questions, was completed by 113 students, 352 university professors, and 251 members of the general public. University professors were found to be significantly more skeptical than students and members of the general public regarding belief in extraordinary phenomena. Professors in the English department were significantly less skeptical with regard to some extraordinary beliefs than were professors in other departments. Correlations between a number of demographic factors and belief in extraordinary phenomena were generally low in all groups.