About this Study Set
This study set covers Parapsychology through
18 practice questions.
A challenging exploration of core concepts, historical figures, and scientific methodologies within parapsychology. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.
Questions & Answers
Browse all 18 questions from the
Foundational Concepts in Parapsychology study set below.
Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.
1
Which of the following is the most widely accepted term for paranormal mental abilities such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition?
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A
Psychokinesis
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B
Psi phenomena
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C
Subliminal perception
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D
Extrasensory Perception (ESP)
2
The Ganzfeld experiment, a prominent method in parapsychology research, is primarily designed to investigate which psi phenomenon?
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A
Psychokinesis
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B
Telepathy
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C
Reincarnation
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D
Mediumship
3
Who is often credited with coining the term 'psi' in the context of paranormal phenomena?
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A
J.B. Rhine
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B
Sigmund Freud
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C
Carl Jung
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D
Albert Einstein
4
What is the term used to describe the alleged ability to influence physical objects or systems with the mind alone?
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A
Telepathy
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B
Clairvoyance
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C
Psychokinesis (PK)
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D
Precognition
5
The Zener card experiments, historically significant in parapsychology, involved subjects attempting to identify cards with which symbols?
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A
Letters of the alphabet
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B
Numbers
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C
Geometric shapes
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D
Playing card suits
6
Which famous physicist, known for his theories on relativity, publicly expressed interest and wrote about the possibility of psychic phenomena?
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A
Isaac Newton
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B
Albert Einstein
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C
Nikola Tesla
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D
Max Planck
7
The Society for Psychical Research (SPR) was founded in which year?
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A
1882
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B
1901
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C
1895
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D
1914
8
What is a common criticism leveled against parapsychological research regarding its statistical findings?
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A
Over-reliance on qualitative data
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B
Lack of replicability and potential for publication bias
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C
Insufficient sample sizes
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D
Absence of controlled experimental conditions
9
The concept of 'survival' in parapsychology refers to the investigation of what?
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A
The ability to influence biological processes
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B
The persistence of consciousness after bodily death
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C
The origins of psychic abilities
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D
The nature of altered states of consciousness
10
Which of the following is NOT a recognized category of psi phenomena commonly studied in parapsychology?
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A
Telepathy
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B
Psychokinesis
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C
Astrology
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D
Clairvoyance
11
The 'sheep-goat' effect, observed in some parapsychological studies, suggests that belief or disbelief in psi can influence experimental results. 'Goats' are defined as participants who:
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A
Believe in psi phenomena
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B
Are skeptical of psi phenomena
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C
Are undecided about psi phenomena
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D
Have demonstrated psi abilities previously
12
What is the primary challenge in establishing the scientific validity of psychokinesis (PK)?
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A
Difficulty in obtaining statistically significant results
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B
The apparent randomness and unpredictability of PK effects
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C
Ethical concerns regarding the manipulation of objects
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D
Lack of theoretical models to explain PK mechanisms
13
Which historical figure, a psychologist and philosopher, is known for his extensive research into psychic phenomena and his book 'Psychical Research and the Survival of Death'?
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A
William James
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B
B.F. Skinner
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C
Ivan Pavlov
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D
Alfred Adler
14
The PEAR (Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research) laboratory, active for many years, focused its research primarily on:
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A
Telepathic communication between humans and animals
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B
The influence of human consciousness on random number generators (RNGs)
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C
Investigating remote viewing capabilities
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D
Testing the accuracy of precognitive dreams
15
What does the term 'micro-PK' refer to in parapsychological research?
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A
Psychokinesis on large, macroscopic objects
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B
Subtle, difficult-to-detect influences on microscopic systems or random processes
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C
The ability to move very small objects mentally
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D
The mental influence over microscopic biological organisms
16
The alleged phenomenon of 'remote viewing' involves:
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A
Mentally influencing distant electronic devices
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B
Perceiving information about a distant or unseen target using non-sensory means
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C
The ability to travel to distant locations in a projected state
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D
Communicating with spirits of the deceased remotely
17
Which of these is a key consideration in the methodology of parapsychological research to avoid sensory leakage?
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A
Using double-blind procedures
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B
Employing large sample sizes
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C
Analyzing statistical significance
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D
Ensuring the experimenter's subjective bias is removed
18
The term 'fallacy of the single cause' is relevant to parapsychology in that it warns against:
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A
Attributing a psi effect to a single experimental condition without considering other factors
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B
Assuming that only one type of psi phenomenon can exist
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C
Concluding that a statistically significant result is due to chance alone
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D
Believing that all purported psychic experiences are genuine
