Researchers from Shahid Beheshti University, the University of Tehran, and the University of Kurdistan explored how belief in paranormal phenomena relates to cognitive function. The work appeared in Scientific Reports, a respected scientific journal known for publishing studies across the life and physical sciences.
The team concluded that individuals who indulge in superstition and entertain notions of ghosts or UFOs tend to show greater cognitive impairment and exhibit less inhibitory control than those who remain skeptical. The results suggest a connection between belief in the paranormal and diminished regulation of actions in certain contexts.
The investigation began with a group of twenty adults who did not suffer from any diagnosed mental illness. Participants completed a series of cognitive control tasks designed to measure how quickly and accurately they could decide whether to act or hold back depending on evolving situational cues.
To probe the neural underpinnings of belief, researchers employed electroencephalography (EEG), a noninvasive method that monitors brain electrical activity via scalp electrodes. This approach allowed the team to observe real-time brain dynamics while participants performed the tasks.
Findings indicated that individuals inclined toward paranormal explanations were more prone to errors when instructed not to act. EEG data revealed reduced power in several brain wave bands over parietal and occipital regions, suggesting diminished neural efficiency in networks involved in perception and action planning. In addition, those prone to superstition showed greater cognitive impairment compared with skeptical peers.
In summarizing the results, the researchers noted that belief in paranormal events correlated with lower power in alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands and with weaker inhibitory control during task performance. The study offers a basis for further research into how belief systems relate to patterns of brain activity and executive function across diverse populations. The authors emphasized that these brain differences may reflect distinct processing styles between believers and skeptics when confronted with ambiguous or potentially distracting information, rather than indicating a fixed cognitive deficit.
Previous work in related fields has suggested that engaging in certain activities, such as video gaming, can influence cognitive abilities by enhancing attention, reaction times, and problem-solving skills. While the current study focuses on belief and neural activity, its findings invite broader discussion about how everyday experiences and thought patterns shape brain function and behavior across different groups in Canada, the United States, and beyond. [Citation: Scientific Reports]