Career Paths in Parapsychology Research

Career Paths in Parapsychology Research

Career Paths in Parapsychology Research

First coined by Max Dessoir in 1889, parapsychology is a multi-faceted investigation of psychic abilities and their origins, life after death, near-death experiences, and anything perceived by an individual as mystical, uncanny, supernatural or paranormal. The term parapsychology replaced the old term of psychical research. The first effort to establish an organization of scientists and scholars who investigate paranormal phenomena began seven years earlier in London with the establishment of the Society for Psychical Research.

The general definition of parapsychology is that it's a branch of psychology that studies psychic and/or otherwise supernatural phenomena. Many mainstream scientists don't like to recognize parapsychology research as a serious branch of science; however, it is nonetheless a popular area of study. There are no accredited degrees in parapsychology in most major universities to date, but there are universities that do have courses specifically designed for the budding parapsychologist to focus on while working on a related degree.

To find a career in parapsychology research, you should probably attain a master's degree in psychology at the very least. Some classes may cover topics including ESP, the paranormal, life after death experiences and reincarnation. It's wise to pursue another degree, perhaps in general psychology, that will benefit you while keeping an eye out for opportunities to use your parapsychology research. Many professors teach parapsychology, and it is a viable option.

Many careers are available in the field that don't include psychic hot lines or learning to use a proton pack. Parapsychology research is, at its heart, a research-based discipline that utilizes the same solid scientific methods as other sciences. Labs where testing can be done in a controlled environment are required. Researchers often take positions in psychology departments allowing them access to the items and labs they require. There isn't a ton of money in parapsychology research, unfortunately, and those who enter the field do so more for passion than for fame and wealth.

Funding for research is usually provided via grants through universities, where most psychologists or even researchers are employed. A master's level degree is required for the most basic of positions in the field of research, along with a strong bachelor's degree. Engineering and physics are also majors and degrees that a prospective parapsychologist can attain. In fact, given the amount of knowledge regarding these sciences and the tools used to measure the various things involved in parapsychology research, you could call the members of the field "paraphysicists" as readily as "parapsychologists."

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