Explore the fascinating field of anomalistic psychology in this 41-minute lecture by Professor Chris French at The Royal Institution. Delve into the scientific explanations for seemingly paranormal phenomena, examining why millions believe in ghosts and other unexplainable experiences. Learn about cognitive biases, probability estimation errors, and the Barnum effect that contribute to paranormal beliefs. Discover cross-cultural interpretations of sleep paralysis, the controversy surrounding hypnotic regression, and the psychology behind perceived backwards satanic messages. Gain insights into the universality of paranormal beliefs and experiences across societies throughout history, and understand how psychological factors can explain these phenomena without resorting to supernatural explanations.