Paranormal Theories & Historical Context Flashcards
7 cards from real CPI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Paranormal Theories & Historical Context flashcards as text
The concept of 'thought-forms' or 'tulpas' in paranormal theory originates primarily from:
Answer: Tibetan Buddhist mystical practices
The concept of tulpa originates in Tibetan Buddhist practice, referring to a being or object created through intense spiritual concentration, later adopted in Western paranormal theory to explain self-created entities.
The 'Philip Experiment' conducted in Toronto (1972-1977) was significant because it:
Answer: Demonstrated that groups could apparently create paranormal phenomena around a fictional, invented character
The Philip Experiment showed that a group could generate apparent poltergeist-like phenomena and table-rapping responses centered on a fictional ghost they had entirely invented, supporting psychokinesis over spirit theories.
In paranormal historical context, 'ectoplasm' was originally claimed by Spiritualist mediums to be:
Answer: A physical substance extruded from the medium's body during séances that could take shape
Spiritualist mediums of the late 19th and early 20th centuries claimed to extrude ectoplasm — a physical, semi-transparent material — from bodily orifices during trance, which could allegedly form spirit faces or hands.
Which theory proposes that places associated with paranormal activity may sit on intersecting ley lines that create unusual energetic conditions?
Answer: Ley Line Theory
Ley Line Theory proposes that ancient sacred sites and areas of high paranormal activity are connected by invisible energy lines crossing the landscape, with intersections creating concentrations of anomalous energy.
The historical practice of placing iron objects at thresholds and windows of homes served what paranormal protective purpose in European folk tradition?
Answer: Iron was believed to repel faeries, spirits, and malevolent entities
In European folk tradition, iron was widely believed to be repellent to faeries, malevolent spirits, and supernatural beings, making horseshoes and iron nails common protective talismans.
The 'Super-Psi Theory' in paranormal research proposes an alternative to survival of death by suggesting that mediums:
Answer: Use extraordinarily powerful ESP to gather information from the living and environment rather than spirits
Super-Psi Theory argues that information obtained by mediums comes from living sources through an extreme form of ESP — reading minds, remote viewing documents — rather than actual contact with the dead.
Which famous magician and escape artist dedicated significant effort to debunking fraudulent Spiritualist mediums in the early 20th century?
Answer: Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini, who deeply wanted to contact his deceased mother, instead became one of history's most dedicated exposers of fraudulent mediums, using his stage magic knowledge to identify their tricks.