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Psychology and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence
Author(s) -
Harrison Albert A.,
Elms Alan C.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 0005-7940
DOI - 10.1002/bs.3830350304
Subject(s) - search for extraterrestrial intelligence , interpretation (philosophy) , extraterrestrial life , psychology , process (computing) , cognition , cognitive science , field (mathematics) , epistemology , astrobiology , data science , computer science , neuroscience , biology , philosophy , mathematics , pure mathematics , programming language , operating system
Recent developments in the physical and biological sciences have furthered the hypothesis that intelligent life forms exist outside of our solar system and have prompted a number of programs intended to confirm such life forms' existence. The proposed field of exopsychology would involve the forecast, study, and interpretation of the cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects of extraterrestrial organisms. Exopsychological research would encompass search, contact, and post‐contact activities, and would include study and work with humans as well as with any extraterrestrials that might be encountered. Exopsychologists can learn from and facilitate the search process, gain an increased understanding of animal and human behavior on Earth, and help searchers, their sponsors, and the public in dealing with positive or negative search outcomes.