Vox Populi (The Wisdom of Crowds) by Francis Galton (Free Full Text)

Exploring Psychology



The latest addition to the psychology journal articles collection was inspired by the exploits of the acclaimed psychological illusionist Derren Brown, who created a real stir last week when he "predicted" the outcome of Britain's National Lottery.

See following link for full details, including a video of the "lottery prediction" live.

Derren Brown

Derren Brown put forward the "Wisdom of Crowds" as a possible explantion of how he was able to achieve this apparently incredible feat; and in doing so, he drew explicitly on Vox Populi by Francis Galton.

You can read and download this classic article for free via the following link.

Vox Populi (The Wisdom of Crowds) by Francis Galton

Click Here To Visit The Main Psychology Journal Articles Page.

---

Please share this Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks.

---

www.all-about-psychology.com

A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Psychology

---

Vox Populi (The Wisdom of Crowds) by Francis Galton

Derren Brown

A belated Happy New Year everybody.

I watched Evening of Wonders on TV last night, which for those who didn't see it was a televised version of Derren Brown's stage show. Derren Brown is an internationally acclaimed psychological illusionist who appears to predict and and control human behaviour.

Evening of Wonders was a homage to the mentalist performers of the 1920's and 30's and at the heart of the show was some quite astonishing "mind-reading". The thing is though, Derren Brown does not claim to be a mind-reader; far from it, he actually describes his craft as "a mixture of magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship."

Derren Brown is always fascinating to watch and everytime I do I always want to find out more about the techniques behind the magic and the mystery, and I thought you might be interested in sharing a little of what I discovered. One of my main sources of information comes from the work of David Abbott a magician who at the turn of the 20th century was regarded as one of the best documenters of the methods used by fraudulent psychics.

The following e-book which you can download for free is an explanatory account by Abbott on mind Reading in Public. To the best of my knowledge this work by Abbott is in the public domain so Please feel free to distribute this e-book to anybody who you think might be interested.

Mind Reading in Public: By David Phelps Abbott



Click Here To Get Hold of the ebook.

---

Please share this Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks.

---

www.all-about-psychology.com

A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Psychology

---

Derren Brown

Exploring Psychology: Halloween Special

Exploring Psychology



With Halloween upon us I thought it would be appropriate to do a special exploring psychology blog post on the psychology of fear. The following videos all feature the amazing psychological illusionist Derren Brown who exploits the power of suggestion to frightening and sometimes disturbing effect. Please note that some of the videos contain very strong language.

Derren Brown induces fear 1



Derren Brown induces fear 2



Zombies

Don't think this one would get clearance from the psychology experiments ethics committee!!



Recommended Reading

Tricks of the Mind by Derren Brown



Book Description

Derren Brown's amazing television and stage performances have entranced and amazed millions. His baffling tricks and stunning illusions have set new standards of what's possible, as well as causing controversy. Now, for the first time, he reveals the secrets behind his craft. He delves into the structure and pyschology of magic. He tells you how to read clues in people's behaviour and spot liars. He discusses the whys and wherefores of hypnosis (which he says doesn't exist) and shows how to use the powers of suggestion and massively improve the power of your memory. He also investigates the paranormal industry, exposes a few charlatans and looks at why some of us feel the need to believe in it in the first place

Woven into this are autobiographical stories about Derren's own experiences and beliefs, told with characteristic humour and engaging honesty. This extraordinary book lifts the lid on the deepest darkest secrets of magic and explores the limits of what can be achieved by the human mind. A must for Derren's legions of fans, it will amaze you, entertain you and expand your mind at the same time. See following link for more details.

Tricks of The Mind By Derren Brown

More Information

You can find out all about Derren Brown him by Clicking Here



Don't forget to play the Halloween game which you can find on the right hand side of the page towards the bottom.

Exploring Psychology: Halloween Special