Profs and Pints Online presents: “Encounters with Ghosts,” on why people see spirits, with Frank McAndrew, professor of psychology at Knox College and scholar of things that creep us out.

[This talk will remain available in recorded form at the link given here for tickets and access.]

Have you ever seen a ghost? If so, you have something in common with 18 percent of Americans.

Come learn in depth about where, when, why, and how ghost encounters occur from Dr. Frank McAndrew, a leading scholar of people’s claims to have been in the company of a spiritual presence.

He’ll explain why some people are more likely to see ghosts than others. He’ll also discuss how—despite our childhood habit of startling each other with shouts of “boo!”—people are most likely to experience the “spirit world” at times and in places that actually are quite predictable. The architecture of houses said to be haunted, and the geography of places seen as creepy, also can play a role.

We’ll also learn how the ghosts people see are very much a reflection of their religious beliefs (or lack thereof). Catholics, Jews, Buddhists, and adherents to Voodoo all envision them differently. Moreover, those who are either nonbelievers or deeply devout being less likely to see ghosts than those in the middle.

Finally, we’ll take a deep dive into brain research that might help explain at least some ghost sightings. In one study, a large share of subjects reported sensing a presence after a specific region of their brain was stimulated. Other research suggests that we might have evolved a tendency to see things when our surroundings leave us anxious. Extreme or unusual environments, or cold temperatures, also can leave us more likely to see apparitions.

Professor McAndrew is agnostic as to whether ghosts exist. His talk, however, will leave you believing that a lot of people do indeed see them.  (Ticket: $12.)

Profs & Pints Online: Encounters with Ghosts