Speakers: Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes and Rennie Joseph

Date: 27 May 2022

Abstract:

This two-part presentation will discuss aspects of a project that combines the metaphysics studied in Philosophy with the quantitative methodologies used in Psychology. We endeavour to create a clearer and more comprehensive set of tools for establishing a variety of metaphysical positions that can be used in both research and clinical settings – especially those relating to psychedelic experiences. We have developed a set of survey items that will be given to over 400 participants, along with additional pre-existing survey items and open-text response questions. The results are to be analysed using several different modelling approaches, ranging from long-established methods such as factor-analysis, to more cutting-edge methods involving natural-language-processing and machine learning. There are two main aims of the study: 1) establish a refined set of survey items that best represent a range of metaphysical positions; 2) establish whether the metaphysical beliefs held by individuals are predictive of their language use in open text responses.