Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition Updated Edition By Stuart A. Vyse Reviewed by Geoffrey W. Sutton Are you superstitious? In Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition Stuart Vyse provides a highly readable, informative, and even entertaining look at superstition. Vyse covers a wide variety of superstitions used by children and adults in many cultures but focuses on the charms, beliefs, and rituals prevalent in the United States. We also learn from experiments and observations how superstitious behavior develops in children and continues into adult life. Animal studies reveal uncanny resemblances to the superstitious behavior of humans. We also learn by imitating others thus; social influence is a factor associated with superstitious beliefs and rituals. Those who play professional sports, gamblers in casinos, and college students taking exams, serve as prime examples of people who engage in superstitious behavior. Is superstitious beha
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