Method & Theory in the Study of Religion · 2009 · 133 citations · 0 references
ArtsNeuroscienceReligionBehavioral NeuroscienceCognitive NeurosciencePsychology Of ReligionPhenomenology Of ReligionReligious BeliefReligious CognitionReligious ExperienceCognitive Science Of ReligionContrastEcological ValidityEcological Validity ModelGrounding
Abstract This article is an introduction to the experimental neuroscience of religion, intended for scholars who have an interest in the neurobiological and cognitive aspects of religion, but who do not have the necessary technical and methodological knowledge to evaluate this field's limitations and potential. The article reviews six lines of research, with particular focus on issues of ecological validity, the use of contrast conditions, and theoretical grounding.