Book Report (Believing in Magic)

Vyse defines numerous aspects of superstitious behavior and how this behavior implies in certain situations. Vyse incorporates research and insights on the study of superstition as well as new examples, and more cultural references. He also makes sure to address the difference between superstition and religion. This book is entertaining, makes one think, and keeps one attention to explore more rigorous scientific findings about superstition. This is a great and thorough examination of superstition. Vyse presents a way to find comfort in understanding what may seem unexplainable by terms of evaluating the evidence

While reading this book, I came across a few chapters that drew my attention the most which was the beginning (chapter 1, 2 and 3). Both chapters talked about various types of data taken from real life experiences that people have gone through. For example, Wade Boggs played for the New York Yankees, but little did you know that he had reported that most of his achievements and success derived from his habit to eat chicken before it was game time which had led Wade to do it for 20 years of his baseball career. Another superstition he developed is that he had to usually go over to the field at least five hours before the rest of his team members to show up so that he can complete a routine of warm ups on the field which had to be done or else he would have the feeling of not having a good batting turn.

While reading chapter 2, Vyse focuses his attention on an experiment by Daniel and Cheryl Ablas, this experiment included the testing on how many college students used a particular object that would be used on exam day to comfort the student while taking it. Twenty to thirty percent of students planned on using their particular object to bring with them on exam day because without this object the student would only have negative thoughts on how they were going to do on the exam. This also included any particular routine during this day that had to be followed and if not the student would think of scoring poorly on the exam. If this object or routine had been lost or out of place, a train of negative thoughts would be implied and the student would then have t\o search for this object or fix their routine back to the way they planned. I believe these superstitions still occur and that's why they are so relatable.

While reading this book, I came across a few chapters that drew my attention the most which was the beginning (chapter 1, 2 and 3). Both chapters talked about various types of data taken from real life experiences that people have gone through. For example, Wade Boggs played for the New York Yankees, but little did you know that he had reported that most of his achievements and success derived from his habit to eat chicken before it was game time which had led Wade to do it for 20 years of his baseball career. Another superstition he developed is that he had to usually go over to the field at least five hours before the rest of his team members to show up so that he can complete a routine of warm ups on the field which had to be done or else he would have the feeling of not having a good batting turn.