Glossary

Precognition

Precognition is the claimed ability to gain information about an event before it happens.

Overview

Precognition is often discussed in relation to dreams, intuitive warnings, and strong impressions that later appear to match future events. People may describe this as “knowing in advance” or feeling that something happened before it actually did.

Key Insight

Precognition raises deep questions about time, prediction, memory, and consciousness. It is one of the most commonly reported anomalous experiences.

Scientific Status

Psychology often explains these experiences through coincidence, selective memory, and pattern recognition. Some controversial experimental research has explored anticipatory effects; the topic remains highly contested.

How Researchers Study It

Researchers use psychological surveys, memory studies, and controlled experiments attempting to measure anticipatory effects. Most mainstream scientists attribute reports to coincidence or selective recall.

Quick Facts

Field
psychology, parapsychology
Related Concepts
premonition, foreknowledge, dreams
Typical Context
anomalous experience reports

Related Terms

FAQ

  • Is precognition scientifically proven?

    No. Most scientists attribute precognitive-like experiences to coincidence, memory biases, or pattern recognition. Experimental results remain controversial.