Findlay, Ohio, Nov. 5, 2003 — Jesse Bering, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Arkansas, will discuss “The Princess Alice Experiments: Children’s Susceptibility to Supernatural Agent Concepts” Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union, North Multipurpose Room, at The University of Findlay.

Bering has done extensive research on the effects of introducing a supernatural agent on the behavior of children ages 3 to 7. His findings indicate that the ability to translate unexpected events into communicative messages is likely dependent on advances in cognitive development.

In his research, Bering introduced an invisible agent called “Princess Alice” into the room, telling children that the Princess would communicate with them in someway. When the lights were turned off and then on again, the children came to believe that Princess Alice was in the room and altered their behavior based on that belief.

Bering earned his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from Florida Atlantic University and his master’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

In addition to his public lecture, Bering will speak to psychology and religious studies classes and will meet with faculty.

His presentation is free and open to the public and is co-sponsored by the psychology and religious studies programs and the Convocations Committee.