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Richard Wiseman is Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology, University of Hertfordshire, UK

Wiseman started his professional life as a magician. Later he graduated in Psychology from University College London and obtained a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Edinburgh.^[1]

Professor Wiseman is known for his critical examination, often with a view to debunking, of unusual phenomena, including reports of paranormal phenomena. His research has been published in numerous academic journals, reported at various conferences, and featured on TV. In 2004, he took part in a preliminary test of Natasha Demkina, a young Russian woman who claims to have a special vision that allows her to see inside of people's bodies and diagnose illnesses. The test was featured in the Discovery Channel documentary, The Girl with X-Ray Eyes.^[2]

As of 2006, his book, The Luck Factor, is published in 14 languages in 25 countries.^{[citation needed]}

Wiseman also makes numerous apperences in the British television show "The Real Hustle", explaining the Psychology behind many of the scams and cons.

• CSICOP Public Education in Science Award, 2000^[3]
• BAAS Joseph Lister Award, 2002^[3]

• Wiseman, R. & Morris, R. L. (1995). Guidelines for Testing Psychic Claimants. Hatfield, UK: University of Hertfordshire Press (US edition: Amherst, USA: Prometheus Press).
• Milton, J. & Wiseman, R. (1997). Guidelines for Extrasensory Perception Research. Hatfield, UK: University of Hertfordshire Press.
• Wiseman, R. (1997). Deception and self-deception: Investigating Psychics. Amherst, USA: Prometheus Press
• Lamont, P. & Wiseman, R. (1999). Magic in Theory: an introduction to the theoretical and psychological elements of conjuring. Hatfield, UK: University of Hertfordshire Press (US edition: Hermetic Press).
• Wiseman, R. (2002). Laughlab: The Scientific Search For The World's Funniest Joke. London, UK: Random House
• Wiseman, R. (2003). The Luck Factor. London, UK: Random House
• Wiseman, R. (2004). Did you spot the gorilla? How to recognise hidden opportunities in your life. London, UK: Random House
• Wiseman, R. & Watt, C. (2005). Parapsychology. London, UK: Ashgate International Library of Psychology. Series Editor, Prof. David Canter

• Offical website of Richard Wiseman
• The Telegraph online article

1. ^ Hertfordshire University
2. ^ Hyman R, Skeptical Inquirer, May 2005, "Testing Natasha"
3. ^ ^{a b} Education Guardian March 2, 2004