The luck factor: the scientific study of the lucky mind

Speaker: Professor Richard Wiseman
19 March 2005

Why do some people lead happy successful lives whilst other face repeated failure and sadness? Why do some find their perfect partner whilst others stagger from one broken relationship to the next? What enables some people to have successful careers whilst others, apparently similar, find themselves trapped with jobs they detest? And can unlucky people do anything to improve their luck - and lives?

Ten years ago, Professor Richard Wiseman decided to search for the elusive luck factor by investigating the actual beliefs and experiences of lucky and unlucky people. Looking at the results, Wiseman was able to identify four main factors which explained living a lucky and unlucky life. He was then able to show a group of people who considered themselves unlucky, how to think and behave like lucky people. The results were astounding, with almost all participants reporting significant life changes.

Professor Richard Wiseman is a Fellow of the Institute for Cultural Research and has established an international reputation for research into the scientific examination of unusual areas within psychology. He started his working life as an award-winning professional magician and was one of the youngest members of The Magic Circle.

He then obtained a first class honours degree in Psychology from University College London and a doctorate in psychology from the University of Edinburgh. He currently heads the Perrott-Warrick Research Unit at the University of Hertfordshire.

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