By James A. Shawyer
Grays Harbor College
The purpose of this study is as follows: to gather evidence on both sides of the issue as to whether or not psionic abilities exist and can be achieved through practice and to be a meta-analysis of the current and past research.
The previous study that has most influenced this study was done by J.G. Pratt at Duke University in 1933. This study was documented in a journal titled The Nature of the Mind (Stokes, 1997). Stokes writes about the Forced choice experiment done on the campus of Duke University; in which the subject, Pearce, attempted to guess the identity of 1 card per minute for 50 minutes, every day for 37 days. Each session, Pearce and Pratt would synchronize watches and head to separate buildings. Pratt would then place one card face down on a book once every minute, then Pearce would then log his guesses every minute. A total of 1850 cards were guessed, and Pearce had a mean score of 7.54 cards per deck of 25 where 5 would be expected by chance. This is statistically significant as those results are expected only once every 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 such experiments. (Stokes, 1997)
Being a meta-analysis of existing research, this study does not build on the previous research in the field of psionics. There are no new studies in this meta-analysis as this is only an indication of a trend in the data in the field of psionics weighed against the claims of hard science. Having nothing new to contribute, this journal will focus on existing studies more heavily to compensate.
Given that statistical research is relatively scarce in comparison to the more contemporary theories, one of the ways this study will contribute to the overall knowledge of the field of psionics is to make the hard statistics on the matter available to the masses. This study will attempt to separate the hard evidence from the unproven irrational evidence that seems to pervade controversial issues such as this. Both psionics and contemporary science have irrational arguments in the midst of their logical and empirical evidence.
The research purposes for this journal will take the form of questions. A hypothesis is not fit for a meta-analysis as a hypothesis denotes a preference. Objectives denote preference as well; therefore neither the hypothesis, nor the objectives of this study will be listed. In this manner the study will remain objective until the evidence has been weighed.
The questions this study will seek to answer are: “Is there a meaningful effect of psionics on a given variable?” “Is there a connection between psi and the nervous system?” “Is there a meaningful connection between psi production and hypoglycemia?” These questions will form the framework of the methodology section.
The theoretical framework that this study relates to is a concise and superstition free version of the standard parapsychological theory. Superstition free refers to the barring of any religious or outside influences other than the living nervous system. Essentially, all of the non essential elements of both sides of the argument will be stripped off, leaving their core evidence. Once all evidence has been listed, the overall trend shows up. The claims of both sides will be considered and the weaker one refuted.
Psionics is self-identified as the practice of manipulating an as yet unmeasured form of subtle energy which they call psi. At first blush, Psionics appears to be a phenomenon exuding an air of impossibility when it is compared to the established hard sciences. This “air” tends to lead research scientists and even casual observers to the instant rejection of psionics as a legitimate branch of study. There are some components of additional baggage attached to psionics that drive well-meaning scientists away with what seems to be religion, superstition, or occultism. The aforementioned concepts have no place in science, so, for the sake of easy argument, those pieces of baggage will be eliminated from this study. What this study will deal with will be the hard facts surrounding psionics, both for and against whether it has a statistically significant effect on variables. The projected trend resulting from the listing of data will then inform a final conclusion.
Practitioners of psionics call themselves Psions and often form groups in which to practice, study and disseminate the purported applications of psionics. One such group is the Psion Guild, which attempts to identify and eliminate “fluff” (false or outrageous information regarding psionics) in order to promote psionics as worthy of scientific attention. In the view of the Guild, fluff only serves to drive away the masses from an otherwise legitimate practice. The members of the Psion Guild claim that psionics will never reach that level of power where people have no choice but to accept it as reality. However, the Guild also claims that certain things can be tested in a controlled environment to provide a larger base of evidence than what is currently available. (www.psionguild.org)
The information in the next paragraph will provide some detail concerning the research into the practice of psionics. It will also attempt to identify some of the contemporary reasons for it not being accepted by the mainstream scientists. At the end of this literature review, a conclusion will be drawn, and a side will be advocated. For this reason, the claim will come toward the end of the literature review.
Psionics is divided into ESP (extra sensory perception) and EM (energy manipulation). Those are divided into sub groups such as Precognition and telepathy for ESP, and Psychokinesis (PK) and Shielding for EM. While the vast majority of information is in ESP, there is still a large quantity of data on EM.
There are 2 types of experiment in ESP where the odds of success are lowest. For this reason, these tests are successful enough to provide a reasonable amount of evidence. The most statistically significant types of experiment in ESP are the BT and DT experiments. In BT, a subject is given a set of either 5 or 25 cards. With those cards, he calls the card before it is drawn. Each response is recorded, and then the inverted discard pile recorded next to it. The subject never sees the identity of the cards until after the run is completed. DT is a class of ESP experiment where a sealed deck of 25 cards is set before the subject. Without opening the deck, the subject attempts to name the cards in the deck from top to bottom. The experimenter then records the subject’s responses, and proceeds to open the deck and compare the response list to the deck after the run has been completed. An example of a DT experiment can be found in Fig. 2 where Stuart (the experimenter and subject) averaged 5.3 cards per 25. In 2100 trials he scored 440 which was 20 deviations above the probable error of 12.6(Rhine 1964). In EM, the statistics are in the form of case studies (Rhine 1964).The first is the previously referenced Duke University study. (Stokes 1999)
Forced Choice study No.1: Hubert Pearce, a divinity student, attempted to guess the identity of cards held in a different building held by J.G. Pratt, a graduate student in psychology. In each session, the men would synchronize their watches, and then Pearce would leave for a cubicle in the stacks of the library. Pratt Then shuffled an ESP deck and placed one card face down each minute on a book on a table in his building, which was either the physics building or the medical building. Pearce attempted to guess the identity of the card on the book at the specified time. Two decks of 25 cards were guessed per session, and Pearce averaged 7.54 cards per deck; 5 were expected by chance. These results were significant at the p< 10^-22 level, meaning that this level of success would occur by chance fewer than 1 in 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 such experiments. (Stokes)
Forced Choice Study No.2: The subject’s task was to guess which bulb on a display would be lit next. The subject signaled his guess by pressing the button in front of the corresponding lamp. During this process an electronic counter would be cycling through the values 1-4 at 1,000,000 steps per second. The counter stopped and the corresponding lamp was lit when a Geiger counter attached to the rig detected a decay electron from a sample of strontium 90. In the first experiment, 691.5 more hits than would be achieved by chance were obtained by 3 subjects with a total of 63,066 guesses. That is expected only to happen 2 per billion runs. The second experiment, in which 20,000 guesses were made and the subjects obtained 401 more hits than expected by chance. As a whole the chance of that happening is 1 per 10,000,000,000 runs. (Stokes)
PK Test No.1: A cat was placed in a cold shack with a 200 watt lamp that served as a source of heat for the cat. The Lamp was wired to a Random Event Generator set to trigger either an on signal or an off signal to the lamp. The on signal chance was 50%. To check the randomness of the REG the experimenter ran the REG for 24 nights without the cat and the generator showed no standard deviations from the norm. After the cat was in the shack, 4615 out of 9000 signals were triggered to switch the lamp on. That was an increase of 1.2 percent, which would occur 8 per 1,000 times. (Stokes)
PK Test No.2: A knife fish was placed between two copper electrodes and had the current it generated measured. When the fish swam parallel to the electrodes, a weak signal was recorded. When the fish was perpendicular to the electrodes, a strong current was recorded. The human subject in this test was to use micro psychokinesis to alter the fish’s path. The fish was to be perpendicular to the electrodes during periods of time known as conformance epochs. The current was found to be much stronger during the conformance epochs than the control epochs where the human was to exert no control over the fish. (Stokes)
PK Test No.3: This test has little available documentation available. The Geiger counter experiment, where a subject could force a Geiger counter to read several deviations above the background radiation, was documented very rarely yet repeated and produced frequently. The reasons for this phenomenon are still unknown. A subject must be versed in a purported technique called neuro-biofeedback, and have at least a measure of psionic training. (www.psipog.org)
The evidence on the other side of the issue is sparse, as the scientists with the means to refute psionics consider such refutation to be a waste of time and resources. Because of this, the few refutations there are consist of false a priori reasoning. Those arguments generally fall around the line of reasoning that if psi cannot be measured, it cannot exist. However, as the trend in research shows, the effects of the phenomenon of psi can be measured. Indirect measurement is not proof of the means, but merely proof of the phenomenon.
In the case of psionics, the only studies possible are on the phenomena and not the means to the phenomena. Psi, the suspected means behind psionics, is theorized to be a subtle energy because scientists cannot measure it objectively. Subtle energies are so named because they cannot be measured or quantified at the current time. Thus, scientists must perform tests to indirectly measure the phenomena for which subtle energies are supposedly responsible.
To clarify the claims of the members of the Psion Guild, all phenomena in psionics are due to manipulation of a subtle energy known as psi. This subtle energy is claimed to retain thought patterns and able to be “programmed” with thought patterns into a thought form known as a “construct”. While this may seem outlandish at first, the claim does not violate any laws of physics. To demonstrate: If energy can affect more energy, and both bioelectricity and psi are energy, it follows that bio electricity can affect psi. Furthermore, it has already been proven and applied in the field of physical therapy that biofeedback, the controlling of one’s own autonomic functions, is possible. Therefore, one can theoretically control nerve firings to manipulate psi. (www.psionguild.org)
Another Psion Guild claim is that a construct’s effectiveness is only limited by the relative density and size of the construct in comparison to the task. A construct made for a given task must then follow the applicable rules of physics to perform that task. Among the chief rules that govern psionics and its purported abilities are the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and the Laws of Thermo Dynamics. In effect, psi can affect matter, however slightly; and psi also follows the rules of entropy. So, a large yet relatively dense construct lasts longer and has more effect than a small yet relatively loose construct. (www.psionguild.org)
An example of a fluff technique (something impossible or outrageous in comparison to contemporary science) is the plasma ball. The technique was to make a dense ball of psi (something that is considered to be possible) but then give it mental characteristics to give it the ability to harm people. In psionics, the general consensus is that mental characteristics do nothing in the way of psi. Imagining a ball of roiling green plasma while making a dense ball of psi will not make it kill someone. (www.psionicdojo.com)
Another example of fluff is that people who use psionics for wrong doing lose their powers. The champions of claims such as this bring religion and other un-testable claims into psionics. Questions that come to mind when reading or listening to fluff such as this are “Who decides what is wrong doing?” “who decides what level of wrong doing is unacceptable?” and “I’m evil and I still have my powers, why?” The answer is that they aren’t powers, and that they are skills. A baseball player does not lose his ability to hit home runs after killing his wife with a baseball bat.
In contrast, very few things in the claims of the Psion Guild seem fantastic when scrutinized under the lens of contemporary science. While there are many more psionic communities out there, the Psion Guild is unique in that they keep their claims to things that can be tested, and that have scientific explanations as to why psi does what it does.
Due to the manner in which psi is claimed to function, the following applications of psi could be tested in a laboratory setting: psionic antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, and insect repelling fields; crop growth rate, health, and quantity enhancement; UV protection; Actualization and subliminal instruction. The first group is claimed to be done in psionics by setting up a construct that broadcasts a frequency that is the negative of the frequency that one finds in what you are protecting against. If one had the frequency at which staff bacteria resonates, then it would follow that the negative would kill or otherwise inhibit the growth of that bacteria culture. The second group is claimed to be achieved through speeding up the calvin cycle in plant matter. That could theoretically be done through the antibiotic method in reverse, setting up a construct with the crop’s frequency as it normally appears. UV protection could possibly be carried out with an EMR barrier that filters UV light out of the spectrum before it reaches the target. Actualization is a technique that is already used in science, as is subliminal instruction. However, with psionics, a person could theoretically be given physical skills by taking the thought pattern that the skill registers as in the human brain, and grafting a construct with that pattern to the subject’s psyche. This procedure would result in the technical and dexterity knowledge needed to carry out a task.
All of this being theoretical, one musts not take it as doctrine. Also, none of this can be carried out unless psi exists. If psi does exist, then the potential applications are limited only to the amount of subtle energy that can be stored in a given volume of space, and the creativity of the practitioner. A large quantity of medical and scientific research still needs to be done, to have a complete understanding of psi. It is, though, safe to assume due to the evidence that psi exists.
In theoretical and practical research in psionics, a connection has been made between psionic activity and low blood sugar, suggesting that the usage of psi somehow drains glucose levels in the body. A theory of how that could happen follows this line of logic: ATP powers cells, nerves are cells, nerves manipulate (or produce) psi, ATP is made from glucose using the Krebs cycle, therefore the glucose is turned into ATP in the Krebs Cycle and is therefore no longer at normal levels in the blood stream. This is often confused with (or possibly is) hypoglycemia.
If psi exists, then new doors in the realms of medical, military, and theoretical science could be opened. It may be that some questions about the world could be answered, and the major interest of the populace will transition into a new paradigm that is more open minded yet not so much that everything is accepted at face value.
Methodology
Quasi-experimental correlational research will be used to determine the existence of psi. The aforementioned research design was chosen due to 2 reasons: quasi experimental research allows for picking of candidates with psionic training to carry out the experiments and correlational research is the most effective type of research allowed by indirect measurement. As such the method will be of the Single Group Pre Test Post Test design ran simultaneously with a Single Group Post Test Only experiment. This study will attempt to draw a correlation between human thought and environmental effects. An example of this would be the psionic antibiotic test. A group of psions will attempt to psionically treat bacterially infected agar cultures. Each psion will be given a bacterial culture and 30 minutes to set up a antibiotic psionic field or “ward.” Before they begin, they will take a blood sugar test. After the 30 minutes another blood sugar test will be taken to determine the amount of psionic activity (low blood sugar in psions sometimes results from psionic activity). After 48 hours the psionically treated agar culture will be held up against an agar culture treated with conventional antibiotics and one that has not been treated at all. Because some people may have low blood sugar naturally, maturation is a potential threat to this study in proving the relation between psi and blood sugar, but not the overall experiment itself. However, the maturation threat could be countered with a hypoglycemic and a normal non-psion used as a rate for the experiment. Meaning that the 2 extra subjects set the rate with blood sugar tests of their own. As this study only attempts to show the correlation between human thought and external phenomena, generalizability is limited to whatever experiments are conducted and their results. By encouraging others to take up experiments to increase the findings and results, this study may maximize the generalizability of the claim it presents.
The main definitions of the key constructs in this study are: Psi, a subtle energy given off as nervous system residue; Psion, a subject with psionic training and the ability to manipulate psi; Construct, a conglomeration of psi created to perform a function with sophisticated programming; Ward, a type of construct that broadcasts the negative of the frequency of the object being protected against; Shield, a construct designed to filter and or block incoming frequencies and energies; Propagation Field, a ward designed to promote and attract the growth or propagation of an object rather than inhibit and repel it. The treatment in this study is the blood sugar test, to measure psionic activity indirectly.
The population this study attempts to evaluate is the psionic community at large. The samples of this population will be taken primarily from the Psion Guild as they have the most reputable practice. The sampling procedure will be convenience sampling, all psions will be chosen from the same place and will be selected from a group of reputable active psions. The sampling unit will be one psion, with a total of 10 psions. A group of 10 psions, while not overly sufficient, is sufficient enough to provide data on the subject to warrant future study. The sample will not be formed into sub groups and all subject in the sample will be given the same treatment.
The dependent variables in this study are external phenomena and blood sugar level. The Independent variables are psionic activity and time in psionic activity. The only other variables included are 2 confounding variables in the second group of variables, maturation and hypoglycemia.
The measures for each study depend on the experiment being performed, the measure for the Antibiotic experiment is culture size. How large the bacterial colonies become is the major factor in determining the effectiveness of the treatment (Psionic Ward). The measure introduced will judge how effective the treatment is on two levels, medically and physically. The medical effectiveness is judged by how much better or worse the ward does against the conventional antibiotics. The validity and reliability will take care of themselves as the method used creates an obvious difference between an effect and non effect. After that it is merely a contest of size with the treatment with the smaller cultures being the most effective.
This study expects to generate at least correlational evidence of psionic activity and its effect on external phenomena. The statistical methods in this study are nonexistent, the correlation will be judged by the size of the effect over the standard that is set per the experiment. The data will be presented in a chart format listing the baseline, the standard treatment, and the psionic treatment side by side.
Results, Discussion, and Conclusion
The conclusions that are able to be drawn from this study include the following: Whether or not psionic activity (if it exists) is able to effect external phenomena, and the link between blood sugar and psionic activity being a negative trend with psionic activity being the independent variable and blood sugar being the dependent variable.
The only limitation to the study is that a potential application needs its own experiment to be a proven application, therefore many experiments must be carried out to maintain validity.
Ethics and Human Relations
The risks involved for the participants of the study are the same risks they take by practicing psionics (if any). Those would include: low blood sugar, fatigue, loss of mental clarity etc. These risks will be minimized by providing small portions of food in between experiments. The setting in which the data can be gathered could be accessed by setting up an experiment in a sterile setting and monitoring the psions personally. The research participants will participate in the study as volunteers in the most likely scenario, however compensation will be provided afterwards if necessary. This is because psions tend to want the validation of their practice more than a monetary reward.
Timeline
8:00- psions and rate-subjects will take the blood sugar tests
8:05- Psions will be given infected agar plates and attempt to ward them
8:35- Psions will hand it agar plates with their names and wards on them, and the agar plates will be stored for study
8:40- Psions and rate-subjects will take second blood sugar test
8:45- 11:00 results will be analyzed.
References
www.psionguild.org
www.psionicdojo.com
www.psipog.net
Nature of the Mind, Stokes 1999
Extra-Sensory Perception, Rhine 1964