Feedback considerations in anomalous cognition experiments.

To determine from what time frame the data from anomalous cognition (AC) originate, we have examined the role of precognition and feedback on the quality of AC. In an otherwise standard AC protocol, we displayed feedback tachistoscopically to receivers. The cognitive awareness of the feedback expe...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Journal of Parapsychology Vol. 60; pp. 211 - 227
Autores principales: May, Edwin C., Lantz, Nevin D., Piantineda, Tom
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Rhine Research Center September 1996
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:To determine from what time frame the data from anomalous cognition (AC) originate, we have examined the role of precognition and feedback on the quality of AC. In an otherwise standard AC protocol, we displayed feedback tachistoscopically to receivers. The cognitive awareness of the feedback experience was minimal, and 2 of the 8 intensities used for visual display of the feedback were below subliminal threshold. We hypothesized a number of possible relationships between feedback intensity and AC quality, including one based on precognition (i.e., the data originated from the future feedback). Four viewers contributed 40 trials each (5 at 8 different intensity bands). Using a sum-of-ranks statistic, 2 viewers produced independentlysignificant evidence of remote viewing (i.e., the binomial probability of 2 hits in 4 trials with an event probability of .05 is .014). None of the data showed significant correlation of feedback intensity with AC quality. This result is discussed with regard to precognition in general and the troublesome unfalsifiability aspect of truly goal-oriented precognition. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.