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('
Phenomenological Research
and
Analysis
Prepared by:
Wanda L. W. Luke and Edwin C. May, Ph.D.
30 April 1993
ScienceApplications InternationalCorporation
An Employee-Owned Company
Presented to:
U. S. Government
Contract MDA908-93-C0004
(Client Private)
Submitted by:
Science Applications International Corporation
Cognitive Sciences Laboratory
R<
< PO Box 1412, Menlo Park, CA 94025
• (415) 325-8292
fDayQA^Rl^94'4)O7«7®0OO3O024OO©W,do PatoA,,0‘ Sea,,le’ Tucson
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I
OBJECTIVE
II
INTRODUCTION
HI
PROGRESS TO DATE
6.1 BASIC RESEARCH
6.2 APPLIED RESEARCH
6.3 METHODOLOGY AND SUPPORT
V
GLOSSARY
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
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I. OBJECTIVE
The object of this document is to provide an interim technical report on tasks 6.1 “Basic Research,” 6.2
“Applied Research,” and 6.3 “Research Methodology,” as listed in the 1993 Statement of Work. This
report covers the time period from 31 December 1992 to 30 April 1993, and includes all subtasks.
* This report constitutes deliverable data item number A002 under contract number MDA908-93-C-0004.
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II. INTRODUCTION
Under Statement of Work items 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3, in contract MDA908- 93-C0004, the Cognitive
Sciences Laboratory of Science Applications International Corporation is tasked to conduct pheno-
menological research and analysis. This document details the activity accomplished under these items
and constitutes the interim report covering the period from 31 December 1992 to 30 April 1993.
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III. PROGRESS TO DATE
This section describes the progress to date for each of the sub-tasks listed under item 6 . 1 , 6 .2 , and 6.3
(Basic Research, Applied Research, and Research Methodology, respectively).
Statement of Work
(SOW) numbers are indicated for each section below. All existing human use and technical protocols,
as well as the Institutional Review Board Meeting Minutes may be found in their respective volumes
accompanying this paper.
1. Basic Research (SOW 6.1)
1.1 Biophysical Measurements (SOW 6.1.1)
The following sections describe the activity to date for sub-tasks listed under Biophysical Measure-
ments.
1.1.1 EEG Experiment (SOW 6.1 .1.1 -6.1.1 .6)
The objective of this experiment is to test the hypothesis that central nervous system (CNS) responses
to AC stimuli resemble those occurring in response to identical visual stimuli presented directly.
The human use protocol has been written for this experiment and has been approved by the Institution-
al Review Board (IRB). Details of the technical protocol are currently being developed.
1.1.2 Remote Observation Experiment (SOW 6.1.1 .7)
The remote observation experiment is designed to test the hypothesis that individuals are able to detect
being observed by other individuals in cases where all conventional sensory mediation has been pre-
cluded. This study will serve as an independent replication and extension of previous research reported
by Braud, Shafer, and Andrews (1990, 1992).b 2
Both the human use and technical protocols have been written and approved for this experiment by the
IRB and SOC, respectively. Preliminary trials are currently scheduled to start within the third week in
April.
1.2 Data Patterns and Parameter Correlations (SOW 6.1.2)
The following sections describe the activity to date for sub-tasks listed under Data Patterns and Parame-
ter Correlations.
1 .2.1
Virtual Reality Literature Search (SOW 6.1 .2.1)
Action on this sub-task has not yet been initiated.
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1.2.2
Lucid Dream (6.1.2.2)
It may be possible to improve both the quantity and quality of information gained via anomalous cogni-
tion (AC) while using the REM lucid dream state to access such information. The lucid dream state may
act to filter out external noise, therefore lowering the threshold of perceived information. Last year, a
pilot study was performed to explore the potential for using the REM lucid dream state for anomalous
cognition. While the results of that effort were encouraging, the difficulties encountered in unmoni-
tored sleep made it difficult to collect a sufficient number of trials for conclusive results. The objective
of this study is to replicate in the laboratory the earlier finding that anomalous cognition may occur in
the lucid dream state.
Both the human use and technical protocols have been written and approved for this experiment by the
IRB and SOC, respectively. One preliminary trial was conducted on March 13, 1993.
1 .2.3 Sender/no Sender Experiment (SOW 6.1 .2.3)
This sub-task has not been initiated due to the contract not yet having been let.
1.2.4
Q-Sort (SOW 6.1.2.4)
Historically, a wide range of psychological tests have been used in an attempt to detect correlations be-
tween personality variables and AC performance. These tests have included standard clinical batteries
as well as the Personality Assessment System (PAS). Few of these have yielded statistical correlations;
however, trends indicate that well-adjusted, extroverted believers might perform better in AC tasks.
The objective of this study is to explore potential personality variables as they relate to AC ability
through the use of the Q-Sort method.
The Q-Sort differs from other methods of personality assessment in that it is not a psychological test,
but merely a system devised to permit individual personalities to be comprehensively described and
quantitatively compared. First conceived by William Stephensen, the Q-Sort method has become a use-
ful tool for comparing personality variables between a wide variety of different populations.3
This systematic and quantitative technique for obtaining comprehensive psychodynamic descriptions of in-
dividual personalities will be used to attempt to answer the following questions:
• What personality variables are common to those individuals that perform well on AC tasks?
Is there
a typological uniformity?
• What would an ideal AC-profile look like?
• How do the personality descriptions of individuals who do not do well on AC tasks differ from those
who do?
Both the human use and technical protocols have been written for this experiment. Approval of the
human use protocol by the IRB is currently pending modifications of the human use protocol, while the
technical protocol has already been approved.
1.3 Theoretical (SOW 6.1.3)
The following sections describe the activity to date for sub-tasks listed under Theoretical Activities.
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1 .3.1 Anomalous Perturbation Experiment (SOW 6.1 .3.1 - 6.1 .3.3)
A generic anomalous perturbation (AP) human use protocol has been written and approved by the
IKB.
This human use protocol may be found in appendix A in this paper.
Initiation of experim
awaits laboratory assignment from the sponsor.
.3.2
Theoretical Models (SOW 6.1 .3.4)
This sub-task has not yet been initiated.
.3.3
Identify New Experiments (SOW 6.1 .3.5)
This sub-task has not yet been initiated.
1.3.4
Entropy Experiment (SOW 6.1 .3.6)
The objective of this study is to determine if the quality of AC is related to the total change
Entropy of the target.
Both the human use and technical protocols have been written and approved for this experiment by the
IRB and SOC respectively.
The targe, pool for to experiment hat been compiled and is cnrrently in the process of being digitized.
Initial trials are projected to start on April 21, 1993.
2. Applied Research (SOW 6.2)
2.1 Tacking Database (SOW 6.2.1)
An existing database has been modified to record the outcome of AC experiments.
2.2 Quantitative Application Assessment (SOW 6.2.2)
Programs are under development for fractal decomposition of natural scenes.
2.3
Applications Test-Bed (SOW 6.2.3)
A generic anomalons cognition (AO hnntan nse protocol has been written and apptoved by the IRR
This human nse protocol may be found in appendix A in to paper. Tmhahon ofto sub-task awa.ts
action from the sponsor.
3. Methodology and Support (SOW 6.3)
3.1 IRB/POC/SOC (SOW 6.3.1)
. M
.
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) met in SAIC’s Cognitive Sciences Laboratory in Menlo Park,
California on January 22, 1993.
The Policy Oversight Committee (POC) met in SAIC's Cognitive Sciences Laboratory in Menlo Park.
California on March 17, 1993.
The Scientific Oversight Committee (SOC) me. in SAIC's Cognitive Sciences Laboratory in Menlo
Park, California on March 26, 1993. The minutes for to meeting may be found in appendix
paper.
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3.2 Administration (SOW 6.3.2)
Project administration is an ongoing effort.
3.3 Attended Conferences (SOW 6.3.3)
This sub-task has not yet been initiated.
3.4
Sponsor International Conference (SOW 6.3.3)
Mr Yuri Dolin of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) visited SAIC’s Cognitive Sciences Laboratory in
Menlo Park, California from March 5, 1993 to March 16, 1993. During this visit, he presented a paper to
the Cognitive Sciences Laboratory and there was one trial conducted in which an attempt was made to
replicate Dolin’s experiment. This trial was unsuccessful. A translated copy of his paper can be foun
in
appendix B at the end of this paper.
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IV. GLOSSARY
Not all the terms defined below are germane to all studies found within this report, however they are
included here for completeness. In a typical anomalous mental phenomena (AMP) task, we define:
• Anomalous Cognition—A form of information transfer in which all known sensorial stimuli are ab-
sent. That is, some individuals are able to gain access, by as yet an unknown process, to information
that is not available to the known sensorial channels.
• Receiver—An individual who attempts to perceive and report information about a target.
• Agent—An individual who attempts to influence a target system.
• Target—An item that is the focus of an AMP task (e.g., person, place, thing, event).
• Target Designation—A method by which a specific target, against the backdrop of all other possible
targets, is identified to the receiver (e.g., geographical coordinates).
• Sender/Beacon—An individual who, while receiving direct sensorial stimuli from an intended target,
acts as a putative transmitter to the receiver.
• Monitor—An individual who monitors an AC session to facilitate data collection.
• Session—A time period during which AC data is collected.
• Protocol—A template for conducting a structured data collection session.
• Response—Material that is produced during an AC session in response to the intended target.
• Feedback—After a response has been secured, information about the intended target is displayed to
the receiver.
• Analyst—An individual who provides a quantitative measure of AC.
• Speciality—A given receiver’s ability to be particularly successful with a given class of targets (e.g.,
people as opposed to buildings).
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V. REFERENCES
1.
Braud, W., Shafer, D., and Andrews, S.,
Electrodermal correlates ofremote attention: Autonomic
Reactions
to an
Unseen
Gaze.
Paper presented
to
the 33rd Annual Convention
of
the
Parapsychological Association, Chevy Chase, Maryland (1990).
2.
Braud, W., Shafer, D., and Andrews, S., Further Studies ofAutonomic Detection ofRemote Staring:
Replications, New Control Procedures, and Personality Correlates.
Paper presented to the 35th
Annual Convention of the Parapsychological Association, Los Vegas, Nevada (1992).
3.
Block,
J., The Q—Sort Method In Personality Assessment and Psychiatric Research. Consulting
Psychologists Press, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, (1978).
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APPENDIX A
This appendix contains a copy of the minutes of the SOC meeting of March 26 , 1993.
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SCIENTIFIC OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
March, 1993
Following an introduction by Ed May, the research team made presentations regarding the various projects
that have been proposed for 1993. The first presentation was made by Marilyn Schlitz, who provided an over-
view of the remote observation study. The discussion included suggestions for ways of developmg a stronger
randomization procedure and a method of analysis making use of multiple measurements of autonomic nervous
system activity and multiple analysis of varience statistics to increase the effect size.
In addition, some minor
modifications in the consent form were suggested.
The second presentation was made by Ed May, who discussed the entropy experiment in which the free
response target pictures are coded according to change in Shannon entropy. A discussion of experimental com-
plexity insued, with suggestions for possible revisions in the method of evaluating free response materials.
The third presentation was made by Stephen LaBerge, who discussed the lucid dream experiment. While
the discussion offered some criticisms of the initial pilot research carried out last year, specifically related to the
lack of control over the free response target picture,
the SOC were satisfied that the revised protocol would
address the previous limitations. In particular, the confirmation study is designed to increase experimental se-
curity, both by separating the target and the subject and by moving the experiment into a laboratory setting, and
to increase the yield by asking people to wake themselves up in order to report their experience. Again there was
a discussion about the evaluation procedure for free response studies.
The fourth presentation was made by Deborah Arthur, who discussed the EEG experiment. Based on pre-
vious experiments, in which the results were equivocal, the proposed project is meant to provide a more com-
plete test of the anomolous cogntion hypothesis. The main problem involved selection of target material that
had never been used before.
In the current sutyd, the experimenters will make use of higher entropy targets
which are drawn from an already calibrated target pool. Again it was suggested that multiple measures be taken
and multiple analysis ofvarience be employed. In addition, the committee suggested that the researchers collect
straight physiology for five minutes (while pseudostimulus and target stimulus are being remotely presented
randomly). At the end of 5 minutes, the subject would be presented with a set of 5 National Geographic targets
and would be asked to pick a target. This would increase the amount of data that could be collected on a given
day
The fifth presentation was made by Wanda Luke, who discussed the Q-Sort procedure. The SOC felt that
more data needed to be collected in order to increase the meaningfulness of the measurements.
In addition,
additional forms of psychological assessments were suggested.
Following the formal presentations, the group began a general discussion. Ed May offered some comments
about research now underway by researchers in the former Soviet Union and China. Differences in orientation
and methods of evaluation were discussed. Professor Tiirzian expressed his concern that results from AC experi-
ments are ambiguous and that we may not make much progress over the next three years. After overviewing the
major problems that had been discussed during the day, including theory, methods, and evaluation, Professor
Zimbardo offered some suggestions on research possiblities. In particular, he felt that it would be useful to work
with an already established effect, such as conditioning, and then to systematically separate the subject from the
stimuli. He raised a number of testable questions, including whether the monitor is necessary in remote viewing
and what specific role they play.
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APPENDIX B
This appendix contains a translated copy of the paper presented by Mr. Yuri Dolin of the Former Soviet
Union (FSU) during his visit to SAIC’s Cognitive Sciences Laboratory in Menlo Park, California, on
March 11, 1993.
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EEG-Objectivization of Human Distant Influence on Human Subjects
Yuri
S.
Dolin, Victor
I.
Dymov,
Nicolai
N.
Khatchenkov
Summarv
CPYRGHT
In the experiments,
a subject was located in a dark,
sound-proof,
electrically-shielded chamber,
and his electroencephalogram
(EEG)
was recorded.
Two standard electrodes were placed in positions C 3 ,
q
The reference electrode was placed on the mastoid projection.
The upper limit of the EEG frequency range was
Hz,
with a time
constant of
0.1
sec.
The EEG signal was
fed into
a computer for
on-line processing.
Between
4 and
6 trials per day were conducted,
some of them being
control trials and some "distant influence" trials.
For each given
trial,
casting
lots determined whether it was
a test
or control.
The
direction
of
influence
(activation
or
inhibition
of
the
subject's alpha rhythm) was determined by the "sender"
(the person
attempting the
"distant influence").
The subject was blind as to
whether the given trial was a test or control.
EEG of the subject
was
recorded
for
seconds
which
was
followed
by
a
second
interval
to
allow
for
the
computation
of
the
Fourier
trans-
formations
of the
signal.
The results were
shown graphically on
the display screen.
During each trial, between 20 and 40 of these
time periods were recorded,
the length of the trial being specified
in advance.
There were experiments conducted both at short distances
(when the
"sender" was from
5 to
100 meters from the subject)
and at longer
distances,
from
1 to
10 kilometers.
The tests were conducted from
July
1,
1992
to November
25,
1992.
The tests
at
short distances
were carried out
from July
30,
1992
to September
7,
1992.
About
150
short-distance
tests
were
conducted,
with
subjects
and
"senders."
Two subjects with a stable alpha rhythm were selected.
The data obtained from the
"senders," who worked only for one or
two days
(performing
to
trials
each),
were excluded from the
analysis,
since
it
required
a
longer
time
(usually
from
to
days)
for
each
"sender"
to
develop
his
"strategy"
of
"distant
influence."
With
senders
and
two
subjects
("receivers")
109
trials were conducted:
53 control trials and 56 test trials.
From
these,
21 test trials had the sender attempting "activation" of the
subject
(thereby intending to decrease the subject's alpha power)
and in test 21 trials attempting "inhibition" (thereby intending to
increase
the
subject's
alpha
power);
in
the
rest
of
the
test
trials,
senders did not specify the direction of influence.
Thus,
the
main
analysis
was
conducted
with
the
trials
in
which
the
direction of influence was specified,
in the range of alpha
(8-13
Hz).
The data for beta and theta were
also recorded;
they later
turned out to be non—significant
.
For
each
test
(5
min.
duration),
the
following
dimensionsless
parameters were calculated:
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A-ti
-
^ci
^ci/^pi
where
Iti
is the mean value
of the EEG power spectrum during the
epoch of
1 the sender's influence;
Ipi is the mean value of the EEG
power during the pre—stimulus epoch
(baseline);
A^j_ characterizes
the magnitute of sender's influence,
and Aqi characterizes changes
in the EEG power spectra during control periods (everything is set-
up the same way as the test period but no sender attempts "distant
influence").
This
approach
to
the
analysis made
it
possible
to
compare the results obtained during different days and to minimize
the error, making the error in the control no greater than 3%.
Aa ^
and
A'
.were calculated signifying mean values for activation and
inhibition trials,
respectively.
The data are presented below:
Short-distance tests,
changes in alpha
control
inhibition
activation
influence
Number of tests
Mean
0.869774
1.09624
0.734714
0.874214
Variance
0.0650086
0.0798939
0.0621056
0.102312
Mean square diviation 0.254968
0.282655
0.24921
0.319862
MSQ of the mean
0.0350225
0.0616804
0.0543821
0.0427433
Lower quartile
0.686
0.954
0.544
0.623
Upper quartile
0.979
1.331
0.913
1.1045
Interquartile range
0.293
0.377
0.369
0.4815
The level of significance for changes of alpha:
The left hemisphere
The right hemisphere
Activation
p
< 0.019
p
< 0.004
Inhibition
p
< 0.067
p
< 0.012
The results are also presented in Figs.
6-10.
About
140
long-distance
trial were performed
from September
10,
1992
to
November
25,
1992
with
the
same
two
subjects.
The
duration of the trial was
2.5
minutes.
The
senders,
working
for
only
one
or
two
days,
were
excluded
from the
analysis;
only
the
trials with two longer-working senders were included.
There were
105
trials subjected to
analysis:
53 were control
trials and
test
trials.
However,
the
senders
did
not
specify which trials
were activation and which were inhibition; thus, the analysis could
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not be performed the
same way as
above.
However,
the changes
in
variance and interquartile ranges indicated the non-uniformity of
the samples
(see Fig.
13).
There
is
a more
detailed discussion of
the
analysis
of
the
results
in
the
text,
which
will
be
included
in
a
complete
translation of the paper.
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paTop-KOH
ri
ionep
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3.
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