en A Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9 UNCLASSIFIED The second measure, peak power, was also significantly less (-28%) in the 16 £ps conditions than in the null condition (t = 2.16, d.f. = 118, Pp < 0.03). The average response in the 6 fps condition was in the same direction as that associated with 16 fps (-12% in average power, -21% in peak power) but the effect did not reach statistical significance. As part of the experimental protocol, the subject was asked to indicate a conscious assessment for each trial (via telegraph key) as to the nature of the stimulus; analysis showed these guesses to be at chance. Thus, arousal as evidenced by significant alpha blocking occurred only at the noncognitive level of physiological response. Hence, the experiment provided direct physiological (EEG) evidence of perception of remote stimuli even in the absence of overt cognitive response. ; Several control procedures were undertaken to determine if these results were produced by system artifacts or by subtle cueing of the subject. Low-level recordings, were made from saline of 12 kn resis- tance in place of the subject, with and without the introduction of 10-Hz, 50-uV signals from a battery-operated generator. The standard experi- mental protocol was adhered to and spectral analysis of the results was carried out. There was no evidence in the spectra of activity associated with the flash frequencies, and the 10-Hz signal was not perturbed by the remote occurrence flicker. _ In another control prodecure, a 5-ft pair of leads was draped across the subject's chair (subject absent). The leads were connected to a Grass P-5 amplifier via its high-impedance input probe. The bandwidth was set 0.1 Hz to 30 KHz with a minimum gain of 200,000. The output of the amplifier was connected to one input of a C.A.T. 400C "averager." Two-second sweeps, triggered at onset of the tone, were taken once every 13 seconds for approximately two hours, for about 550 samples. No difference in noise level between the fore period and the onset of flicker was observed. Finally, no sounds associated with flicker could be detected in the receiver's chamber. Three further experimental runs were carried out in the sleep lab under the direction of Dr. Lukas, this time with monitoring of 102 UNCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9
i Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9 UNCLASSIFIED right and left occipital regions. Each experiment consisted of 20 15-second trials, with 10 no-flash. trials, and 10 16-Hz trials randomly intermixed. Reduction of alpha activity (arousal response) correlated with remote stimuli was observed as in previous experiments, but essen- tially only in the right hemisphere (average alpha reduction 16% in right hemisphere, 2% in left, during the 16-Hz trials as compared with the no-flash trials). This tends to support the hypothesis that para- normal functioning might involve right hemispheric specialization, but the sample is too small to provide confirmation without further work. In comparing the results of our work with that of others, we note that whereas in our experiments we used a remote light flash as a stimulus, tart? in his work used an electrical shock to himself as sender, and Lloyd?? simply told the sender to think of a red triangle each time a red warning light was illuminated within his view. Lloyd observed a consistent, evoked potential in his subjects; whereas in our experi- ments and in Tart's, a reduction in amplitude and a desynchronization of alpha was observed, an arousal response. (If a subject is resting in an alpha-dominant condition and he is then stimulated, for example in any direct manner, one will observe a~decrease and desynchronization in alpha power.) We consider that these combined results thus provide evidence for the existence of noncognitive awareness of a remote stimulus, and the EEG procedures described appear to be sensitive techniques for detecting the occurrence of such information transfer, even in the absence of overt cognitive response, at least when used to detect discrete arousing stimuli. 2. Mid-Experiment Monitoring of Physiological Parameters During Routine Experimentation in Remote Viewing In this series of experiments measurements were obtained during a random selection of seven remote viewing experiments. The subject was connected to the physiological recording instruments of the smaller, semiportable four-channel polygraph described above. Baseline and experimental measures of the following observables were made: UNCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9
cr Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9 UNCLASSIFIED (1) Galvanic skin response (GSR) was recorded using . finger electrodes taped in place on second and fourth fingers (2) Blood volume/pulse height was recorded using a reflected-light plethysmograph (3) Unfiltered EEG was recorded from the right occipital region (4) Percent-time in alpha (8 to 12 Hz) was recorded on the fourth channel; the alpha filter was a sharp cutoff digital type with essentially zero-pass outside the prescribed bandpass limits. A sample chart record is shown in Figure 24. (Time runs from right to left.) The traces, top to bottom, are the unfiltered EEG, blood volume/ pulse height, GSR, and filtered (alpha) EEG. During the course of an experiment, the subject was asked to describe his perceptions as to the nature of the remote target. His comments were tape-recorded and noted on the polygraph, along with the time. A correlation was then attempted between those descriptions that were found to be uniquely correct and accurate, and the corresponding sections of polygraph recording. Seven experiments of this type were carried out. In our inves~ tigations we did not find any significant correlations between the observed physiological parameters and the indicators of accuracy in the data. - The failure co observe any physiological correlates of a putative “state” associated with paranormal functioning thus parallels the similar failure to observe any physiological correlates of the putative hypnotic state reported by others. In a survey of the major literature on hyponsis by Sarbin and Slagle, entitled "Hypnosis and Psychophysiological Outcomes”, they cataloged experiments dealing with measurements of heart rate, hemodynamics and vasomotor functioning, genitourinary functions, gastrointestinal functions, endocrine and metabolic functions, cutaneous functions, dermal excretions, skin temperature, electrodermal changes, evoked potentials, spontaneous EEG activity, rapid eye movements, slow eye movements, optokinetic nystagmus, changes 104 UNCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9
fbi $A-3183-10 ee T —r Doi 105 UNCLASSIFIED +——+— - yoy oi io POLYGRAPH DATA Correct verbal description given during time interval tap: UNCLASSIFIED H Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9 +. PERCENT ALPHA (5 sec INTEGRATION): | oe “iT fal (ob) GSR bt FIGURE 24 Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9
Approved For RPINCEASSIFIED R000300030004-9 in pupillary diameter, and ocular anatomy. Their conclusion is that “there is no evidence for a physiological process that could serve as an independent criterion of the postulated hypnotic state." Similarly, we found no evidence in the physiological processes that we monitored that could serve as an indicator of the postulated paranormal state beyond the general EEG arousal response observed for discrete stimulus conditions. D. Identification of the Nature of Paranormal Phenomena and Energy This portion of the program was devoted to efforts to understand the nature and scope of paranormal phenomena, including investigation of the physical laws underlying the phenomena. 1, Experiments with Physical Apparatus a. Experiments with Geiger Counter A series of experiments were conducted with subject Sl to determine whether a Geiger counter in the y-ray mode (i.e., beta shield in place) would register subject-directed efforts. The output of a Geiger counter,* fed into a Monsanto Model 1020 counter/timer, indicated that the background count due to cosmic rays was approximately 35 counts/minute. Experimental protocol required the subject to try to change the registered count by concen- tration on the Geiger counter probe from a distance of about 0.5 m. Each run consisted of 15 60-s trials, with 10-s separations between the trials. Preceding each run was a control run of equal duration. - The results, shown in Table 21, indicate no effect of statistical significance, either in the mean or standard deviation of counts. Table 21 GEIGER COUNTER EXPERIMENT SUMMARY Control Runs _ Experimental Runs Standard Deviation Mean | Standard Deviation ee OCDM Item No. CD V-700, Model No. 66, Electro-Neutronics, Inc., Oakland, California. 106 UNCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9
Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9 UNCLASSIFIED b. Experiments with Laser-Monitored Torsion Pendulum In this series of experiments we examined the possibility that a subject may be able to exert a physical influence on a remotely located mechanical system. The target was a torsion pendulum suspended by a metal fiber inside a sealed glass bell jar. The pendulum consists of three 100-g balls arranged symmetrically at 120° angles on a 2-cm radius. The entire apparatus is shock mounted, and protected from air currents by the bell jar. The angular position of the pendulum is measured by means of an optical readout system. The system consists of a laser beam from a low-power argon laser* reflected from a small mirror on the pendulum onto a position-sensing silicon detectort1.5 m from the pendulum. The detector yields an output voltage proportional to spot position. The output from the detector is monitored by a chart recorder*, which provides a continuous sine wave record of pendulum position. The system exhibits a sensitivity of approximately l0urad. Under typical experimental conditions, random acoustical fluctuations drive the pendulum in its torsional normal mode of 10-s period to a level ~100yrad angular deviation. During control runs the pendulum executes harmonic motion with a maximum variation in amplitude of +107 over an hour period. Sudden vibrational perturbations in the environ- Ment (artifacts) produce oscillation of the pendulum in the vertical plane at 0.1 Hz. The subject is asked, as a mental task, to affect the pendulum motion, the results of which are available as feedback from the chart recorder. The subject is then encouraged to work with the pendulum from a distance of 1 m, observing effects being produced. If satisfied that there is a possibility of producing effects, the subject is removed to a room 22 m down the hall with three intervening office spaces to determine whether effects can be produced from a remote loca- tion. The subject is provided feedback at the remote location either by closed circuit video or by a second chart recorder in parallel with y “Spectra Physical Model 262. iUnited Detector Technology Model SC/10. Brush Model Mark 200. 107 UNCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9
Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9 UNCLASSIFIED © the recorder in the enclosed target laboratory. The remote aspect was - instituted both to prevent artifactual effects from body heat, motion, and the like, and also to determine whether energy can be coupled via the remote-viewing channel to a remote location.* In an experiment, timing of subject efforts to increase or decrease oscillation amplitude are determined by an experimenter utilizing a randomization protocol described in Appendix C. Each ex- periment lasts one hour and consists of six five-minute work periods alternated with six five-minute rest periods. Although there appeared to be some evidence in pilot studies that a subject could, by concentration, increase or decrease pendulum motion on command, data taken in three controlled experiments produced 11 changes in the correct direction out of 18 tries, a result nonsignificant at p = 0.24 by exact binomial calculation. c. Experiments with Superconducting Differential Magnetometer (Gradiometer) One of the first psychoenergetically produced physical effects observed by SRI personnel in early research (1972) was the apparent perturbation of a Josephson effect magnetometer. The conditions of that pilot study, involving a few hours use of an instru- ment committed to other research, prevented a proper investigation. The number of data samples was too few to permit meaningful statistical analysis, and the lack of readily available multiple recerding equipment prevented investigation of possible "recorder only" effects. At the suggestion of the sponsor, a series of experiments was carried out using the superconducting second-derivative gradiometert shown in Figure 25. “Both experimental evidence and theoretical work indicate that distance may not be a strong factor in paranormal phenomena. See, for example, "Foundations of Paraphysical and Parapsychological Phenomena," by E.H. Walker, U.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratories, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. 26 ,  Develco Model 8805, Develco, Inc., Mountain View, California. “108 UNCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9
Approved For Release 2006/1 1/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9 UNCLASSIFIED FIGURE 25 SUPERCONDUCTING DIFFERENTIAL MAGNETOMETER 109 UNCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9
Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9 UNCLASSIFIED Basically, the gradiometer is a four-coil Josephson effect magnetometer device consisting of a pair of coil pairs wound so as to provide a series connection of two opposing first-derivative gradiometers, yielding a second-derivative gradiometer (that is, a device sensitive only to second- and higher-order derivative fields). As a result, the device is relatively insensitive to uniform fields and to uniform gradi- ents. This arrangement allows for sensitive measurement of fields from nearby sources while discriminating against relatively uniform magnetic fields produced by remote sources. The device is ordinarily used to measure magnetic fields originating from processes within the human body, such as action currents in the heart that produce magnetocardiograms. The sensitive tip of the instrument is simply placed near the body area of interest. In our application, however, the subject is located in an adjoining laboratory at a distance of 4 m from the gradiometer probe. As a result the subject is located in a zone of relative insensitivity; for example, standing up, sitting down, leaning forward, and arm and leg movements produce no signals. From this location the subject is asked, as a mental task, to affect the probe. The results of his efforts are available to him as feedback from three sources: an oscilloscope, a panel meter, and a chart recorder, the latter providing a permanent record. A protocol for subject participation was instituted as follows. The subject removes all metal objects from his clothing and body, and the effects of body movements are checked at the start of each ex- perimental period. The subject then works with the machine in a learning mode, observing effects being produced, if any, via feedback from the instrumentation. Once satisfied that a possibility exists of producing effects on command: under experimenter control, the experimenter announces the start of the experiments. A randomization protocol (discussed in Appendix C) is then used to generate ten ON (subject activity) and OFF (subject no activity) periods of equal length (e.g., 25 s each as determined by the experimenter. 110 UNCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9
Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9 UNCLASSIFIED The trace from the chart recording of a sample run (Run 1, Subject $1) is shown in Figure 26. The randomly generated ON (activity) trials occurred in periods 2, 8, and 9. As observed, signals appear in each of these three periods. The signal appearing in period 9 was strong enough to cause loss of continuous tracking. This latter type of signal can be the result of an exceptionally strong flux change or an RF burst, whether subject-generated or artifactual*, and is handled on the basis of statistical correlation as discussed below. An artifact due to the passage of a truck in the parking lot adjacent to the laboratory (under continuous surveillance by the experimenter) is noted in period 6. The signals recorded in periods 2 and 8 correspond to an input of approxi- mately 1.6 x 10°? Gauss/em” (second derivative 9°B,/8Z"), which is equiva- lent to approximately 3.5 x 10°! Gauss referred to one pickup coil. The interpretation of such observations must be subjected to careful analysis. For example, the emphasis on "corresponds to" is based on the following: although the probe is designed to register magnetic fields, and the simplest hypothesis is that an observed signal is such, in a task as potentially complex as willed perturbation effects one must be cautious about assigning a given observed effect to a specific cause. One can only conclude that generation of a magnetic field is the most probable cause, without presuming to identify a particular source. With regard to signal display, the signal was observed simultaneously on three recording devices at different stages of the electronics, and thus a "recorder only" effect can be considered low probability, although an electronics interference effect ahead of all display cannot be ruled out. We therefore treat the magnetic cause as tentative, although most probable, and concentrate our attention omwhether a correlation exists between system disturbances and subject efforts. Thirteen ten-trial runs were obtained with $1. Each of the ten trials in the run lasted 50 seconds’, the activity/no-activity oe” * RE interference effects are sometimes in evidence due to noise bursts from other instrumentation. +With the exception of the first run where 25-second trials were used. 111 UNCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2006/11/29 : CIA-RDP96-00791R000300030004-9