Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 UNCLASSIFIED PARAMETER EV ES PURPOSE: To systematically search for physical and psychophysical parameters that are important to parapsychological performance: - Candidate physical parameters would include distance to target, shielding, type of feedback. - Candidate psychophysical parameters would include individual cognitive style, RV session strategy, targeting methodologies, and possibly nature of the target. GENERAL APPROACH: Development of a target pool of 80 targets that permits systematic examination of some candidate parameters is central to this evaluation series. Several proven individuals, as well as those with predetermined potential will be required. Some type of psychological/neurophysiological profiling will also he necessary (e.g., personality type, cognitive style). Parameters of interest can be explored systematically with proper session design. Session variables could include distance to target, feedback conditions, type of targeting (beacon person, abstract). For the distance parameter, either the individual would travel to a variety of locations, or a duplicate target pool could be moved around. It would be desirable to have all sources perform on all targets in the pool. This would maximize the chances of identifying variables, including subtle aspects, that may have a role in phenomena operation. TARGET POOL: The target pool in this series will have the following four categories: CATEGORY A: This category comprises of twenty targets that are "form" dominant. That is, they are pictorial target of generally simple geometric shapes or forms (e.g., Egyptian pyramids, cones). Only a few colors will be dominant, and background, if any, will not be a significant feature. The context, scale, or function/purpose of the target scene or object may not be apparent, and is not of prime interest in this category. Consequently, evaluation of RV data from Category A targets will UNCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0
Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 © UNCLASSIFIED focus on "form-color" elements, not on the analytical aspects. CATEGORY B: This category is comprised of twenty pictorial targets that are combinations of form/content. Consequently, both shape and content correlations are equally important in evaluating the raw data. The targets will be as simple as possible, although they will have a variety of elements that will be relatively unique across targets. In addition, background or setting will be important elements, as will the overall context of the target contents. Some of these targets will have features that indicate, or imply, specific dynamic aspects or other target attributes (e.g., temperature, direction of motion). Category B targets will have a mix of unique forms/shapes, may have a variety of colors, a variety of settings or backgrounds, and will be natural (e.g., scenes, people, wildlife), manmade (e.g., buildings, devices), or combinations of these. The targets will not be overly complex so that evaluation can be facilitated and so that cross-target comparisons can be made, if desired. Although pictorial material is emphasized, a few targets could be combinations of printed and pictorial elements, with relevant words or sentences superimposed on the target picture. CATEGORY C:;: These targets (20 totaled) will be representative of operational projects. They will be complex in nature, have a variety of target elements including pictorial, printed material, or combinations. Although each target will have unique aspects, there could be some overlap with other targets. Consequently, fine discrimination, precise form, exact spatial relationships, or accurate assessment of target content (e.g., specific location, specific function of device) would be required to determine how well the source's data matched the target. CATEGORY D: These twenty targets will permit exploration of target features or aspects not necessarily contained in the first three categories. These targets would include 3-D objects or unusual forms of target representation. Some of the targets could be 3-D versions of pictorial targets in the previous categories. Such targets will permit determination of "dimensional effects", if any, on the individual viewers' perceptions. UNCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0
Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0 UNCLASSIFIED EVALUATION: Data evaluation would be accomplished in several ways: rank order (subgroups), figure of merit, concept analysis, or use of "fuzzy set" methodology. In addition, raw data-target element correlation analysis would be required in order to assess effects, if any, of some of the variables such as distance, shielding, targeting methods, etc. Each target category may require a separate evaluation approach; however, the series could be evaluated by using a "meta-analysis" method as well. It is envisioned that sufficient variety will exist in the 80 targets, and in target pool/subject manipulation, that certain key parameters regarding phenomenon functioning and reliability could be identified at completion of this parameter evaluation series. ALTERNATE USE: An abbreviated version of the target pools developed for this parameter evaluation series could be used for screening/selecting people with potential. For example, four or five targets from each of the four categories could be incorporated into some form of easy-to-use capability testing approach. Candidate individuals would perform a specified number of trials, and results could identify potential candidates and their targeting or subject matter preferences. UNCLASSIFIED Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R002900370001-0