Technical Pyeptssedd For ReleasGRORETINOFGIRNG-00789R003100200001-5 In addition, we will use EEG measures that more closely resemble those used in more traditional psy- chophysiological experiments. One such example is event-related desynchronization (ERD). Spontaneous EEG reveals short-lasting, task- or event-related amplitude changes in rhythmic activity within the alpha band. This amplitude change or desynchronization is one of the elementary phenomena in EEG. It was first described in 1930 by Berger’ in scalp EEG as alpha blocking, and was later termed ERD by Pfurtscheller and Aranibar.8 ERDs can be quantified as a function of time and can then be used to study cortical activation patterns during the planning of motor behavior,’ sensory stimulation, and cognitive processes.10.1112 Kaufman et al. provide a more recent example of cognitive-process-related ERDs.!3 They found a significantly shorter ERD when subjects simply responded to a target stimulus, compared with the ERD that oc- curred when a subject had to search visual memory to determine whether the target matched one pre- viously presented. Because ERDs can be observed in a variety of tasks, they are a likely variable to use to study how the CNS responds to AC stimuli. 1.1.1.4 Proposed Experiments (U) (U) Experiment 1. We propose to replicate an observation by Kaufman et al. of ERDs from visual stim- uli. We propose, however, to change the stimuli to those that more closely match AC targets (ie., photographs from the National Geographic magazine). Other than that, the experiment will closely fol- low that of Kaufman et al. The primary purpose of this replication will be to demonstrate CNS corre- lates (ie., ERDs) to AC-like stimuli that are directly presented to the receivers. These ERDs will serve as a system calibration and may provide data for an adaptive filter to enhance the signal-detection of ERDs when the stimuli are remote. (U) A secondary purpose of this replication is based upon the results of Kaufman et al. They found a significant lengthening of the ERDs when their subjects were asked to review internal mental images. One variable that may be important in understanding AC is mental imagery, since for novice receivers, mental imagery is thought to be a source of confounding mental noise. More advanced receivers, how- ever, are able to use mental imagery as a source of valid information. We will examine qualitatively the relationship between the duration of ERDs for advanced and novice receivers when they are asked to scan internal mental images. (S/NF) Experiment 2. The objective is to observe ERDs with AC stimuli. To achieve this goal, we will explore a variety of approaches to measure ERDs under circumstances that closely match those during a standard AC session. All approaches will use the stimulus set from Experiment 1, above. In pilot ex- periments, we will determine an optimal protocol and then conduct a formal experiment using that protocol. The pilot approaches will include, but will not be limited to: ® Searching for ERDs during a standard AC session while a receiver is writing and drawing. Muscle artifacts may be a problem; however, we can determine their impact with a few pilot trials. @ Using a counterbalanced random protocol to conduct a standard AC session without EEG followed by an EEG session where only AC mental activity is used to access the same target. We will collect behavioral AC data as closely as possible to the CNS data. In addition, the protocols for the behavioral and CNS experiments will be as similar as possible. In pilot trials, we will correlate the behavioral data with the CNS data to determine if behavior can be an a prion indication of a receiver’s performance in CNS experiments. Ifso, we can use this indicator to enhance the likelihood of observing Approved For ReleaSBQRETAN OR Q@BING-00789R003100200001-5 &
SG1B Technical Agypweaid For ReleasGROCRETINOFQRAE-00789R003100200001-5 . effects in the CNS data during formal trials. Likewise, we may be able to use CNS data to indicate a prion performance in operational AC tasks. (U) In both EEG experiments, standard techniques for sensor placement, artifact rejection, and data collection will be employed. In addition, a “dummy” lead, which will be connected to a fixed resistor, will be used to check for possible electromagnetic artifacts. (U) Depending upon the outcome of the pilot trials, we will use the optimized protocol to conduct a formal experiment to test the hypothesis that the CNS responds to remote AC stimuli. If the formal experiment is successful, we will be more able to address a variety of other variables that may be impor- tant in determining the CNS’s response to AC stimuli. For example, we will than explore the impact of different stimuli (e.g., audio, various changes of entropy) and whether parameters such as distance, . shielding, and sender condition affect the functioning. 1.1.2 Electrodermal Potential Measurements (SOW 6.1.1.7) (U) (U) In 1990 and again in 1992, Braud et al. reported on electrodermal correlates of remote atten- tion.1415 They found that the electrodermal properties of receivers correlated significantly with the intense attention, via closed circuit TV, of an isolated and remote experimenter (i.e., p < 0.009, effect size = 0.59). Four other experiments of a similar nature have been reported in the literature since 1913, but Braud et al. observed the largest effect size. The technical arguments for the existence of such a correlation may be found in their report. (U) To examine the claim, we propose to conduct a replication of the Braud et al. experiment. Using a balanced random schedule of attention and rest periods of a remote gazer, we will continuously monitor the electrodermal activity of each receiver. We will explore a number of possible analysis techniques, but they will include a normalized ratio of electrodermal activity in effort and rest periods, the tech- nique used by Braud et al. (U) We will conduct a brief pilot experiment to assure that protocol, equipment, and analysis are work- ing properly and will modify the protocol as needed during this period. We anticipate that approximate- ly 20 individuals will be screened for a positive electrodermal response. The five best of these will be used in a formal experiment. Should the formal experiment succeed, we will add EEG to the protocol and repeat the measurements. (U) We will subcontract to the Lucidity Institute to gain access to a well-equipped psychophysiology laboratory in which to conduct the proposed EEG and electrodermal experiments. In addition, we will conduct with the Lucidity Institute a few lucid dreaming trials in the same laboratory. In these trials, we will be looking for brain-wave patterns that might indicate a lucid dream/AC state. 1.2 Data Patterns/Parameters Correlations (SOW 6.1.2) (U) (U) The search for patterns or correlations within anomalous cognition (AC) is part of basic research, but contains elements that are applied research. Approved For ReleaSBOQRETANOKR@BING-00789R003100200001-5 7
Technical Ayepewetd For Release PNQHASSIFIED 96-00789R003100200001-5 1.2.1 Virtual Reality and Subliminal Stimulation (SOW 6.1.2.1-2) (U) (U) Virtual reality (VR), the construction of a sensorial environment using computers, is a technology, which is currently at its earliest stages of development. We will scan the appropriate literature and deter- mine if these techniques may be applied to specific questions in the research of AMP. Specifically, can VR be adapted as a method of registering an AC response, and thus, improve the quality of the data? (U) Subliminal perception (SP) is also at an early stage of understanding. We will continue to follow the pertinent research and provide improved protocols as they become available. 1.2.2 Sender/No-Sender in the Ganzfeld (SOW 6.1.2.3) (U) (U) Under a previous effort, we let a subcontract to University of Edinburgh to construct a room that is qualified for Ganzfeld studies. In addition, we let a subcontract to Psychophysical Research Laborato- ries (PRL) to perform a retrospective analysis of the literature to determine the effects of a sender in AC-Ganzfeld studies. That analysis was inconclusive because of an insufficient number of studies. !7 Under the same subcontract, PRL developed a detailed technical protocol for an experiment that would be definitive in determining the role of the sender in the Ganzfeld.!® Pilot trials for this experi- ment are being conducted as an-extension to the previous effort. (U) We propose, therefore, to conduct a definitive formal study to determine the role of a sender in the Ganzfeld. Twenty five of the best receivers from the pilot study will contribute two Ganzfeld trials each. We propose to examine four different sender conditions during which the sender is exposed to: © The full video and audio of the target material @ The video portion of the target only © The audio portion of the target only © No portion of the target material (U) The latter case is one in which the sender is blind to the target material. As part of the standard auto-Ganzfeld procedure, personal and psychological profiles will be collected from each receiver. In addition, we will add the Q-Sort profile. (See Section 1.2.3 below for details.) Full details of the auto- Ganzfeld protocol can be found in Honorton et al.!9 In conjunction with SOW 6.2.2, we will determine if the sender is important with regard to specific target elements in long-range AC experiments (see Section III.1.4.2.4 and page 14). 1.2.3 A Heuristic Variable Search, the Q-Sort (SOW 6.1.2.4) (U) (U) We propose to explore potential personality variables, such as verbalizer vs imager, as they relate to AC ability through the use of the Q-Sort method, a systematic and quantitative technique for obtaining compre- hensive psychodynamic descriptions of individual personalities, and through a meta-analysis of the ap- propriate literature. Using the Q-Sort, we will address 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 personalities of individuals who do not do well on AC tasks differ from those who do? (U) First conceived by William Stephensen, the Q-Sort method has developed into a useful tool for comparing personality variables between a wide variety of different populations. For example, studies Approved For Release O@b4NS SGH1IBDp96-00789R003100200001-5 §&
Technical Rpppogall For Release 1G NOLS SIFHED 96-00789R003100200001-5 have ranged from examining the differences between effective and ineffective liars to analyzing the dif- ference between individuals who tend to rely upon external visual fields rather than proprioceptive (i.e., musculo skeletal) cues in determining true vertical.2° (U) For each individual, the method involves sorting 100 cards into nine categories with an assigned number of cards placed within each category. On each card is written a single psychological statement in a theoretically neutral form, so as to suggest a continuum rather than an either/or dichotomy. The num- bers of cards within each category must be 5, 8, 12, 16, 18, 16, 12, 8, 5, respectively. The success of this method, in general, is primarily because the individual is forced to make limited (i.e., ten) decisions about him/herself in the extreme categories (i.e., the very most and the very least characteristic) where the Q-Sort comparisons are most sensitive. Those statements that are sorted into the middle categories represent statements that are psychologically neutral where the Q-Sort comparisons are relatively in- sensitive. The Q-Sort is self administered and takes approximately 20 minutes per individual. (U) In 1989 we conducted a preliminary test of this method using 14 individuals, including three receiv- ers who were known to be talented in AC. Figure 1 shows the results in a cluster diagram. Cluster analy- sis assembles Q-Sort scores into groups of similar profiles, and attempts to create groups that are as different from one another as possible. The result is a visual display of the clusters as shown in Figure 1. To the 14 receivers, we have added three standard profiles; a normal and two different types of person- ality pathology. It is striking to observe in Figure 1 that the pathological profiles are in a cluster by themselves and that the normal profile is clustered with the receivers. (U) To date, the Q-Sort method shows potential in that the personality descriptions of the three known talents (i.e., receivers 009, 454, and 389) were grouped together in a single cluster. By averaging the personality traits of these three individuals we have developed a tentative AC profile, which is also shown in Figure 1. 3 & B= a 2 3 7.) t 2) w oO UNCLASSIFIED Figure 1. Cluster Diagram for 14 Receivers (U) Approved For Releasd2D0@ 4x3 SG ESDP 96-00789R003100200001-5 9