Approved For Release 2(mi04ll^.,C^mP96-00789R003'\ 00200001 -5
Technical Proposal
UNCLASolRED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
OBJECTIVE (U)
II.
BACKGROUND (U)
1.
Historical Perspective (U)
2.
Recent Program (U)
3.
Proposed New Effort (U)
III.
APPROACH (U)
1.
Basic Research (SOW 6.1) (U)
1.1
Biophysical Measurements (SOW 6.1.1) (U)
1.2
Data Patterns/Parameters Correlations (SOW 6.1.2) (U)
1.3
Theoretical Issues (SOW 6.1.3) (U)
1.4
Applied Research (SOW 6.2) (U)
1.5
Research Methodology and Support (SOW 6.3) (U)
2.
Quick Reaction Capability (SOW 7.0) (U)
IV.
GLOSSARY (U)
V.
REFERENCES (U)
VI.
RESUMES (U)
Approved For ReleaseOWQ4jAiSS(II51SDP96-00789R0031 00200001 -5
i
Technical
For Release 0fl|Jfl^SSlWflOP96-OO789ROO31 00200001 -5
I. OBJECTIVE
(U)
(U) The objective of this effort is to pursue, in response to solicitation number MDA908-92-R-0164, the
most promising basic and applied research in understanding anomalous mental phenomena (AMP).
Approved For Release 20fli|0^S9H:fEBB6-OO789ROO31 00200001 -5
Technical Afefbttttftd For Releasgg50OT7|Tj^QF{BRH6-OO789ROO31OO2OOOO1-5
II. BACKGROUND
(U)
(U) With regard to this proposal, AMP can be divided into two broad categories:
• Anomalous Cognition (AC) : The awareness of information that is considered otherwise shielded
from all known sensory channels.
• Anomalous Perturbation (AP) : The perturbation of physical matter under conditions of complete
physical and sensorial isolation.
1. Historical Perspective
(U)
(S/NF) Serious government-funded research of both these domains began in 1973 when the Central
Intelligence Agency (CIA) initiated a modest effort to determine if a genuine anomalous phenomenon
could be verified and to assess the degree to which it could be applied to general intelligence problems.
Through fiscal year 1990, a variety of intelligence organizations from the military services and the De-
fence Intelligence Agency (DIA) had supported predominantly application-oriented research pro-
grams at SRI International in Menlo Park, CA.
(S/NF) Beginning in fiscal year 1986, the U. S. Army Medical Research and Development Command
(USAMRDC) initiated the first coordinated, long-term examination of AC and AP phenomena. This
program had three major objectives:
• Provide incontrovertible evidence for the existence of AC and AP.
• Determine the physiological and physical basis for AC and AP.
• Determine the degree to which AC data could be integrated into the intelligence community.
(S/NF) The results and conclusions from the Army program were:
• The first objective had been partially met. An information transfer anomaly exists (i.e., AC) that can
not be explained by inappropriate protocols, incorrect analyses, or fraud; however, there was insuffi-
cient evidence to conclude if AP exists.
• Significant progress had been made in meeting the second objective. For example,
(1) The central nervous system (i.e., the brain) of individuals with known AC ability appeared to re-
spond to isolated AC stimuli. These responses were similar to those observed when their eyes
were stimulated directly.
(2) Two physical models have been constructed. One (called Decision Augmentation Theory) sys-
tematizes the data of over 600 separate experiments spanning 22 years in the open literature and
suggests a possible physical transfer mechanism for AC data. The other is a speculative funda-
mental physical model for the type of information that is sensed by AC.
(U) Under the same research program, a number of different physical systems were examined for their
susceptibility to putative AP effects. They included single-cell algae, single alpha particles, and elec-
Approved For Relea^E®RE*FTN©POBW6-00789R0031 00200001 -5
Technical Awp©SSld For ReleasSB©REWNiQP®Rfefe-00789R0031 00200001 -5
tronic devices such as random number generators and piezoelectric strain gages.
However, in these
carefully controlled experiments, some with experienced AP subjects, no evidence of AP was observed.
2. Recent Program
(U)
(S/NF) Beginning in February 1991, DIA initiated a comprehensive, 18 month, investigation ofAMP
at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).
In that program, basic research was de-
fined as research that is primarily oriented toward understanding the physical, biophysical, physiologi-
cal, and psychological mechanisms of AC. Applied research was defined as research that is primarily
directed toward improving the output quality of AC data.
(S/NF) The primary thrust of that effort was to:
• Prepare a comprehensive, integrated, 5-year research plan
• Conduct basic and applied research that supported operational applications of AMP.
Experiments included investigations of central nervous system responses to AC stimuli and physical
properties ofAC targets. A complete description of all the experiments and their results can be found in
technical final report.
1 * We summarize here, however, three major findings.
(S/NF) We found a significant correlation between the quality ofAC data and a single physical target prop-
erty, the total change of Shannon entropy.
Should this result be verified in a formal replication attempt,
then it can be easily integrated into further laboratory studies and guide the selection of targets that are
likely to yield positive results in operations.
(U) In the same experiment, we determined that it is not a requirement ofAC functioning for an indi-
vidual (i.e., sender*) to observe directly an intended AC target.
(U) The results of our megnetoencephalograph investigation is less clear. We uncovered a flaw in the math-
ematical analysis that prevented us from determining if the central nervous system responds to remote stim-
uli; however, we are currently re-analyzing the data with better techniques. The results of that analysis will
be available as part of an extension of the original work.
(S/NF) In very preliminary trials, we observed possible AP effects in special wave detectors.
3. Proposed New Effort
(U)
(S/NF) This proposal suggests two major experimental efforts and a variety of theoretical and other exper-
imental investigations. We propose to improve the measurement of psychophysiological parameters to op-
timize the likelihood of observing response to remote stimuli
Because of a direct application potential, we
propose to replicate our earlier finding: determine if the total change of Shannon entropy is a valid intrinsic
property of AC targets. The remainder of this document describes our proposal in detail.
* References may be found in Section V beginning on page 18.
t For a definition of terras, please refer to the Glossary in Section IV on page 17.
Approved For Release SE©RET/M0E0lRlNoO789ROO31 00200001 -5
Technical ftpproaid For Release fedllfltllA6SJKl6B>96-00789R0031 00200001 -5
III. APPROACH
(U)
(U) Each heading in this section includes numerical references to the statement of work (SOW) con-
tained in solicitation MDA908-92-R-0164.
1. Basic Research (SOW 6.1)
(U)
(U) Basic research of AMP is defined as that activity that is primarily designed to understand the pa-
rameters of and theoretical basis for AMP.
1.1 Biophysical Measurements (SOW 6.1.1)
(U)
(U) Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
will conduct two different biophysical in-
vestigations, SAIC will:
• Determine if the dominant alpha rhythm is affected by remote and isolated stimuli.
• Determine if the electrical properties of the skin act as indicators of AMP.
1.1.1
Electroencephalograph Measurements (SOW 6.1 .1.1-6) (U)
1.1.1.1 Objective (U)
(U) The objective of this effort is to perform electroencephalograph (EEG) measurements for the pur-
pose of identifying neurophysiological parameters that correlate with anomalous cognition (AC). Tb
achieve this goal, the behavioral setting for the EEG measurements should match, as closely as possible,
that of a usual AC session.
1.1.1.2 Background (U)
(U) In a series of EEG experiments conducted at SRI International beginning in 1974, the central ner-
vous system (CNS) of individuals was found to respond to remote and isolated visual stimuli (i.e., a
flashing light). 2*3*4 In the first experiment, during randomly interleaved 10-second epochs (i.e., trials),
either a flashing light (16 Hz) or no light was present in a sensorially and physically isolated room. Sig-
nificant decreases of occipital alpha power of isolated receivers were observed by Rebert and Turner.2
T\vo replications were conducted in collaboration with Galin and Omstein at the Langley Porter Neu-
ropsychiatric Institute. As reported by May et
al., the results were inconclusive; the first replication
confirmed the Rebert and Tbrner finding, a decrease of alpha power concomitant with the flashing light,
but the second replication attempt found an increase in alpha power.4
(U) Under another program in FY 1989, SRI International and the Biophysics Group at Los Alamos
National Laboratory conducted an experiment using the magnetoencephalograph (MEG) technique.
This experiment was designed as a conceptual extension of the May et al. EEG experiment, although
there were significant differences in the protocol. 'Rvo types of stimuli were randomly presented to an
isolated sender while MEG data were collected from a receiver. The experimental stimulus (i.e., re-
mote stimulus) was a 5-cm square, linear, vertical sinusoidal grating lasting 100 milliseconds. The se-
Approved For Release aflWO4Z#eSSM?ffi©96-00789R0031 00200001 -5
Technical ApfpomHd For Release MM©ftZA8$IFIE©96-00789R0031 00200001 -5
cond stimulus, a control stimulus (i.e., pseudostimulus), was simply a time marker corresponding to a
blank screen in the data stream, and was also delivered to the sender. There was no change in the alpha
power, as reported by May et al., but a post hoc analysis revealed a root-mean-square average phase
shift of the dominant alpha frequency.5 A key result of that experiment was that similar “anomalous”
phase shifts were obtained for the remote stimuli and the pseudostimuli. Three candidate explanations
for these results were suggested. The observed phase shifts might have been:
• Spurious (i.e., statistical deviations within chance expectations)
• Electromagnetic artifacts
• Evidence of anomalous cognition
(U) In order to determine which of these three candidate explanations was correct, SAIC replicated the
study in Los Alamos during 1992. In the replication experiment, ten times the amount of data from the 1989
study was collected, including an equal number of control runs, which contained an equal number of trials
with no receiver present under the MEG to check for possible electromagnetic artifacts.
(U) As of August 1992, the final results of our MEG investigations are pending. Using the same analytical
techniques that were used in the 1989 study, we did not observe significant alpha activity concomitant with
remote stimuli; however, we realized, after the fact, that the 1989 analytical technique contained a subtle
flaw. We were attempting to measure instantaneous phase shifts of the dominant alpha rhythm in the pres-
ence of considerable noise (i.e. the signal-to-noise ratio was approximately 0 decibels). Under this circum-
stance, the variance of the phase
is primarily determined by the noise
(i.e., the Crammer-Rao relation-
ship6). Thus, if there were phase shifts related to the remote stimuli, we would not have seen them, as shown
by the Grammer-Rao relationship.
(U) Aside from the technical difficulties associated with the Crammer-Rao relationship, all of our earlier
attempts to identify CNS correlates to AC did not contain any concomitant behavioral measure of AC, and
the conditions under which experiments were conducted were not similar to those known to be conducive to
the production of AC data.
For example, there is no evidence that a flashing light constitutes a valid AC
target
It is also likely that when EEG electrodes are attached to a receiver’s scalp or if a receiver is asked to
recline face down in a MEG laboratory, that the conditions for the receiver are not optimal.
Therefore, we
have no independent measures that AC functioning occurred in these experiments.
1.1.1.3 Proposed Experiments (U)
(U) We propose to design and conduct experiments to measure CNS responses to AC-stimuli, and since we
will not be initially concerned about source localization, we will not immediately require the special proper-
ties of a MEG, and thus, realize a significant cost savings. Should the proposed experiments warrant, how-
ever, we will provide access to appropriate MEG technology. EEG technology is capable of addressing the
specific variables in the Statement of Work. In addition, we are able to observe all areas of the brain, albeit
with less spatial resolution, with a single measurement—a significant labor/cost savings.
(U) Specifically, we will remedy the problems that were described above in a series ofEEG experiments
that
• Use stimuli that are identical to those in standard AC experiments
• Demonstrate CNS correlates to these stimuli when they are directly presented to receivers
• Provide a potential for independent, but concomitant, behavioral evidence for AC
Approved For Release 0N©yASSira-E©
>96-OO789ROO31 00200001 -5
Technical ftutpsatid For ReleasSBCVtB/T^NQJ^QRlSlB-OOysSROOSI 00200001 -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 Berger7 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,9 sensory stimulation, and cognitive processes. 10’ 11 *12 Kaufman
et al. provide a more recent example of cognitive-process-related ERDs. 13 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. ofERDs from visual stim-
uli. We propose, however, to change the stimuli to those that more closely match AC targets
(i.e.,
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 (i.e., 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. Ib 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 standardAC 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 priori indication of a receiver’s
performance in CNS experiments. If so, we can use this indicator to enhance the likelihood of observing
Approved For ReleatSE©R6IWJ0G©BN6-OO789ROO31 00200001 -5
Technical Araposaid For Releas6SCRliT^NOIpOlltSfe-00789R0031 00200001 -5
effects in the CNS data during formal trials.
Likewise, we may be able to use CNS data to indicate a
priori 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. 14 *15
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.t.,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.
SG1B
(U) lb examine the elaim, 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 JLucidity 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 ludd dream/AC state.
1.2 Data F’attems/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 Relea^SE©R6T#IOROtBM6-00789R0031 00200001 -5
Technical PiMpB&ead For Release KHWZM£AS$1VtlBE}
>96-00789R0031 00200001 -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. 17
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. 18
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. Tventy 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. 19 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 ReleaseUM©l4^SS4HfiDP96-00789R0031 00200001 -5