A Compendium of the Evidence for Psi
Adrian Parker, Göran Brusewitz
(published in European Journal of Parapsychology, 2003, 18)
Authors :
Dr. Adrian Parker, Professor of Psychology, Goteborg University, Sweden
Göran Brusewitz, President of Swedish Society for Psychical Research
Summary:
This article has the purpose of making readily available for scrutiny primary sources relating to studies that give evidence of psi-phenomena. Although the list is not offered as providing compelling evidence or “proof” of psi, it is meant to provide a strong case for a recruitment of resources. The effects are not marginal or non-replicable ones although it is clear that in many cases they appear to be dependent on certain experimenters and participants. The presentation includes sources relating to classical studies, metaanalyses of replication studies, the testing of high scoring subjects, and proof-orientated experiments, as well as the critical appraisal of this work. Where possible, web site addresses are given where this material is available and accessible. Theory driven research is needed especially concerning the nature of the experimenter effect.
Conclusion (excerpt only):
It appears quite clear from this review that irrespective what interpretation is given to specific research reports, the overall results of parapsychological experimentation are indicative of an anomalous process of information transfer, and they are not marginal and neither are they impossible to replicate.
While the conditions for precise replication and for producing the phenomena to hand, still elude researchers, the psi-effect is replicable to the extent that it permits meaningful and productive research. This fits well with the conclusion reached by Jessica Utts (1996) in her report on government-sponsored research into remote viewing concerning the existence of a small to medium effect. Both Utts and the other expert involved, Ray Hyman (1996), while disagreeing as to how far research had come, agreed that that future research should be continued and supported by the universities, which has not happened.
What may complicate the situation in parapsychology is the dominance of experimenter effects. This is sometimes dismissed as merely a post-hoc explanation for failures but even in successful experiments it is rampant as evident in the above reviews. Then there is also the often muted possibility of that some of the effects may be due to experimenter psi. Since this is a relatively unresearched area, it does not form part of this review. The upside of all this is that sometimes with the right experimenter, the right participant, and the right technique, the effects are large and demonstrable, and it is under these conditions we should be able to learn something about the process.
Download: http://www.deanradin.com/evidence/Parker2003.pdf
