CIA-RDP96-00787R000200200033-4

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13 November 1973
POSITION ON PARAPSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH
1. The purpose of this paper is a) to indicate agreement in
principle with an OTS recommendation that a two-fold approach be
used in the study of parapsychological phenomena; and b) to elabo-
rate what some of the elements might be that fall into each aspect
of the proposed program. Though two separate aspects of the approach
are described, it is important to remember that the two classes of
studies must coalesce if more than anecdotal or testimonial evidence
is to emerge.
2.
Basic Research Aspect - The goal is to find, if possible, the
underlying mechanism of "giftedness" or to at least identify areas of
communality between "gifted" subjects so that they can be sufficiently
characterized to formulate a "profile" or incipient screening system.
To accomplish this the following elements should be included in the
program:
a.
Sensory Evaluation - The classical sensory path-
ways in the "gifted" (and matched control) subjects must
be studied. Testing must go beyond the "normal" range
and include discriminatory measures as well as threshold
evaluations for each modality and include some testing
(with barriers interposed) focussed on the "special"
abilities of the subject.
b.
Nervous System Characterization - Autonomic
Nervous System (heart rate, GSR, plethysmograph) and
Central Nervous System (averaged evoked potential,
contingent negative variation, spectral analysis)
will be characterized in terms of 1) baseline levels,
2) response proclivities to liminal and subliminal
stimuli, and 3) response to stimulus anticipation
(AEP, CNV, spectral analysis) and conditionability.
c.
Psychological Testing - A battery of aptitude
and personality tests will be given. A BAB psycholo-
gist will conduct an independent PAS evaluation.
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Position on Parapsychological Research (Cont'd)
d. In-depth Interview and General History - This
task will focus on special abilities as perceived and
manifested by the "gifted" person.
e.
Behavioral Assessment - Subjects will be tested
using the "assessor" tapes, "observer" movies, tachis-
toscopic detection, reaction time, field dependency,
time estimates, and other measures so as to relate the
results from the "gifted" subjects to larger populations.
These classes of data were chosen not only because they are logical in
terms of the specific problem but because the data may have some ap-
plicability to other on-going ORD problems. It is hoped a "profile"
for a "sensitive" may emerge.
3.
Intelligence Objective Aspect - OTS will provide the guidance
concerning the specific objectives. OTS and ORD can collaborate in de-
termining the protocol for conducting the tasks and collecting data.
A generic problem that should be solved first is the determination of
a criterion for success (on a trial-by-trial basis) or the establishment
of a scale (ordinal) and rules for its use (reliability) to accommodate
"partial hits." It is expected that whatever specific "operational
tasks" are chosen, basic information in the following categories will
be necessary.
a.
Reliability (Repeatibility)
b.
Validity (Accuracy)
c.
Resolution (Channel Capacity by Sensory Modality)
d.
Potential for Enhancement (Learnability)
e.
Limiting Factors (Force Fields, Feedback, Magnetic
Shielding, and Familiarity)
Depending on the types of tasks, CNS and ANS data will be collected
during task performance. Matched control subjects will be run on all
classes of tasks. In addition, subjects will undergo a medical examina-
tion including blood chemistry and X-ray screening; appropriate physical
security measures will be incorporated into all tasks.
4.
A program that encompasses the type of approach and rigor out-
lined above has a chance of providing "good" data (whether the overall
results are positive or negative) and should be undertaken.
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This report does not address the
mechanism of OTS/ORD collabora-
tion in terms of cost or con-
tractual responsibility. Nor does
this report explicitly address the
SRI proposal or the timing. These
are seen as administrative/politi-
cal issues and should be handled
separately, but they should be
handled and not rationalized away
by the desire to collaborate on
something potentially exciting.
12,3.
Our position on The SRI
proposal, which is concerned
in by the OST psychologist
familiar with The
proposal, is That the
tasking therein & much
too lobse. 1SP/ORD feels
that it is important to
move ahead in This area
but we have reservations
about preceding with
The present proposal, especially
under OTS monitorship
COMMENTS (Number each comment to show from whom
to whom. Draw a line across column after each comment.)
C/LSR/ORD