CIA-RDP96-00788R001200230009-6

ZAUG 79
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Approved For Release 2003/09/10 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200230009-6
MEMORANDUM FOR THE UNDER SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
SUBJECT: Grill Flame
1. The Scientific Evaluation Committee decided to issue this interim report
in order to highlight an emerging recommendation, which should get
immediate attention in order to avoid additional time delays and costs.
2. Following our initial review of RV experiments, especially those
performed in accordance with the SRI protocol and procedures, it is our
conclusion that existing experimental practices are not likely to enhance
the credibility in the RV process, nor are they likely to establish the
existence of the very phenomena.
3. The currently planned AMSAA proposal has recognized many of the
weaknesses in the existing RV protocols and has taken giant steps to
affect constructive changes. AMSAA has especially recognized the basic
problems associated with the judging process and they have proposed
procedures which tend to attack human frailties and reduce their impact on
the final outcome. However, it is our opinion, that probably because of the
pressure of time and resources, they have not gone far enough to provide an
unambiguous judging methodology.
See
Over
4. We recommend that AMSAA be tasked to address the issue of an RV
experiment that approaches, as far as possible, "viewing" experiments
which can be judged by humans, hopefully in a mechanistic way, i. e.,
filling in blocks on an answer sheet, responsive to"yes" or "no" xxxxxxx
type of answers. It may be useful to do this work in addition to the type
of work already planned or in replacement thereof. What we recommend can
be approached by picking targets that are simple and in such contrast to
their surroundings that no imagination is needed to ascertain a "match" to
what AMSAA calls an "essence" or "concept". This, of course, would
mean that the AMSAA's target pool must include targets that are simple,
relatively unambiguous and well defined by a minimum of descriptors such
as shape, smell, size, function, etc. (Since relatively simple scenes are alleged
to offend the sensibilities of the viewers, we should then be prepared to
grudgingly increase the complexity until the viewers appear to be satisfied. )
5. We realize that adapting experimental modifications to seriously reduce
the uncertainties in the judging process will slow down the current rate of effort
and may also increase costs, however, we feel that in the long run, this is
more than justified if the goal is to conduct an RV experiment which benefits to
the maximum extent from the perceived faults and doubts of previous work, and
which could form
basis for building a disciplined data base in this area.
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d For Release 2003/09/19: CIA-RDP96-00788R001200230009-6
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Approved For Release 2003/09/10 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200230009-6
#4: This Approach has A serious flaw of IT is The only
protocol to be followed. It does not Allow for
Spontaneous type inputs at The target site. E.G.,
ConversaTions between beacons at The TARGET SITE.
I agree of need to became as sevenhifically
rigorous as possible, especially the man
basic the research. However, I do not
want to constrain INSCOM from realistic
testing of operational application of whiteve-
phenomenon may or may not be sartificial.
proved the exisfatture current scientific methods
I believe real world effects to apply the
-
techniques operationaly will provide additional
Indication of the existence or non- Existent my
the phenomadina
ER 2 Aug
Approved For Release 2003/09/10 : CIA-RDP96-00788R001200230009-6
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