The role of memory in free-response ESP studies: is target familiarity reflected in the scores?
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Authors
Irwin, Carol Plumlee
Issue Date
1981
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Extrasensory perception , Memory
Alternative Title
Abstract
In this thesis an extensive theoretical discussion of issues related to the involvement of memory in free-response ESP experiments precedes description of a free-response ESP experiment conducted to test hypotheses regarding the effects of target familiarity on ESP scores. Holistic and atomistic methods of analysis of free-response data are described, and differences are delineated between the forced-choice and freeresponse methodologies with regard to measurement of the information content of targets and responses and the control of target-relevant memories. A model of the free-response ESP process, as one involving the association of an ESP stimulus (or ESP activated information) with additional relevant information in memory, is the basis for the target-familiarity hypothesis, which suggests that familiarity with target material provides an additional source of information which can be used by a subject to more accurately describe (or avoid describing) the target than is likely to occur in the absence of target familiarity. That is, target familiarity is hypothesized to be a factor which increases the magnitude (i.e., the absolute values or the variance around the theoretical mean of zero) but not the direction of ESP scores. The effect of subject expectations regarding the nature of target material is recognized as an additional factor which may influence the response process.