Psychic Research Methods and Evidence 2

Question 1

In parapsychology research, what is the primary purpose of using a 'forced-choice' experimental design?

Accepted Answer

To limit participants to selecting from a fixed set of targets, making statistical analysis clearer

Answer

Forced-choice designs restrict responses to a defined target set, enabling straightforward calculation of chance probability and statistical deviation.

Question 2

What does a 'file-drawer problem' refer to in psychic research?

Accepted Answer

Unpublished negative studies that bias the apparent evidence toward positive results

Answer

The file-drawer problem occurs when studies with null or negative results go unpublished, inflating the apparent success rate of psi research.

Question 3

Which statistical measure is most commonly used to assess ESP card-guessing performance against chance?

Accepted Answer

The p-value from a binomial or z-test

Answer

Researchers use p-values derived from binomial or z-tests to determine whether hit rates significantly exceed chance expectations.

Question 4

What is the role of a 'judge' in a free-response psi experiment such as a ganzfeld study?

Accepted Answer

To blindly rank or match transcripts of receiver impressions against target images

Answer

Blind judging involves comparing receiver reports to potential targets without knowing which was the actual target, providing an unbiased scoring method.

Question 5

Why do critics emphasize the importance of pre-registration in psi experiments?

Accepted Answer

It stops researchers from changing hypotheses or analyses after seeing the data

Answer

Pre-registration locks in hypotheses and analysis plans before data collection, preventing post-hoc adjustment that can produce spurious significant findings.

(Psychic) Psychic Ability Test Practice Test

(Psychic) Psychic Ability Test Practice Test

Psychic Research Methods and Evidence 2