Approved For RelAase 2000/08/10 : CIA-RDP96-0 7ROO0200200033-4
     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. Se sory Evaluatio n - 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 Histog - 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, " server" 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-triaT-basis) or the establishment
    of a scale (ordinal) and rules for its use (reliability) to accommodate
    11partial 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 ap roach 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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   I, I u ubtED',',Rtvlou5 0 SECREL.[:I--- CONFIDENTIAL , 21 USF QNLY 1:1 UNCLASSIFIED