Approved For Release 2000108111 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 INPROVING COWUNICATION AND C011.1WRATION, BFNEEN EUROPEAN PAPAPSYCHOLOGISTS: ThT ELTO-PA Deborah L. Delanoy Psycholoc3y Cepartri-ent University of Edinburgh Abstract European parapsychologists face a set of inter-related problems which militate against the existence of an effective communication and collaboration network between researchers. Primary among these problems are language. differences, the physical isola-f-ion of rrany rc,searchers, tli(, dwindling number of establi-shed research centers aria a lack of funding. In an atterript to con-bat scme of these difficulties, European parapsychological researchers have started to hold an annual conference, the Eurc-PA. The history and goals of the Euro-PA are discussed, and its effectiveness in overcoming some of the problems facing European parapsychologists is considered. A questionnaire was circulated to European parapsychologists collecting their opinions on a variety of questions relevant to ccmunication and collaboration issues. The responses to this questionnaire are presented. e-ei 19 s y416' /V~ ( e (sA o veov /*-- f,^ o Acknowledgements: My thanks to John Beloff, Robert Morris and Caroline Watt for their helpful ccmTkents on an earlier draft of this paper. 63 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 Approved For Release 2000108111 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 Good can-nunication and collaboration among researchers are of paramount importance in any field of study. In a relatively small field such as parapsychology, where researchers are often working in relative isolation from their colleagues, the importance of a good communication and collaboration network is greatly increased. Parapsychology, in common with other disciplines, publishes a variety of journals and has a professional body, the Parapsychology Association (PA), which sponsors an annual convention, among many other activities, which helps to provide such a network. But, are these conventional means successful in providing the necessary comunication/collaboration network? Researchers in parapsychology living in Europe confront a set of inter-related problems, none unique to the European situation, which my be seen as militating against the success of these conventional communication and collaboration strategies. Primary among these problems are language differences, the physical isolation of many researchers from each other and from established research centers, the dwindling number of established research centers, and, last but by no means least, a lack of funding. It is not the intention of this paper to exan-tine these various problems in detail. Instead, the reasons why these factors can defeat the conventional comunication/collaboration means will be highlighted. The efforts being made by European parapsychologists to con-bat these difficulties will be discussed, and data collected exaraining the opinions of European PA members to a variety of cannunication and collaboration issues will be presented. The problem raised by the language differences found between researdry-'rs living in different countries has i~~Z,ceiitly hxeen admirably addressed by Carlos Alvarado (1989) in his article "The Language Barrier in Parapsychology". In this article Alvarado describes the various problems which arise from language differences, the most important being that researchers, particularly those for whom English is their first language, are unaware of important work which has been and/or is being conducted by non-English speaking researchers. As Alvarado notes, such ignorance has detri,mental consequences: "Clearly, a researcher should be aware of any publication in his or her field of speciality, not only for complete coverage, but also for practical reasons, such as having knowledge of successful or failed replications, avoiding the repetition of mistakes or problems found in previous work, and obtaining ideas for further work." (Alvarado, 1989, p. 129) These problems are compounded by the numerous languages spoken within the relatively small geographic area of Europe. htdle many Europeans, especially non-native English speakers, are commonly fluent in several languages, there are few who have mastered all the languages which would be necessary to have a comprehensive knowledge of all the parapsychologically-relevant work published in Europe. Another problem created by language differences concerns more direct ccmuunication between European parapsychologists. Since most Furor~eans know scme English, 64 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 this tends to be the language used when one is trying to reach a broad European audience. Hence, the European Journal of Parapsychology (FJP) is published in English, as are a few other parapsychologically-oriented European journals and bulletins (e.g., the Sychronicity Research Unit Bulletin, the Journal of the Society for Psychical Research and Theoretical Parapsychology). But, many Europeans, even those who are multi-lingual, do not have a truly fluent comand of English. This can make direct ccmunication betueen individual researchers very difficult, as one may lack the necessary vocabulary with which to express one Is ideas and/or comprehend those of others. These difficulties can defeat attempts at comunication and make any form of collaboration exceedingly difficult. Another problem which hinders communication and collaboration among researchers involves the geographic isolation of researchers frcr each other and from centers of research. The lone researcher often lacks the facilities, technical knowledge, and equipment necessary to conduct research which would be considered competent by current, justifiably demanding, standards. And, as shall be discussed, research centers which could supply these are an increasingly rare ccrmiodity in Europe, as elsewhere. Also the psychological effects of being isolated from one's colleagues can be very demoralizing. One needs colleagues who understand the cmplexities of our field, with whcm one can explore new ideas, etc. Cam-nunicating with distant colleagues, even when no language barrier is present, can still be a difficult undertaking. While modern technology has provided us with surie excellent communication aids, many individual researchers do nc)t have access t(-.) a f ax irachine (':)r computerized electronic mail, and the telephone can be prohibitively expensive. The postal services can provide an affordable alternative, but it is nonetheless a very time-consuming and frustrating means of exchanging information, as it entails long delays between each comunication. The lack of reseach centers in Europe is another major obstacle to ccmunication and collaboration between European researchers. With the recent demise of the Parapsychology Laboratory at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, the only reimining parapsychological research center, headed and staffed by full-time personnel who are PA members/associates, which has the facilities and equipment necessary to carry out a wide variety of research is the Koestler Chair of Parapsychology, located at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Unfortunately Scotland, whilst a very favorable location in many respects, is not centrally located with respect to continental Europe. And regretably, the Koestler Chair does not currently have the resources necessary to sponsor research in other countries nor to have guest researchers c(xe and work at Edinburgh. This lack of reseach centers also results in employment opportunities within the field of parapsychology in Europe being virtually non-existent. There are several other research groups in Europe. These groups generally lack the resources associated with a fully functioning research laboratory, and are most comonly 'staffed' by dedicated part-tilTe researchers, who must look to other full-time occupations to support theffselves and their families. Given the limited resources of these groups, they tend, quite sensibly, to concentrate upon fairly specific 65 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 Approved For Release 2000108111 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO lines of research. This can sometimes have the result of further isolating other researchers/research groups, who although living i, relative proximity to the research group, have differing research interests and/or perspectives. Nonetheless, despite the many obstacles which confront such groups, they continue to play a very important role in European research. The lack of funding is undoubtably the greatest problem facing European parapsychology, a problem shared by the field in general. This problem underlies all the others mentioned thus far, and is the main contributor to the difficulty of solving them. We lack the funds to hire translators which could help resolve the problems raised by differing languages. And while many European researchers are multi-lingual, being (relatively) fluent in a language(s) does not necessarily involve having the skill required to accurately translate carefully worded technical papers. F`urthermore, most multi-lingual researchers are unable to support themselves via parapsychology (due to lack of funding), and must turn to other occupations for their livelihood. Thus, even those that do have the ability usually do not have the time to act as translators, either for their own work, or that of others. The lack of funding also means that most individual researchers and research groups lack the resources necessary to conduct many types of work and are unable to comunicate with others as readily as is desirable. Indeed, most European researchers find it impossible even to attend conferences which are not 'located in their vicinity. The lack of research laboratories in Europe is a direct consequence of the lack of funding, which subsequently leads to the virtual conplete lack of employment opportunity within parapsychology in Eu rope. Furthermore, lest we becorre myopic, it must be remembered that in Europe generally, there has been a marked reduction in funding for academic and research purposes for all fields in recent years. This reduction, whilst affecting all fields, will be especially felt in areas such as parapsychology which, at the best of times, has never enjoyed more than a subsistence level of funding. one means of responding to these problexrs would be to hold meetings in Europe specifically for European parapsychologists which would provide the opportunity for greater communication. and collaboration between researchers. This idea was put forth by Martin Johnson, who proposed creating a European branch of the PA, in 1976 (Johnson, 1976). Johnson (1978) raised the issue again in 1978, and in 1979 he announced the formation of a European regional branch of the Parapsychological Association (ERPA) (Johnson, 1979). one objective of this group was to arrange regional colloquia for PA mcn-bers/associates, active in research, where they could exchange ideas and receive constructive criticism of proposed research projects. The other prixfery objective was 'to stimulate and guide. students and persons interested in carrying out scrne piece of research but living in areas which are less integrated in the min stream of parapsychological research' (Johnson, 1979, p.2). According to John Bel-off, who was clected to the working-committee, the ERPA met a few times at other conferences (PA conventions and SPR conferences), but never held a meeting independently of another organization. Apparently, even these rather inforn-al iTeetings ceased in the early 1980's (Beloff, 1990). 66 2ROO0400100009-4 Approved For Release 2000108/11 : CIA-RE)P96-0079 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 The idea of having a specific meeting for European parapsychologists was revived in the late 1980's. Again, it was thought that a conference for European PA men-bers and researchers would help address some of the ccmunication/collaboration problems discussed above. The necessity for a European parapsychology conference, in addition to the annual PA convention, stemmed from many European parapsychologists being unable to afford either the time or the money to travel to the PA conferences when they are held outside of Europe, as is usually the case. Thus, it was decided to hold a three day conference for European PA members and associates who vAere actively pursuing parapsychological research. This conference was brought about by the combined efforts of Jeff Jacobs and Hans Michels of the Synchroncity Research Unit (SRU), Dick Bierman of Amsterdam, and Robert Morris from the Edinburgh research unit. The first meting of European members/associates of the Parapsychology Association (Euro-PA) was held during October 1988, in Holland. The format for the first conference was that each participant was required to make a brief presentation lasting no longer than fifteen minutes, which would be followed by a lengthy discussion period of approximately 30 minutes. With the format being aimed at encouraging open discussion, attendance was to be limited to 25 participants, and in fact, only 23 attended. Given the funding situation in E~urope, conference costs were kept to a minimum. Holland was chosen as a venue as it occupies a relatively central European location, thus being readily, and relatively inexpensively, accessible to many Europeans. There TAere no registration fees, and a very pleasant yet inexpensive venue was found for the conference. Costs were further reduced by having participants make their own bed, assist with serving food and clearing tables, and performing our own bar catering. These measures resulted in an eminently affordable conference, a necessary and much appreciated feature. A wide variety of primarily theoretical and methodological topics were discussed the first two days of the conference, and the half-clay session of the third day was devoted to a roundtable discussion about inter-laboratory research (for further details of the conference see Blackmore, 1989). The primary outccme of this first conference was that communication between researchers was greatly improved. The lengthy discussions which followed each presentation, and continued during the breaks, over meals, and at the bar into the not-so-wee hours of the morning, resulted in all of us having a much better knowledge and understanding of each other, our ideas and perspectives, and our individual problems in pursuing parapsychological research. In short, it was a great success and it was unanimously decided to hold a second conference. Further, it is thought that most participants would agree they left the conference with renewed enthusiasm and increased impetus to continue pursuing their parapsychological work, despite the many difficulties this entailed. Before holding the second Euro-PA conference the Edinburgh research unit circulated a questionnaire to all European members and associates of the PA, eliciting their opinions on a variety of issues concerning the 67 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 Approved For Release 2000108111 : organization of the EUro-PA and other topics relevant to European parapsychological research. Of 58 questionnaires distributed, 28 u~'re returned. Those who returned questionnaires tended to be those rMst actively engaged in conducting parapsychological research. The answers received to the questionnaire were. to be adopted as policy in those cases where a clear majority opinion had been expressed, and in other cases, these issues would be discussed and decisions made at a business meting which was held at the end of the next Euro-PA conference (which occurred in Noven-ber 1989). It should perhaps be mentioned, that at the second annual Ruro-PA meeting there was no restriction on the number of people attending the conference, excepting that one had to be a member or associate of the PA. The min points raised by this questionnaire which are relevant to the issues of communication and collaboration related to the min goals of the Euro-PA and its adadnistration/coordination (see Appendix 1 for a copy of the questionnaire and a summary of the responses received). The questions regarding administration and coordination were of primary importance. A key question regarded whether European parapsychologists should establish a formal organization. A related question involved whether to organize by country. Given the many different countries represented by the Euro-PA members and the different, scmetimes divergent, research interests contained in each country, was it best to have a ccmmittee established in each country, elected by the PA members and associates of that country, to coordinate ccrMTunication within that country, or would it be preferable to have a central organizational committee? The responses to the ahove questions clear cut. Approxii-rately 65 per cent of the responses favored having one central committee whose nu-rbership would rotate annually, and only one respondent wished to see ccamittees organized by country. Furthermore, the majority opinion was against establishing a forml organization, the primary reason for this appearing to be the lack of resources to support such an organization. Other questions were asked regarding whether there should be an annual conference. Twenty-five (89 per cent) of the respondents favored having an annual conference. Other decisions regarding the conference were: the short paper, long discussion format would be retained; the conference would be open to all PA members, associates, affiliates and a limited nuni)er of invited guests; each conference would focus on a wide variety of issues as opposed to one specific topic; conference presentations would be refereed, the location of the conferences should vary throughout Europe; and a major priority was that conference costs should be kept as low as possible. Other questions posed regarded fund-raising, public relations, inter-lab research, and publications. With regard to fund-raising, ten (36 per cent) of the respondents were in favor of conducting fund-raising projects, but only one was willing to help with the organization and administration of such projects. It was ultimately decided that fund-raising activites wo-re outside the scope of an informal organization with an annually rotating committee. However, it was stated at the 68 2R000400100009-4 Approved For Release 2000/08111 : CIA-RDP96-0079 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 business meeting following the second Euro-PA conference, that menbers would make an effort to keep one another informed of possible funding sources, and that this would continue to be a topic of discussion. Indeed, an informative presentation on how to pursue funding for research projects had already been presented at the conference (Parker, 1989) (for further information on the second Euro-PA conference, see Watt, 1990). The issue of public relations is ccmplex given the many differences which exist among the European countries lay populations. While there is a generally high level of lay interest in parapsychology in Europe, this is especially marked in some countries, with The Netherlands possessing arguably the greatest degree of such lay interest. Other countries are confronted by a most vociferous sceptical comunity, West Germany being a notable example. Much of the discussion regarding public relations had focused on the interest accorded our field by the lay population. Tlo address and support this population, several Rembers were in favor of supporting a popular journal where formally conducted research, including that published in our professional journals, would be re-written in a manner accessible to laymen. Here again, language difficulties intervened. It was feared that an English language journal would not address the needs of many non-English speaking laymen, and producing such a journal in several languages was obviously beyond the means of the Euro-PA members. In the end, it was decided that the pursuing of both public relations and publication activities per se were beyond the scope of the Euro-PA manbers. However, with regard to professional publications, at the biLs_":je,~s Ll mtutlon to support the European Journal of Parapsychology by publishing research in that journal was strongly carried. Twenty-one (75 per cent) of the respondents thought that inter-laboratory research projects should be a priority of the Euro-PA, with eleven indicating interest in participating in such projects. Supporting this idea is difficult due to many reasons previously discussed (e.g., lack of labs, distance between researchers, lack of funds, etc.). Nonetheless, means of making inter-lab (or inter-researcher, as the case may be) research more of a reality continues to be a topic for active discussion, and as shall be shortly discussed, some strides are occurring in that direction. One final comment about the Euro-PA concerns language. The question of language was not raised in the questionnaire, as prior to holding the first conference, it was decided that English would be spoken at the conference, and indeed, all communications about the Conference, and the Euro-PA in general, have been in English. The reason for this is simply that it is the language of which the greatest nuMx-r of Euro-PA members have at least scme knowledge. Yet, some of our merrLbers, even those who are multi-lingual, find conviunication in English very difficult. And as previously mentioned, not only is it difficult for scme to express theinselves in English, also it can be difficult for others to understand them, especially those for whom English is not their first language. Also, there have been a few instances where language difficulties have dissuaded researchers from attending the Fbro~PA 69 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 Approved For Release 2000108/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 conferences. Furthermore, it has been evident during the discussic)n periods, that scrae conference participants find communicating their ideas in English problexmtic, and therefore are less active in the discussions. The pussibility of hiring translators was raised, and rejected for obvious financial reasons. Thus, for lack of a better alternative, English has been adopted as the language of the Euro-PA, although it offers a less than ideal solution to the language problem. Al so, language problems may be a contributing factor to an observed north/south divide which has occurred at the two Euro-PA conferences held thus far. Most conference participants are frctn northern European countries, most notably Great Britain, West Germany and Holland, while no one living in Spain or Italy (southern, Mediterranean countries) has attended the conferences as yet. There are many possible reasons other than languages differences for this apparent divide, such as differing approaches/interests, standards and the more northernly-oriented location (in The Netherlands) of the two previous Euro-PA's. Partially as an attempt to address a few of these possibilities, the 1990 Euro-PA will be held in France, a country which occupies a central location having boundaries with both 'northern and southern' European countries. If the reason for the lack of southern participation is locaticn, as opposed to language, it is hoped that the 1990 conference will attract attendees from the southern countries. Howlever, if language is an important factor in the north/south divide, simply shifting the location of the conference is likely to have little effect. The primary problem facing European researchers has been identified as a lack of funding. The P6ro-PA has not teen able to find a direct answer to t-nis problem, and, as discussed above, given its (lack of) organization, it is not in a position to do so. The most the Euro-PA has teen able to accomplish thus far is to host very low cost conferences, which makes the conferences more accessible to its members. Yet there are still potential Euro-PA participants who, not living on the continental mainland, find travel expenses a prohibitive factor. on occasion the PA has provided travel grants for a limited number of overseas attendees who would have otherwise been unable to attend the annual convention. Indeed, this year the PA has dedicated $2000.00 for this purpose. This is an excellent. idea, and it will be suggested at the business meeting of the third Furc-PA (to be held in France in October 1990), that we adopt a similar scheme which would be funded by charging all conference participants a minimal fee on top of that required to meet conference cxperses. However, there are several indirect ways in which the Euro-PA mry have a positive effect upon the European funding situation. One such means involves the Euro-PA's decision to invite researchers frcxn other fields to our conferences. Parapsychology is an interdisciplinary field, and through increased interaction with those fram other related fields, there may arise joint research projects which examine issues of concern to both parapsychology and other fields. Such projects my have better funding opportunities than do projects concerned solely with parapsychological is,sues. 7~.nother possible way the Euro-PA could serve to indirectly aid 70 Approved For Release 2000108111 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 the funding situation, is via the increased camunication with one another that has resulted from the conferences. Most European countries (those who are members of the European Economic Cxvmnity or EBC) are currently conbining econcmic forces, and in 1992 many economic boundaries which have previously separated these European countries will cease to exist. one outccrne of this is that research proposals which involve researchers and institutions in different EEC countries are currently being encouraged by the various governmental bodies who normally finance scientific research, via the offering of preferential consideration to such joint research proposals. The increased cccuunication among researchers stemn-Ling from the Euro-PA conferences may encourage the. formation of such joint research projects. Also, while this is purely speculation, we may also shortly be finding similar funding encouragement (from the EEC or specific governments) to conduct joint research projects with those countries which were previously behind the 'iron curtain'. Again, the Euro-PA offers an excellent means of bringing such researchers together. Language also remains a problem for which no immediate solution is apparent. To this observer, it appears that most Of the younger members of the Euro-PA are increasingly fluent in spoken English. Yet an increasing level of fluency in English does not necessarily address many of the problems that Alvarado (1989) noted, as writing and translating in English can remain a very difficult and time,-consundng task. It should also be noted that the recent crumbling of the 'iron curtain' could increase the iiWLer of luLf-ferent languages encountered within European parapsychology (and all the problem inherent therein), although at the moment this is purely a manner of speculation. In his article Alvarado (1989) suggests four strategies which could minimize the problems raised by language differences, namely: 1) publishing in English the summaries, bibliographies and reviews of works originally published in other languages; 2) English-language journals actively seeking and encouraging publication of the research of foreign-language speakers; 3) developing an active translation policy into English of works previously published in foreign languages; and, 4) efforts on the part of the PA to encourage greater foreign participation. These suggestions were aiimd at the 'conventional' communication and collaboration network, and they are all excellent strategies, the implementation of which would benefit all. However, as Alvarado notes 'Possible solutions such as conferences and translations my prove to be expensive and, consequently, beyond the means of groups and individuals' (pg. 134). As has previously been discussed, they would certainly be beyond the means of the European parapsychology ccrmunity. There is one problem area which, in the opinion of the author, tlie Euro-PA has successfully addressed. It has decreased the isolation of individual researchers and of research groups from each other and, by this means, greatly increased conmnication and collaboration between individual researchers and also between the various research groups. As hds t)een previously stated, as a consequence of the conferences we know one another better on a personal level, and have a much better 71 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 Approved For Release 2000108111 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 understanding of each other's ideas and research perspectives. We are able to exchange research ideas and learn of specific developments made by members, who have thus far always expressed a willingness to share ideas, software developrrents, etc. Also, it should be noted that this increase in communication has not been restricted to those who attend the conferences. Via the questionnaire, all Euro-PA members were able to voice an opinion of what they wanted to see develop in European parapsychology. Indeed, over a third of the returned questionnaires (36 per cent) were received from people who have not attended a Euro-PA conference, as of yet. Also, all Euro-PA members are kept abreast of developments via mailings, regardless of whether they attend the conference or return questionnaires. And, as reflected by our wiling list, the numLxer of Euro-PA members has increased by over twelve per cent since the first Euro-PA conference. With recent developrrents in Eastern Europe, we hope we will see further increases in the near future. In an attempt to further aid ccrmu-Lication, a directory is being compiled by the Edinburgh research unit which will be sent to all Euro-PA men-bers. While similar to the PA directory, it includes some additional information, such as whether members are interested in conducting research and/or corresponding with one another, and whether they have other areas of expertise relevant to but outwith parapsychology per se about which they would be willing to offer help and advice. It is hoped that by having a separate directory, focused on European parapsychologists, rmrnbers will be further encouraged to interact with one another. Thus, while many of the problems facing European parapsychologists remain unaddressed, the formation of 4- 001_~Cl Much to improve co(munication and collaboration between researchers. There is still much room for improvement, and it is hoped that future years will produce greater interaction and see the developn~eent of inter-lab research projects. At the least, the Euro-PA has provided us with an opportunity to improve some of the circumstances confronting European parapsychology, and it places us in a better position to take advantage of other opportunities which may develop. 72 Approved For Release 2000108111 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 References Alvarado, Carlos A. (1989) The language barrier in parapsychology. Journal of Parapsychology, Vol. 53, No. 2., pp. 125-139 Beloff, John (1990) personal comunication Blackmore, Susan (1989) 1988 Euro-PA Conference. ParapsycholM_Review, Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 5-7 Johnson, Martin (1976) Some reflections after the P.A. Convention. European Journal of Parapsychology, Vol. 1, No. 31, pp. 1-5 Johnson, Mortin (1978) Are we ready for the establisYm-ent of a European branch of the Parapsychological Association. Eur22~an Journal of Parapsychology, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 203-205 Johnson, Martin (1979) The European regional branch of the Parapsychological Association (ERPA) is now established. European Journal of Parapsychology, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 1-2 Parker, Adrian (1989) Applying for Research Rindin(- in Parapqychology. Paper presented to the Second Annual Ebro-PA ConferenCE.', Vught, The Netherlands, Nov. 10-12 Watt, Caroline (1990) Euro-PA 1989. Parapsychology Review, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 10-11 73 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 Approved For Release 2000108/11 Appendix 1 CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 The Euro-PA Questionnaire: The Questions and a Summary of the Responses (the numbers given refer to the number of respondents answering the specific question; 58 questionnaires were sent out and 28 were returned) EURO-PA QUESTIONNAIRE Country: %ben coinpleting this questionnaire, please feel free to write on the back of the sheets, or include other sheets, if you need more space than has been provided for your answers. 1. what should the min Euro-PA goals be? Please tick as many of the following as appropriate: 25 An annual conference 7 1 would be willing to help with the organization and administration of the conference 10 Fund-raising 1 1 would be willing to help with Uie organization and administration of fund-raising projects 18 Public relations/publications 1 (' I would be willing to help with public relations 15 1 would be willing to help with publications 21 Inter-lab research projects I would be interested in participating in inter-lab research projects other (please specify): 4 generally supporting parapsych.or interdisciplinary research I education (worl-,hops, etc.) I scientific recognition of European parapsychology 3 contact with each other 2. What type of administration or coordination would be needed to achieve t.hese goals? a. Do you think there should be just one central Euro-PA co"vnittee, or different ccnuxittees for specific areas (conference committee, public relations cotmlittee, etc)? If so, please specify which cctTndttees you think should be established. 17 one central committee 7 few smaller, committees 1 minivitim possible commiLtees 74 Approved For Release 2000/08111 : CIA-RDP96-oo792ROO0400100009-4 org Wel will TWE 3. C01 co pa re Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 b. Do you Iiave any other suggestions as to trK-atis of oyganizit)y 1AIC- administration arid coordination of the Buro-PA? How roillull on organizaLion do you think we need? Sliould it Le organized 1)y Countly as well? I formal organisation similar to PA 3 formal European branch of PA 5 against a formal organisation 7 semi-formal orpanisation 12 against organising by country I for, organising by countrV 1 affiliation with other s cientific bodies c. iiow should we atteitl-)t to ensure rotation of responsibilitif-'s wIiilst iikiintainin(j continuity? Should we have an election at each annual neeting? 16 in favour of annual election 2 inf requent election 2 postal vote 6 VOILIntary duties 1 decide Euro-PA aims first 3. Would you tioniially I)e interested in attending an annual Ful-o-I'A conference? (please circle) Yes 23 NO 2 if Yes: a. Please specify what the presentation fotnoL should IK~ for the cotif erence (e.9., short papers with long discussion jericxIs, fotiivil. papers with shorter discussion periods, eLc. ). Should presentaLions Ix- refereed? 18 short DaDers, long discussion 3 long papers, short discussion 4 flexible format 10 in favour of refereed papers 5 against refereed papers b. Please express your views on whether the nuuix-r of attendees for ally given conference sliould be livifted, whether non-PA neiii.)ers, shou](I attend, whetlier any restrictions should be applied to who makes PresenLaLions arid/or enters into any discussion Ixeriods, and ally 9uldelines WhiCh ShOUld Ix- used in deciding the alx-1ve. Attendance? ~_ -PAmembers only 14 PA members plus guests/invited speakers 6 anyone can attend I'veserit? 1, no restrictions 2 PA present, guests attend 3 firm chairmanship 75 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 Approved For Release 2000108111 : c. Would you like each conference to be centered around a slecific probleiti atea of parapsychoi(xiy? if so, please specify different arens which you would like add.Lessed by such a conference. 13 were against 4 partl 'y/occasionally 2 specific topic linked to a general theme 1 healing d. Should the conference be held in Uie sane (centrally located) country each year, or should its location vary between diffeyent, countries? Please list, in order of your preference, in what countries you would like the conference to be held. Also specify any countries, whicit are located at such a distance froin you Lliat you would be unlikefly to attend the conference if 1L were to be held there. 15 varying locations 7 central locations 3 Holland, I England, I choose location for I France, 1 Italy special reason e. Should low cost be a priority in deciding the conference venue or would you prefer rilore exl>ensive conference venues, facilities, etc. 18 in favour 2 low to medium Cost f. Please list in what. nonLits of the year it would be urisC conveniellL for you to attend the conference, and when it would be least convenient: Opinion very varied, but. generally May to October most favoured, November to April least favoured, with May and October the two Most. popular months. 4. If you think Lhat fund-ralsinc should be a priorit-y of the F.'uro-11A, J please provide further infornaLion as to any fund-raising sLrateyies and/or projects which you think iroy be successful. 5 against fund-raising as a priority Policy? 2 Euro-PA support individual fund-raising activ- ities, by letters of support or coordinating efforts to minimise interference I against use of professional fund raisers 1 ask successful fund-raisers Project.s? I raffle of videos, RNGs, etc. 1 seek practical sDin-offs in applied psychology I seek FEC support 2 ask international companies for support 1 use ESP/PK for gambling 7 C) 2ROO0400100009-4 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-0079 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4 5. Please provide further infotwation regardii)y wliat, if )fly, pu hl i C relations activities you think the Euro-PA slx)uld txirsue. Also, it has been suggested that the general 1-.)ublic n%ay aj)preciat,~-_, having a 'Joul-11,11 ' available which preseiiLed Iii9h quality reSeEM-Ch ill a IKIIA11,11 , non-teclilnical inanner. Do you suft)ort this idea, arld if so, would you IK- willing to contribute Ix)pular versions of any technical aiticies you ll%ny publish in other professional j0LLrnals? As such a jcxan~al would need to be published in different languages according to country, would you Ix., willing to help WiAll Lite translation, editorial, and/or adminisLrat_ive work involved in producing such a journal in your country? Publicity? 3 occasional public/press releases by Euro-]'A 2 Use existing me(iia Popular Journal? 8 in favour 11 against 7 volunteer to help wrifl-e or pr0dUCe Other? I help translate popular books I produce six-monthly newsletter 6. Presently, the Diropean Journal of Patapsychology ()-;',JP) 1.9 the primary teclinically-oriented research journal published ill aLtope which is aiwied at an exclusively professional parapsycliolcxgical audience. (We flow have t1he Journal of Ibearetical Parapsychology as well.) 'lite future of this journal is currently uncertain. Do you feel that tile Buro-IIA Should be involved in supporting the continuance of RJP, or s(Arle- offier silldlar I)rofessionally-oriented journal? W01-110 you I-VI Willing, to to such a publication as an author, editor, translator, '11 Id/or administrator? Support EJP/ 15 for supporting E,3P or similar Technical Journal? technical Journal Q volunteer help to write or Produce Other? 1 combine EJP and JSPB resources I Euro-PA supports but. doesn't run a technical journal I reorient present journals to wider field of abnormal psychology 1 too many technical journals 7. Miat otlier cuatents do you liave? 1 EJP too dry 1 English should be the official Euro-PA conference language Euro-PA should seek to affiliate with other scientif'ic and professional bodies membership of Euro-PA should be thrOLIgh contribution to development of parapsych. and election by council, ns PA Euro-PA members should lower barriers by writing art.icles, for other professions research would suCfer iC Limc devoted t.o popullr jjo~irrl;I.L too few parapsychologists to allow Euro-PA to be act,Lve in Public relations, fund-raising, publications 77 Approved For Release 2000/08/11 : CIA-RDP96-00792ROO0400100009-4