Shamanic-Like Journeying and Psi-Signal Detection: I. In Search of the Psi-Conducive Components of a Novel Experimental Protocol

Abstract

It is pertinent to explore stimulus conditions that might produce psi effects at least as strong as those elicited in the ganzfeld condition, particularly if those stimulus conditions are less complex than the ganzfeld. Consequently, Storm and Rock developed an imagery cultivation (IC) model, which considers shamanic-like techniques to be psi-conducive, and provided some supportive evidence for their claim. The objective of the present study was to determine which component(s) of the shamanic-like journeying stimulus used by Storm and Rock is (are) psi-conducive. Since psi-modifying variables should also be investigated in psi research, paranormal belief/experience (measured on Thalbourne's Australian Sheep-Goat Scale), Transliminality (the tendency for psychological material to cross into or out of consciousness), and Self-Expansiveness (measured on Friedman's Self-Expansiveness Level Form) were tested in the present study as possible predictors of psi. Nonshamans (N = 200) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (a) instructions + drumming; (b) instructions only; (c) drumming only; and (d) control condition (i.e., no instructions, no drumming). After these conditions, participants gave mentations, and ranked a randomly selected concealed line-drawing as target. Hit rates were above chance (not significantly) in all three treatment conditions, and below chance in the control condition. Paranormal belief, transliminality, and self-expansiveness did not predict hit rates.