Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site nmtvax.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!lanl!unm-la!unmvax!nmtvax!nmhr From: nmhr@nmtvax.UUCP Newsgroups: net.philosophy Subject: Re: Parapsychology Message-ID: <829@nmtvax.UUCP> Date: Wed, 23-Oct-85 17:06:00 EST Article-I.D.: nmtvax.829 Posted: Wed Oct 23 17:06:00 1985 Date-Received: Thu, 31-Oct-85 00:47:41 EST References: <> Reply-To: nmhr@nmtvax.UUCP (Tracy McInvale) Organization: New Mexico Humanities Review Lines: 37 Summary: >> Apparent paranormal phenomena has been elicited in the laboratory many >> (conservatively speaking, hundreds) times under conditions most scientists >> would consider highly rigorous, particularly if they were not informed that ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ >> the experiment were a parapsychology experiment. This statement is pure, unadulterated horse hockey. I know of no scientist who is informed as to the status of paranormal research and is not participating in such research who considers the techniques of these so-called "scientists" rigorous. Every scientific study has its own problems. Paranormal studies abound in statistical errors, facetious assumptions, and a contemptuous disregard of previous research, negative or otherwise. The problem of purposeful fraud is not nearly as serious as the dilemma of ignorance in the laboratory. The majority of paranormal researchers have little or no knowledge of statistical methods of analyzing data. When these "scientists" do possess such knowledge, they often misuse the skill by drawing conclusions that to them seem obvious, but to outside observers seem facetious. The best technique for ensuring the data is not mishandled is by allowing outside observers who are informed about the research to analyze the data through any series of tests possible. -- Tracy A. McInvale ...!cmc12!lanl!unm-cvax!nmtvax!nmhr ...!ucbvax!unmvax!nmtvax!nmhr ***DISCLAIMER*** The contents of the above text do not necessarily reflect the views of this organization, the Chicago Cubs, or Jennifer Eaton.