Anomalous Cognition: An Umbrella Review of the Meta-Analytic Evidence

Summary

A vast review of over 80 years of research offers compelling evidence for anomalous cognition, often referred to as psi or ESP. Synthesizing multiple meta-analyses, this work investigated conditions that enhance these effects. Findings reveal that free response procedures, rather than forced choice, combined with altered states of consciousness or physiological responses, significantly boost positive outcomes. This suggests the human mind can access information seemingly unconstrained by typical sensory or brain limits, profoundly expanding our understanding of consciousness.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the results of all meta-analyses on anomalous cognition conducted between 1989 and 2021 in order to find moderators associated with greater effect sizes. Method: We included all meta-analyses of studies related to anomalous cognition published up to 2021. Results: Our dataset, accumulated over more than 80 years of investigation, refers to 11 meta-analyses related to six different states of consciousness. The evidence clearly shows that anomalous cognition seems possible and its effects can be enhanced by using a combination of some non-ordinary or altered states of consciousness (e.g., dreaming, ganzfeld, etc.), coupled with free-response procedures, or neurophysiological dependent variables. These conditions facilitate an alternative form of cognition seemingly unconstrained by the known biological characteristics of the sense organs and the brain. Conclusion: The accumulated evidence expands our understanding of the mind-brain relation and the nature of the human mind.

Tags