Neuroimaging studies of extra-sensory perception: A systematic and critical review.
NeuroImage June 1, 2026 David J Acunzo, Andrea H Denton, Marina Weiler et al.
A systematic review of 143 reports on the neural correlates of extra-sensory perception (ESP) finds that definitive conclusions remain premature. Studies are categorized into explicit paradigms (assessing psi via overt responses) and implicit paradigms (assessing psi via neurophysiology alone). Most work used EEG (91%), followed by fMRI (5%). Recurrent methodological limitations include small sample sizes, inadequate multiple-comparison control, and analytical flexibility. Explicit paradigms rarely showed above-chance behavior, yet neural analyses were often conducted. Implicit paradigms reported heterogeneous findings that were seldom replicated. Potential leads for future research include alpha-band power in forced-choice designs and a target-related negative slow wave in event-related designs.