A parapsychological inquiry into purportedly anomalous telecommunication phenomena with considerations of their contribution to the survival hypothesis debate

A critical overview of published research and theories on anomalous telecommunication phenomena examines how studying these events has contributed to parapsychology. The thesis reviews four peer-reviewed papers, an extended book chapter, and a book covering the topic's history, researcher biographies, skeptical approaches, the psychology of experients, and criticisms of the research. Possible explanations considered include anomalistic psychology, the survival hypothesis, super-psi theory, and multiverse theory. The conclusion offers suggestions for future progression based on past and present approaches to spontaneous cases and the psi versus survival debate.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The study of anomalous telecommunication phenomena within the confines of standardised methods of the social sciences began with the published work of Rogo & Bayless (1979). This thesis offers a critical overview of published research and theories concerning how studying such phenomena have contributed to parapsychology and new knowledge. And, how appropriate the methods of inquiry have been to date. Included within, are reviews of four peer-reviewed papers, an extended book chapter and a book, all relating to the study of anomalies surrounding telecommunication. The publications cover the history of the topic, previous researcher biographies, sceptical approaches, the psychology of experients, modern analyses, and a critical consideration of criticisms raised of the research. Critical appraisal is given to the possible explanations that can be put to such reports, including: an anomalistic psychology approach, the survival hypothesis, super-psi theory, and finally, consideration of multiverse theory. The conclusion briefly offers suggestions for future progression, based on past and present thoughts for dealing with spontaneous cases and the psi vs. survival debate.