On the Difficulty of Testing for Psychokinesis Using Physical Random Number Generators

Ana Beatriz Leal Borges Rapazote Flores, Ana Borges Flores

The thesis explores whether mind can interact directly with matter, i.e., with a physical system, without the use of any known physical interaction. The concept, called psychokinesis, is yet an unexplained phenomenon. The study of paranormal manifestations has been arduous due to the difficulty in replicating its findings. To address the problem Walter von Lucadou developed a method called Correlation Matrix Method (CMM) that endeavours to explain i t. CMM is supported by the Model of Pragmatic Information (MPI) and Generalised Quantum Theory. These theories based on principles from quantum physics were translated by analogy into a general quantum theory to be applied to the field of psychology. Links established between physics, psychology and parapsychology are then explored in the thesis. The CMM method consists of correlating psychological behaviours produced by participants with the behaviour of a random number generator, to investigate whether participants can mentally influence the random number generator. Previous experiments conducted by von Lucadou and Walach showed significant results. This thesis replicate s the former experiments in five studies to test the reliability of CMM. The first two studies were exact replications of the original studies by Lucadou and Walach. The s ame random number generator (RNG), software program and protocol were used in the replications. Study 3, whether the number of participants was relevant against the number of sessions produced. In study 4 and 5 a new type of RNG, was introduced to compare with the performance of the original RNG. A new method for control and for data analysis were introduced and compared with the orig inal.

W. Helfrich

Abstract-Mean values of the z-scores of statistical psi effects in psychokinesis (PK) and extrasensory perception (ESP) are compiled. Under the influence of psi, the z-score distribution of experiments with binary random number generators (RNGs) at large numbers N of bits is known to be shifted and widened, but to remain indifferent to N. The mean z-score of binary one-trial experiments with dream psi is noted to be not much smaller than the mean z-score of these (presumably) mostly isolated many-trial experiments with RNGs. This could suggest that with two equivalent choices PK and ESP are equally effective, or very nearly so, and the mean z-scores are almost equal at all N down to N = 1. The widening is found to be attributable to a Gaussian distribution of the magnitude of the PK effect that causes the shift, provided the z-score distribution remains Gaussian. Formulas are proposed to compute from the values of shift and widening as observed with RNGs those of psi effects with more than two equivalent choices, such as falling dice. They are only partially confirmed by the (still rather scanty) datasets of such systems. Finally, psi-induced switching and mind-neuron interaction are revisited.Keywords: statistical parapsychology--mean values--relationships between mean values--psi effects--psychokinesis (PK)--extrasensory perception (ESP)--random number generators (RNGs)

Jean E. Burns, Daniel P. Sheehan

Geraldo A. Barbosa

Random number generators are indispensable for a multi- tude of tasks; from electronic games to secure communications. Most gen- erators have been made either in software or determinist hardwired de- vices such as the Linear-Feedback-Shift-Registers; while gaining in costs or speed, the “random” sequences generated are actually deterministic, obeying clear generating algorithms, despite all randomness appearance of their outputs. From the other side, Nature presents a multitude of sources of true randomness that can be explored. Commercial random generators exist based on physical processes as the source of randomness. Difficulties are always present to extract Nature’s randomness. This paper presents guidelines for construction of a fast (telecommunication speed) Physical Random Number Generator. It discusses the fundamental physical ele- ments involved, technicalities of signal recording and its limitations, and the final bit extraction. The need for randomness tests is emphasized and the impossibility of guaranteeing true randomness of a finite sequence is discussed.

Brian D. Josephson, Philip Warren Anderson