Non-ordinary experiences and mental health: the role of appraisal processes
Non-ordinary experiences (NOE) such as hearing voices, dissociative experiences, or feelings of deep insight are relatively common in the general population but are sometimes associated with diminished quality of life and mental health. Medical interpretations use psychiatric labels, whereas spiritual interpretations may offer a path to empowerment and social inclusion. How individuals appraise such experiences may have a long-term impact on their lives. A better understanding of the diversity of NOEs and their appraisals, together with the accompanying psychological and physiological states are crucial. Our aims are to a) adapt a novel instrument in Brazil that covers a wide range of experiences and their interpretations without presupposing clinical or spiritual implications, b) study their psychological and physiological profiles, c) understand how selected NOEs are perceived during daily activities and d) in ritualistic group contexts in which such experiences may be collectively appraised.
Co-PIs: Ronald Fischer and Jorge Moll
International collaborators: Ann Taves & Elliott Ihm (University of California at Santa Barbara, USA)
Semi-naturalistic and lab-based study of Physical Mediumship
The history of religious/spiritual traditions is filled with accounts of anomalous physical phenomena ranging from levitation and bilocation to miraculous cures and resurrection (Thurston, 1952; Grosso, 2015). Among these is physical mediumship, the alleged manifestation of spirits of the deceased through physical phenomena such as spirit materialization, “raps” (strange noises heard on furniture and other objects), “apports” (unexpected appearance and disappearance of objects), appearance of lights with no discernible origin, levitation and movement of tables or other furniture, apparently without a mechanical or other established scientific explanation. It is known that reports of paranormal/anomalous phenomena are more widespread in cultures that encourage them (Maraldi & Krippner, 2019). This is certainly the case of Brazil, where accounts of extraordinary experiences abound, comprising a central element of different religions and spiritual practices (Playfair, 2011).
Co-PIs: Everton Maraldi, Ricardo de Oliveira, Jorge Moll
Investigation of Non-Inferential Perception using a 3D-Computer-Assisted Dowsing Task
The ability to locate lost or hidden items by means of non-inferential perception is considered to be a form of human psi ability and is historically known as “dowsing”. This is still a controversial topic, especially because few systematic studies have been conducted so far (Puthoff & May, 1984; May & Lantz, 1986; Utts et. al., 1987). These studies have demonstrated mixed results. The current research project aims to investigate the potential of a computer-assisted 3D-spatial-based dowsing (or “search”) task to identify individuals that manifest this ability based on a large sample of the general population. The task will be available online for desktop and mobile platforms. The software will be based on gamification strategies, which will allow us to identify and encourage top performers to contribute with more sessions. This will allow us to further characterize this ability and to investigate its reproducibility.
PI: Jorge Moll
Lead researcher: Julie H. Weingartner, PhD
Investigation of Non-Inferential Perception and Associated Cognitive Aspects k
The atypical perceptual ability (HPA), also known as “anomalous cognition”, consists of a supposed ability to acquire non-inferential information through perceptual mechanisms other than those typically described in humans, such as hearing, vision, etc. Although it is a scientifically controversial topic, it is important to note that for more than 40 years, several studies have been carried out using a scientifically rigorous protocol to investigate the existence of the phenomenon. Although several of these studies have shown positive results, the topic remains controversial. The present project aims to replicate previous HPA studies, using a standard protocol that was widely used in studies started at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI), and that continued between 1975-1995. In these studies, participants are asked to describe an image that will be revealed to him at a later time. In addition to replicating the protocol independently of the original group, we intend to improve it, considering previous criticisms, as well as extend the original protocol through the development and use of an online platform.
PI: Jorge Moll
Lead researcher: Julie H. Weingartner, PhD
Chance Hackers – a citizen science initiative for investigating chance-biasing influences from goal-oriented agents on random systems
The possibility of the mind alone influencing distant physical systems has intrigued the humankind since ancient times. With the development of scientific method and the parapsychology research field, different physical systems with unpredictable outcomes have been used for trying to detect such chance-biasing influences. It started with dice tossing, coin flipping, and in the 1970’s it evolved to random number generators (RNG) – i.e., electronic devices that generate unpredictable binary outcomes. In the RNG experiments, the participants (hereby named goal-oriented agents) try to affect the 50% binary outcomes probability, while usually watching a real-time feedback informing their success in a recent time window. The present evidence concerning RNG systems is controversial, while two meta-analysis show a statistically significant small effect, in practice, the phenomena suffers from a reproducibility issue: interesting results appear in exploratory studies, but can’t be reproduced in a confirmatory scenario. The current research project aims to investigate a new method that may provide more robust results and overcome the reproducibility issue. Also, to provide hardware, software and educational tools to establish an international citizen science initiative resulting in a massive database that will provide a more conclusive answer regarding the existence of chance-biasing influences.
PI: Jorge Moll
Lead researcher: Gabriel Guerrer, PhD
