Psychokinetic (PK) Testing on a Computer

Abstract

This exploratory investigation attempted to measure possible PK effects with the use of a standard Televideo terminal (CRT). A set of numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were randomly programmed to display themselves automatically on the CRT screen, one at a time, at interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 1 or 3 sec. for different groups of subjects. 66 undergraduate volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three sets of instructions designed to raise or lower the value of the numbers with conscious effort alone (PK) or to remain neutral with regard to the random numbers. Three series of 25 numbers ranging from 1 to 5 were flashed on the CRT screen at rates of 1-sec. or 3-sec. interstimulus intervals for different groups. Results from a 3 × 2 factorial design yielded no significant difference between levels of instructions; however, there was a significant difference for rate of digit presentation. A separate one-way analysis of variance done on the three sets of 25 numbers also gave a significant difference. These exploratory data suggest further testing for “low-level” PK effects.