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

Cooper, Callum Elliot (2018) A parapsychological inquiry into purportedly anomalous telecommunication phenomena with considerations of their contribution to the survival hypothesis debate. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University.

Preview

Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (3MB) | Preview

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.