Controlled semi-naturalistic protocol to investigate anomalous information reception in mediumship: Description and preliminary findings.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In the current resurgence of studies investigating anomalous information reception (AIR) in mediumship, it has become a major challenge to balance ecological validity and rigorous control. OBJECTIVE: To describe the method and present preliminary findings of a new controlled semi-naturalistic protocol combining ecological validity and control to investigate AIR in psychography (automatic writing), a form of mediumship that does not allow for instantaneous feedback. METHOD: Experienced Brazilian psychography mediums and bereaved sitters were selected and blinded to each other until the automatic writing experimental sessions began. Mediums were continually monitored and filmed during all the procedures. Sitters filled in questionnaires on grief, spirituality, and paranormal beliefs. Investigators controlled all information received by the mediums names of the sitter and deceased, age and cause of death and short interviews (usually ≤ 1 min). The experimental automatic writing sessions took place under the view of sitters and researchers. Immediately after the sessions, and then a few months later, sitters rated how likely the letter is to have come from their deceased loved ones. RESULTS: A total of 142 sitters and three mediums participated, producing 26 automatically written letters to 21 sitters. Mediums felt comfortable with the protocol. Most sitters were women (82.4%) and had completed higher education (57.8%). Sitters who received letters had higher grief scores. At the time, 96.2% of letters were considered definitely or probably from the deceased relative, with a small but significant decline (92.3%) a few months later. CONCLUSION: The new controlled semi-naturalistic method was well accepted and seems to be promising as a complementary method for investigating AIR in mediumship. Information obtained by mediums during sitters` brief interviews is a limitation, but they were registered by video recording and will be taken in consideration in the future analysis that will explore further the accuracy and probability of leakage of verifiable items of information in the letters.