Neuromagnetic effects on Anomalous Cognitive Experiences: A Critical Appraisal of the Evidence for Induced Sensed-presence and Haunt-type Experiences

Braithwaite, Jason J.

doi:10.14704/nq.2010.8.4.369

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 62 publications

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“…The EMF mean magnitude recorded over 24 hours on June 19, 1996, showed a variety of spikes and dips, which indicated the field was amplitude modulated. As stated before, differences in mean and variance have been found between areas where anomalous activity has been reported and within site control areas at reportedly haunted locations (Braithwaite, 2004;Braithwaite et al, 2004;Nichols & Roll, 1998;Wiseman et al, 2002;Wiseman et al, 2003). Differences in mean and/or variance have also been noted between haunted locations and control sites outside haunted study locations (Laythe & Owen, 2013;Terhune et al, 2007).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 78%

“…They found a significant correlation between variance in the strength of the magnetic field and the number of unusual experiences at Hampton Court Palace but no correlation between either mean magnetic field strength or variance and unusual experiences. Relatedly, magnetic field strength, variance, and pulsing was found to be different in a bedroom at Muncaster Castle when comparing the head of the bed, where people reported numerous anomalous experiences, to the center of the bedroom (Braithwaite, 2004;Braithwaite et al, 2004).…”

Section: Highlightsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Profile and Baselines at a Non- Haunted Control Location

Schumacher

Biddle²,

Vickers³

2023

JSE

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There has been little to no environmental and experience data collected at randomlyselected non-haunted control sites despite the call for researchers and field investigatorsto do so over twenty years ago. Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) and their associationand correlation with haunted locations and haunt-type phenomena have been studiedby both academics and hobbyist ghost hunters/paranormal investigators. The field hasprogressed over the years with mixed results and some within site controls. However,there is still a lack of data collected at non-haunted control locations, and many questionsremain on how to collect and analyze baseline data. The current study was conducted tocollect multi-hour multiple-run baseline EMF data to explore EMF profiles and to betterunderstand how EMF readings can vary temporally across a 3-axis EMF meter at a nonhauntedcontrol site. Results showed that a non-haunted control site had complex timevaryingmagnetic fields during long-term data collection periods at various days andtimes, similar to locations deemed to be anomalous. Limitations of the study are noted,and future research is suggested.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 78%

Section: Highlightsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Profile and Baselines at a Non- Haunted Control Location

Schumacher

Biddle²,

Vickers³

2023

JSE

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“…Sensed presences represent a growing field of study. For example, it has been shown that sensed presences can be induced in a laboratory setting (Braithwaite 2010) and are prevalent in the context of sleep paralysis (Adler 2011). Recently, a sensed presences scale was developed (Barnby and Bell 2017) Anthroposophic practitioners claim to be able to increase their sensitivity to sensed presences and are able to interact with them.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Body, Soul, and Spirit: An Explorative Qualitative Study of Anthroposophic Meditation and Spiritual Practice

Sparby

2020

Religions

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This article presents the results of a qualitative study of Anthroposophic meditation, which arose in the German-speaking world in the early 20th Century focusing on cognition, self-development, and pro-social action. The objective was to explore this previously unstudied form of meditation. The current sample (N = 30) consists of long-term practitioners of Anthroposophic meditation. Semi-structured interviews, focusing on demographics, background, and phenomenology and interpretation, were conducted with these practitioners. The material gathered was investigated using thematic analysis. Seven main themes were found: Self, cognition, perception, affect, sleep, embodiment, and environment, and, among these, 32 subthemes. Potential avenues for further research are outlined. Some of these overlap with current approaches to meditation while others represent new areas of inquiry: Personal development with a focus on strengthening the self, introspection or contemplative inquiry, sensed presences, the experience of phenomenological atmospheres, consciousness in the sleep state, embodied aspects of meditation experience, the relationship between practice and daily life, and meditation challenges.

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“…Indeed, it can be argued that the majority of findings from fieldwork studies of haunts relate to EMF effects (Houran and Lange, 1998). Interested readers are encouraged to consult important discussions of this topic for insight into the technicalities involved and corresponding debates concerning the issues of measurement and interpretation of research findings (see Persinger and Koren, 2001b;Williams et al, 2007;Braithwaite, 2008Braithwaite, , 2010Braithwaite, , 2011Parsons, 2015).…”

Section: Electromagnetic Fields (Emfs)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Things That Go Bump in the Literature: An Environmental Appraisal of “Haunted Houses”

et al. 2020

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This paper contains a narrative overview of the past 20-years of environmental research on anomalous experiences attributed to "haunted house." This exercise served as a much-needed update to an anthology of noteworthy overviews on ghosts, haunts, and poltergeists (Houran and Lange, 2001b). We also considered whether new studies had incorporated certain recommendations made in this anthology. Our search revealed a relative paucity of studies (n = 66) on environmental factors that ostensibly stimulate haunt-type experiences. This literature was diverse and often lacked methodological consistency and adherence to the prior suggestions. However, critical consideration of the content revealed a recurring focus on six ambient variables: embedded (static) cues, lighting levels, air quality, temperature, infrasound, and electromagnetic fields. Their relation to the onset or structure of witness reports showed mostly null, though sometimes inconsistent or weak outcomes. However, such research as related to haunts is arguably in its infancy and new designs are needed to account better for environmental and architectural phenomenology. Future studies should therefore address four areas: (i) more consistent and precise measurements of discrete ambient variables; (ii) the potential role of "Gestalt influences" that involve holistic environmentperson interactions; (iii) individual differences in attentional or perceptual sensitivities of percipients to environmental variables; and (iv) the role of attitudinal and normative influences in the interpretation of environmental stimuli. Focused scrutiny on these issues should clarify the explanatory power of evolutionary-environmental models for these and related anomalous experiences.

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Neuromagnetic effects on Anomalous Cognitive Experiences: A Critical Appraisal of the Evidence for Induced Sensed-presence and Haunt-type Experiences

Cited by 5 publications

References 62 publications

Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Profile and Baselines at a Non- Haunted Control Location

Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Profile and Baselines at a Non- Haunted Control Location

Body, Soul, and Spirit: An Explorative Qualitative Study of Anthroposophic Meditation and Spiritual Practice

Things That Go Bump in the Literature: An Environmental Appraisal of “Haunted Houses”

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