Currently we have two, perhaps related, models. The first of these assumes that the phenomena are mediated through an additional sensorial system, and, therefore, will most likely share some of the properties of the other five--a source of energy, a transmission mechanism, and finally a specialized set of neurons that are capable of being receptors.
We have recently published a paper that outlines our progress toward identifying a potential source of anomalous cognition. It appears that the gradient of Shannon entropy is related to the "brightness" of an AC target. The experiment leading to this assertion is also suggestive of a sensorial system in that it was the gradient of, rather than the entropy itself that correlated with the quality of the AC perception. All other senses are known to be more sensitive to changing inputs than they are to static ones.
Our second model is called Decision Augmentation Theory. It holds that decisions (of any kind) may be statistically augmented toward a desired outcome by anomalous cognition. We have applied the model to the data from a class of random number generator experiments in which human operators are asked to initiate the collection of a sequence of binary bits from a suitably designed hardware random number generator. Known as RNG experiments, the competing explanations for the results are that the operator "forces" the data stream to be different than it otherwise would be, or the operator is a statistical opportunist by initiating the experimental run to capture a locally deviant subsequence of binary bits from an otherwise undisturbed truly random sequence. The Decision Augmentation Model overwhelmingly supports the latter.
Our two theoretical models may be related in that the gradient of Shannon entropy of a locally deviant subsequence of binary bits is independent of the length of the sequence--a fact that is observed in the experimental RNG data. Thus it appears that successful human operators in RNG experiments are "sensing" the gradient and statistically augmenting their decision when to initiate the run.
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May, E. C., Utts, J. M., Humphrey, B. S., Luke, W. L. W., Frivold, T. J., and Trask, V. V. (1990). Advances in Remote-Viewing Analysis. Journal of Parapsychology, 54, 193-228.
May, E. C. and Vilenskaya, L. (1992). Overview of Current Parapsychology Research in the Former Soviet Union. Subtle Energies, 3, No. 3, 45-67.
Lantz, N. D., Luke, W. L. W., and May, E. C. (1994). Target and Sender Dependencies in Anomalous Cognition Experiments. Journal of Parapsychology, 58, 285-302.
May, E. C., Spottiswoode, S. J. P., and James, C. L. (1994). Managing the Target-Pool Bandwidth: Possible Noise Reduction for Anomalous Cognition Experiments. Journal of Parapsychology, 58, 303-313.
May, E. C., Spottiswoode, S. J. P. and James, C. L. (1994). Shannon Entropy: A Possible Intrinsic Target Property. Journal of Parapsychology, 58, 384-401.
May, E. C., Lantz, N. D., and Piantineda, T. (1995). Feedback Considerations in Anomalous Cognition Experiments. Accepted for publication in the Journal of Parapsychology.
May, E. C. (1995). AC Technical Trials: Inspiration for the Target Entropy Concept. Submitted for publication in the Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research. Also presented at the August 1995 convention of the Parapsychological Association.
May, E. C., Utts, J. M., and Spottiswoode, S. J. P. (1995). Decision Augmentation Theory: Applications to the Random Number Generator Database. Journal of Scientific Exploration. 9, No. 4., 453-488.
Vilenskaya, L and May, E. C. (1994). Anomalous Mental Phenomena Research in Russia and the Former Soviet Union: A Follow Up. Subtle Energies, 4, No. 3, 231-250.
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Anomalous Cognition (AC) -- A form of information transfer in which all known sensorial stimuli are absent. That is some individuals are able to gain access to information by an as yet unknown process. This is also known as Remote Viewing (RV) and Clairvoyance.
Agent -- An individual who attempts to influence a target system by mental means alone.
Analyst -- An individual who provides a quantitative measure of AC. This individual usually is blind to experimental conditions and the intended target.
Anomalous Perturbation (AP) -- A form of interaction with matter in which all known physical mechanisms are absent. That is, some individuals are able to influence matter by an as yet unknown process. This is also known as Psychokinesis (PK).
Beacon -- An individual who, while receiving direct sensorial stimuli from an intended target, acts as a focus of attention for the receiver in AC experiments.
Compute Assisted Search (CAS) -- The use of computer-generated options which are linked to real-world objects in a Search task.
Feedback -- After a response has been secured, information about he intended target is displayed to the receiver or agent.
Monitor -- An individual who monitors an AMP session to facilitate data collection.
Noise -- Incorrect elements in an AC response.
Protocol -- A template for conducting a structured data collection session.
Receiver -- An individual who attempts to perceive by AC and report information about a sensorially isolated target. A Receiver is also known as a Subject, Percipient or Viewer.
Response -- Material that is produced during an AC session.
Search -- The inverse of AC. That is, given a known target, determine its location. This is also known as Dowsing.
Sender -- An individual who, while receiving direct sensorial stimuli from an intended target, acts as a putative transmitter of that information to the receiver in AC experiments.
Session -- A time interval during which AMP data are collected.
Specialty -- A given receiver's ability to be particularly successful with a given class of targets (e.g., people as opposed to buildings).
Target -- An item that is the focus of an AMP task (e.g., person, place, thing, event).
Target Designation -- A method by which a specific target, against the backdrop of all other possible targets, is identified to the receiver (e.g., geographical coordinates).
Trial -- The smallest unit of data to be analyzed.
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