Abstract
Phenomenological Anomalistic
Psychology: Ensuring homogeneous data collection for present and future
research on possible psi phenomena by detailing subjective descriptions,
using the multi-axial A to Z SEATTLE classification.
Vernon M. Neppe, MD, PhD, BN&NP, FRSSAf, FRCPC, DFAPA, MMed, DPM, FFPsych.
Pacific Neuropsychiatric Institute, Seattle, WA and
Dept of Psychiatry and Human
Behavior, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO.
Spontaneous apparently anomalous experiences are often classed together on the basis of brief common descriptions, when they may be phenomenologically and etiologically divergent. Heterogeneous results can lead to mistaken pooling together of dissimilar events with hypothesized single etiologies, even though, in actuality, they do not the reflect the same type. An example is “out of body experiences” induced by brain stimulation in epileptic patients compared with spontaneous events in “subjective paranormal experients”.
This paper motivates for detailed multi-axial evaluations of spontaneous, experimental and induced anomalous experiences. It is modeled on the successfully applied multi-axial psychopathology classification of the American Psychiatric Association, namely the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), currently DSM IV-TR.
The same approach can valuably be successfully applied to parapsychological research and to all subjective or objective spontaneous, induced or experimental biopsychophysical phenomena. This implies a conceptual shift away from the attempted, and at times, impossible objectification of psi, to the detailed analysis of specific characteristics and events based on a multisystems biopsychofamiliosociocultural, anatomicophysiological and detailed physical models that allow for applying detailed criteria and descriptions.
This non-prejudicial approach of examining spontaneous and experimental "subjective paranormal / psi experiences" (SPEs) makes ostensible but unproven psi phenomena easier to tame and far less threatening. The shift in emphasis is from objectification and proof of truly paranormal phenomena to commonalities of e.g., specific cerebral function. Locating a correlative brain area or mechanism or chemical for processing of such subjective experiences becomes a legitimate alternative correlative approach to conceptualise psi. By such means, SPEs, like, hallucinations, delusions or déjà vu can be measured and scientifically phenomenologically subtyped.
This detailing of anomalistic psychology research, has allowed the author to extend the discipline of parapsychology from the objective approach into a second major school, phenomenological parapsychology.
Examples of the early origins of phenomenological parapsychology (1977-on) include the diagnostic entity of Subjective Paranormal Experience Psychosis; links of the physiological features of temporal lobe functioning to SPEs; demonstrable plurality of the déjà vu phenomenon where four different nosological subtypes were demonstrated; and biological measures of outcome such as pharmacological responsiveness and toleration differences with Subjective Paranormal Experients versus Schizophrenics. These demonstrate that the empirical phenomenological analytical parapsychological approach is valuable.
Specifically, such research allows fruitful hypotheses that not all subjective paranormal experiences derive from or are associated with the same brain locus or are predisposed to by the same specific psychopathological or psychological conditions, states or traits. They empirically justify the need for a consistent multiaxial classification system. This allows interpretations of like with like to occur, not like with unlike. Detailed description of subjective phenomena produces interpretable results; its neglect could produce inappropriate generalizations of the key basic range of parapsychological experiences. These principles have been critical, guiding sources for a flexible, detailed multiaxial classification analysis of alleged psi experiences.
Rare non- artefactual positive original results in experimental psi research may not be replicated because tightened or different experimental controls might remove special environmental, interpersonal and psychological psi-conducive effects. Contradictory results become a norm as replication attempts produce declining psi phenomena possibly because of different biopsychophysical circumstances. This leads to the paradox of the inherent non-replicability of psi because of subtle experimental changes. In reality, epiphenomena may reflect vastly different origins: documentation of differences in experimental protocol are key for the future of the discipline. Similarly, we must detail the second major domain of parapsychology, namely investigation of spontaneous phenomena. An example of detailed phenomenological analysis—namely, the Neppe déjà vu study— illustrates the real-life research application of such phenomenological analyses.
Like psychiatry, parapsychology needs a multiaxial classification system. I propose a tentative twenty six level description of anomalous experience called the Subjective Experience of Anomalous Trait Typology Evaluation (SEATTLE). The SEATTLE has developed from and involves a significant modification of the author’s original 1985 10-axis Multiaxial System for Anomalous Events. This did not include many key features, therefore requiring amplifications.
The SEATTLE ensures that the possible errors of classifying heterogeneous phenomena into single subgroups can largely be eliminated. There are 26 SEATTLE axes running from A to Z, in a workable order, not too contrived, allowing researchers to classify in order from A to Z. The first ten letter Axes (A—J) detail Specific Features pertaining to the data given by the subjects. Thereafter, more General Factors (Axes K-Q) examine general biopsychosocial subject characteristics and pertinent factors. Finally, attempted possible Interpretations of Phenomena (R—Z) by experts (clinicians; statisticians; parapsychologists) follow. This multidisciplinary approach can be applied to both the experimental and the spontaneous. Even retrospective data can be classified, even when there gaps in the data so that not all of Axes A to Z will be complete as these are still better than no comparative data.
The SEATTLE classification allows for potential worldwide collaborations and a major new funding direction. Most importantly a more unified multiaxial database can arise with developments like those that occurred in Psychiatry with DSM can occur., neologisms will happen as they did with this process in Psychiatry. Every A to Z axis is special and has ongoing developing pertinent subdivisions.
We have accumulated large amounts of data over the past 5 years in individual subjective precognitive impressions, though frequently there are information gaps. An example is given of a complex "precognitive dreams" with profound dynamic elements with the application of the classification to this.
The SEATTLE can be applied to every subtype of SPE and objective experience, whether spontaneous, experimental or induced. Ultimately, SEATTLE data analyses allows research and clinical meta-analyses of anomalous events where important phenomenological commonalities and differences could allow significant theoretical, paradigmatic and research advances.
The SEATTLE axes involve preliminary, novel attempts to clarify developing a multiaxial system for describing subjective paranormal experiences, Until we consistently document each and every experience in detail, we will create non-replicable, heterogeneity, even in our experimental protocols, This allows us to consistently document attitudes and expectations of the experimenters, subjects and observers and to realize that a supposed replication was not a true replication, because significant data sets were different.)
Dialing
a complex telephone number produces entirely divergent results when
one digit is in error: In psi, we realize that non-replicability may
be because exactly the same phenomenology was not researched. SEATTLE
now requires empirical testing and routine use in research.
FULL PAPER
Phenomenological Anomalistic
Psychology: Ensuring homogeneous data collection for present and future
research on possible psi phenomena by detailing subjective descriptions,
using the multi-axial A to Z SEATTLE classification.
Key-words: SEATTLE, A to Z, Subjective Experience of Anomalous Trait Typology Evaluation, déjà vu, multidimensional scaling, Anomaly, Base ACE, Correspondence DRUM, Description, DSMF, Ego-consciousness, split, RBMN, Functional focus, Gestalt, FEMA, Heuristic, TICKLES, PICKLES, Intention, Judgement, Knowledge, Labels, Modifiers, Neurophysiological, Outside, Psychiatric / Psychological, Questionnaires, Reference, Statistic, Typicality, Underlying, Working hypotheses, X-factor familiarity, Yes interpretation factor, Zero.
A
major-difficulty in parapsychological research has been the replication
problem—highly significant results are initially found in one experiment
but when the research is repeated by a different group or even in the
same laboratory, non-significant results are found. Alternatively, loosely
controlled experiments have yielded promising results but when greater
controls are added, the experiments have yielded chance results. So
prevalent is this kind of results that skeptics have argued, quite legitimately
that these results do not reflect paranormality (i.e. psi) at all, but
can be explained within the framework of "normal physical and psychological
experience”. The converse explanation is that the original results
obtained were non-artefactual, but that the tightening of experimental
controls has removed certain very special environmental, interpersonal
and psychological aspects that have been conducive for psi phenomena.
Paranormality is perceived as an elusive property not easily elicited
within the framework of the laboratory. This has led to the rather facetious
comment that Catch 21 is that 'psi is in the first place difficult to
elicit', and Catch 22 is 'when attempts at replication are made the
phenomena will disappear' because of the differences in psychological
and physical circumstances. This leads to the ultimate paradox: psi
phenomena might be inherently non-replicable and if this is so, parapsychology
cannot adopt the present-day empirical, naturalistic scientific framework
for research (Neppe, 1990).
Why phenomenological analyses are important in parapsychology
Spontaneous, apparently anomalous experiences are often classed together on the basis of brief common descriptions. This may lead to errors because they may be phenomenologically and etiologically divergent. Similarly, induced phenomena may produce heterogeneous results because dissimilar events with hypothesized single etiologies, may be mistakenly pooled together even though, in actuality, they do not reflect the same type. An example is what has been labeled by some as inducing of “out of body experiences” by electrical stimulation of certain brain areas in epileptic patients compared with spontaneous events in “subjective paranormal experients”. Finally, a finding may not be experimentally replicated when the research methodology looks identical, but factors such as experimenter effects, motivations, attitudes and even sidereal time are not taken into account.
This paper motivates for detailed multi-axial evaluations of spontaneous, experimental and induced anomalous experiences. It has an excellent model: The American Psychiatric Association has spent several decades developing the ideas of a successful multi-axial psychopathology classification. A consequence has been the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), currently DSM IV-TR. This “bible” for psychiatrists and medical practitioners has allowed a gradual empirical development of criteria, very often phenomenologically based, to achieve more exact diagnoses. This, in turn, has allowed more precise research to occur.
The same approach can valuably be successfully applied to parapsychological research and, indeed, to all subjective or objective spontaneous, induced or experimental biopsychophysical phenomena. This implies a conceptual shift away from the attempted, and at times, impossible objectification of psi, to the detailed analysis of specific characteristics and events based on several multi-systems approaches such as looking in turn at each of the biological, psychological, family, social and cultural parameters in the biopsychofamiliosociocultural model. Similarly, anatomy and physiology are strongly intertwined in the anatomicophysiological model and detailed physical models will all allow parapsychologists to apply more detailed criteria and descriptions in their research.
This non-prejudicial approach of examining spontaneous and experimental "subjective paranormal / psi experiences" (SPEs) makes ostensible but unproven psi phenomena easier to tame and far less threatening. (Neppe, 1980a), (Neppe, 1977) (Neppe, 1980b) The shift in emphasis is from objectification and proof of truly paranormal phenomena to commonalities of e.g., specific cerebral function. Locating a correlative brain area or mechanism or chemical for processing of such subjective experiences becomes a legitimate alternative correlative approach to conceptualise psi. By such means, SPEs, like, hallucinations, delusions or déjà vu can be measured and scientifically phenomenologically sub-typed.
This
detailing of anomalistic psychology research, has allowed the author
to extend the discipline of parapsychology from the objective approach
into a second major school, phenomenological parapsychology. (Neppe,
1977)
The phenomenological approach
The shift to phenomenological psychiatric research1 and phenomenological parapsychology implies a non-prejudicial focus not of whether or not such events are truly paranormal, but analysis of certain specific characteristics and events based on physiology.
The term "subjective paranormal experience" (SPE) implies any happening either apprehension or manipulation of objects or events perceived by the percipient or experient to be paranormal (Neppe, 1980a), (Neppe, 1977) (Neppe, 1980b). SPE has a wide variety of different sub-categories, e.g., "subjective telepathic experience", or "subjective clairvoyant experience", or "subjective out-of-body experiences," "subjective mediumistic experiences," "subjective psychic healing experiences," "subjective psychokinesis," or "subjective spontaneous psi," (Neppe, 1981a). One may extend this framework to many kinds of anomalistic experience so that people may not necessarily perceive the experience as paranormal. It may be perceived purely as anomalous. This non-prejudicial approach of looking at SPE (Neppe, 1977) makes ostensible but unproven psi phenomena easier to tame. There is a shift in emphasis from whether or not the events being analyzed are truly paranormal as opposed to a glitch in brain function. More relevant becomes locating a correlative brain area or mechanism or chemical involved for processing of such subjective experiences. By such means SPEs or for that matter, hallucinations, delusions or déjà vu can be measured and subtyped. (Neppe, 1982, 1983b, 1983c, 1983e; Neppe, 1989)
The advent of such detailing of parapsychological research and of non-prejudicially examining anomalistic psychology, has allowed us to extend the discipline of parapsychology from the objective into the detail required in phenomenological psychiatry. By these means, we have:
These methods have allowed a more empirical approach to what was previously purely a philosophical problem by creating a valid subjective approach without having to prove objectively the specific existence during that research project of concepts like "extrasensory perception" and "psychokinesis". These building blocks of psi have profound implications for brain functioning but are still not easily tamed.
A framework for anomalistic experiences
ranges from those involved at a subliminal level to those requiring
psi-related explanations (Devereux, 1974; Neppe, 1984a), (Neppe, 1985).2
Links of anomalous experiences with brain functioning require detailed
description because one fruitful hypothesis is that not all subjective
paranormal experiences may derive from or be associated with the same
anatomical locus or be predisposed to by the same kinds of psychophysiological
conditions or states (Neppe, 1988; Neppe, 1989; Neppe, 2002; Neppe 2008).
Empirically demonstrated phenomenological brain and SPE research
With our déjà vu research, we demonstrated how prospective and retrospective analysis of the detailed components of these experiences indicate a certain pattern of uniform responses localizing to a particular area of the brain or to a particular psychophysiological general brain state in one subpopulation but not in others. (Neppe, 1983e; Neppe, 2006a; Neppe & Funkhouser, 2006). In the instance of déjà vu, we have demonstrated four distinct nosological subtypes, namely temporal lobe epileptic déjà vu which occurs specifically in temporal lobe epileptics, psychotic déjà vu occurring specifically in schizophrenics, associative déjà vu which correlates strongly with so-called “normal” subjects who do not have SPEs (and which also occurs in a “control” non-epileptic temporal lobe dysfunction group and in an non-temporal lobe epileptic group), and finally subjective paranormal experience déjà vu which appears specific to subjective paranormal experients. This research therefore demonstrated how distinct subtypes can be missed unless specific hypotheses are tested and detailed phenomenological analyses of symptoms are done. The resulting graph, Figure 1, reflecting 22 dimensions superimposed onto a 2 dimensional representation shows how these four subpopulations can be represented applying median column geometry by multidimensional scaling. (Neppe, 1983e; Neppe, 2006a). A similar, but less detailed study was performed on olfactory hallucinations (Neppe, 1983a). Indeed, the basis of our studies demonstrating bidirectionality of the link of temporal lobe symptoms and SPE implying a possible causal association (Neppe, 2009, In press) has been such detailed phenomenological analyses. These phenomenological analyses could unify similar SPEs by a psychodiagnostic framework, as is done in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Four Revision (Editors, 2000): indeed, we have also phenomenologically described an entity of Subjective Paranormal Experience Psychosis as well as demonstrating the qualitative differences between so-called “functional psychoses” (as in schizophrenia) and subjective paranormal experients (Neppe, 1984b), (Neppe & Tucker, 1989).
Figure 1: Multidimensional scaling and déjà vu. Medians, Column Geometry
Differences between the 5 Groups based on the five-point qualitative parameters of déjà vu (Distance between two column points approximates the Euclidean distance between the two columns as vectors in R)22
These studies are the empirical justifications for the necessity to use some kind of multiaxial classification system in order to ensure that interpretations clumping “like” with “not like” do not occur (Neppe, 1985). Such studies can be perceived positively as in phenomenological differentiation above, and negatively too, because if these do not occur, causal or correlative misinterpretations may result. Indeed, recent research has postulated specific brain areas or physiology responsible for producing subjective paranormal experiences (SPEs)—for example, near-death experience with REM intrusion, incomplete stimulations of the angular gyrus or other specific anatomical loci with out-of-body experience. Similarly, absence of correlations of extrasensory perception with FMRI can result. Scientists must apply appropriate, justifiable methodological critical analyses to appropriately advance knowledge and balance media hype (Neppe, 2002). I have previously delineated principles to ensure such misinterpretations should not occur. Table 1 provides a roadmap analyzing the SPE/ brain link (Neppe, 2002).
Table 1 Roadmap for preliminarily asking about SPEs and brain links
1. Analyse the phenomenology of the SPEs in as much detail as possible.
2. Establish the typicality of the SPE: Compare the phenomenological experiences with the typical features of SPEs as described by Experients without any brain dysfunction history.
3. Establish the correct pathophysiological context. e.g., exact clinical symptoms, specific seizure focus and the medical history.
4. Collect case series: Do not generalize from single cases.
A consequence of these empirical demonstrations of how detailed description of phenomena produce meaningful results, yet neglect produces misinterpretations, has been the development of a critical, guiding but flexible detailed multiaxial classification system. There is a precedent.
Psychiatrists have for many years attempted to detail their diagnosis with other factors that may be relevant. Diagnosis is commonly linked, for example, with predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors in relation to the illness. The American Psychiatric Association has, in fact, formalized diagnosis into five axes, namely I psychopathology, II personality, III organicity, IV social precipitants, and V recent functionality. Specific diagnostic or operational criteria have been adopted within each axis producing the internationally recognized Diagnostic and Statistical Manual in its various forms, e.g., 3, 3R, 4, 4R, 4TR, and DSM 5 (in development).
There is an urgent need to subdivide all apparently anomalous experiences into greater detail from the outset using a phenomenological approach.3 This may allow analyses—creative human or mathematical computerized—that ultimately will provide the parapsychological researcher, phenomenological psychiatrist, anomalistic psychologist and dimensional biopsychophysicist (Neppe, 2009, in press), greater insight into the presence of homogeneous entities. Whereas some researchers may not believe their work is relevant to such analyses now, a future researcher doing meta-analyses decades from now may thank them.
I believe that a multi-axial schema can be applied in the phenomenological description of anomalous events, i.e., happenings that apparently do not fit within our conventional psychophysical framework. I have proposed a 26-point "multiaxial schema for anomalous events" in order to analyze these experiences easily. This is reflected in Tables 2 and 3. This is a derivation of several previous schemata beginning with the ten point Neppe Multiaxial Schema in the early 1980s (Neppe, 1985) and having a commonality with my invited address to the Parapsychological Association in 2003 which extended to 13 points. The classification below is the first alphabetical 26 point delineation, with moreover, an attempt at being logical, with the order being appropriate beginning at specifics for the state of subjective paranormal experiences (A to J) and extending towards the more general at trait levels with background features (K to X), and finally having conclusions (Y and Z). This allows easy recall of the main headers.
Whereas such an approach can be applied to experimental research, it is a key approach in the second major domain of parapsychology is investigation of spontaneous phenomena. These often involve retrospective evaluations, and consequently post hoc attempts at conclusion. When the researcher encounters a spontaneous psi phenomenon that is occurring under some kind of condition that can involve immediate corroboration or evaluation within days (e.g., precognitive veridical dreams), a major difficulty is "typing" similar kinds of experiences into homogeneous entities. This leads to developing specialized sub-classifications to handle special phenomena. For example, the parapsychologist may talk as a group about "precognitive dreams". Like any other subjective experiences, these dreams may be heterogeneous in origin, in development or in causality. The problems of replication in research and description of spontaneous phenomena may partly reflect homogeneous conceptualization of the heterogeneous.
We have accumulated large amounts of data over the past 5 years in individual subjective precognitive impressions, though frequently there are information gaps. An example is given of complex "precognitive dreams" with profound dynamic elements with the application of the classification to this.
Table 2: Subjective Experience of Anomalous Trait Typology Levels Evaluation (SEATTLE) example
* |
Level |
^ | Detail of ACTUAL SPE | Vernon’s soccer and speaking theme dream |
A | Anomaly | S | spontaneous precognitive dream | PRECOGNITIVE DREAM |
B | Base ACE | S | afferent information,
known time and place of event; spontaneous |
Spontaneous. Dream date: Likely Saturday 1/22/05 approximately 07 (pre-waking) (5% uncertain: Was it the AM on the Friday 1/21/2005 and only recognized that Saturday. Dream at home in Seattle in my bed before waking. Wife present but sleeping. |
C | Correspondence DRUM | S | Subjectively validated
objectively validated before Sunday events after Saturday events, nonpsychotic |
Initially subjectively validated: I didn't recognize as a precognitive dream actualizing itself from 14 to 27 hours after the dream. Objectively validated witness: After the events of the Saturday evening late I had told my wife; Objectively validated recording by dictaphone on the Sunday AM 9am before second events. |
D | Description
DSMF |
S | Content with perspective and concomitant features; definite, speculative, metaphor, fact (DSMF), | There was going to be a
soccer game. I was one of the soccer team. Somehow, there were only
8 people on the team and we were going in a microbus (the term in
South Africa for a 10 or 12 seater
SUV type car and somehow there was a South African flavoring almost
like the soccer game was connected with South Africa). As we’re about
to enter the microbus, suddenly somebody said “she’s a good soccer
player, lets include her” and a lady came with us on the bus to
play soccer.
We went to the soccer field and started out our soccer game. I was perplexed because there were only 9 of us, but suddenly there were 11 players playing and me: I was told that I’m the reserve —the substitute if anyone cannot play; so it’s not likely that I will play. The team started out terribly. They appeared completely disorganized and one goal was scored by the opposition without anyone even confronting the other team—an open goal. I felt frustrated, because I knew I was the best soccer player there on my team, and could potentially contribute greatly for my team. Only one goal was seen in my dream, the one early on. It seemed that the other team could then not score. |
E | Ego- consciousness
W, split, RBMN |
S | Spontaneous precognitive dream of ordinary kind. | Ordinary. Only feature: I don’t remember many dreams and certainly not in this detail. I know I had a second dream too but had no recall of it by that morning. |
F | Functional focus | S | Focus = dreamer (Vernon) | Individual experient dreamer; occurring to self |
G | Gestalt
FEMA |
S | Focus, e.g., percipient.
human, d
. Expectancy: anticipated outcome strong once started; did not anticipate the soccer addition subjectively: motivation, e.g., High attitude, e.g., sheep, |
Prior to occurrence of the
dream: no predisposing feature.
No anticipation of this dream actualizing until it began with the dinner. No anticipation of the soccer in the dream actualizing until invited. Knew about the dinner but did not link the dream with it. |
H | Heuristic
TICKLES/ PICKLES |
S | Phenomenological detail
T(P) ICKLES Time <24hours onset default; Person: Self I ordinary dream; not experienced as veridical dream. C ordinary impression K Precognition L Soccer component 1 in 40 years so < 1 in 10,000 E frustration; S No bodily symptoms |
Information based on dream
and based on the individual having the dream scoring it as soon after
the dream as possible.
However, this relates to dictated information and scoring of the events which initially I perceived as 12 Ds but reviewing now it is 17 Ds and 1 S. |
I | Intention | S | spontaneous, unexpected. | Spontaneous |
J | Judgement | S | Profoundly unlikely event (once before in 40 years) (p<0.0001); correspondence exact for 11/12 and anticipated the 12th; Extremely strong correspondence, unexplained; highly veridical interpretation | 16/17 events happened; 17th then modified itself as in the dream due to my intervention. Second part on soccer objectified and validated. |
PRE-EXISTING FEATURES |
||||
K | Knowledge | G | Profound knowledge of area | ordinary individual in terms
of SPEs; significant interest in parapsychology; loaded FH; Age 54;
M; married; USA ex South African. MD, PhD
subject has profound knowledge of literature on precognitions |
L | Labels | G | psychiatric, subjective paranormal experient evaluation | no psychiatric history; no psychotropic medications; no abuse; |
M | Modifiers | G | (M) FOLDINGS:
1 metaphor (1M) no known facts at the time of the dream, extraordinary information, illogical because content so unexpected, definite impressions (17 D), interpretation of party and talking is metaphoric but unknown at the time, No guesstimate, 1 Speculative impression (vague, uncertain in dream) |
There was going to be a
soccer game (D). I was one of the soccer team. (D) Somehow, there
were only 8 people (D) on the team and we were going in a microbus
(D) —the term in South Africa for a 10 or 12 seater
SUV type car (my estimate) and somehow there was a South African flavoring
almost like the soccer game was connected with South Africa. (M). As
we’re about to enter the microbus, suddenly somebody said “she’s
a good soccer player, lets include her” and a lady came with us
on the bus to play soccer. (D)
We went to the soccer field and started out our soccer game. (D) I was perplexed because there were only 9 of us (D) but suddenly there were 11 players (D) playing and me (D): I was told that I’m the reserve (D) —the substitute if anyone cannot play; so it’s not likely that I will play. (D) The team started out terribly. They appeared completely disorganized ((D) and one goal was scored by the opposition (M) without anyone even confronting the other team—an open goal as the goalie was out of the goals (D). I felt frustrated (D), because I knew I was the best soccer player there on my team ((D), and could potentially contribute greatly for my team (D) but somehow I was playing in the game as well despite being on the bench regarded as the best in the field (S) Only one goal was seen in my dream, the one early on. It seemed that the other team could then not score. (D) Perplexity: I was perplexed by one component of the dream. Why was I dreaming about soccer? Was this a metaphor? The fact was that I was a good soccer player as a kid of eleven—I had childlike aspirations to play professionally in fact—and I lecture and publicly speak professionally now and therefore was almost certainly the best speaker available. Was this the parallel? Also why did South Africa come up? Was it my soccer link there? And why did the transportation of all the players come up? I didn't recognize this as a precognitive dream actualizing itself from 14 to 27 hours after the dream. I first recognized the precognitive component at the dinner below. |
N | Neurophysiological | G | Neurophysiological, neuropsychiatric, neurological and medical; INSET, NTLQ; diagnosis; pharmacological; genetic; Neurophysiological correlate; neurological testing | No formal testing performed. However, Neuropsychiatrically normal, special skills, INSET: WNLs, SOBIN: WNLs, several exceptional,; intelligence has been tested: Confidential (but available). No psychotropic or psychoactive medications. Significant family history of subjective paranormal experiences (details available). Neurologically WNLs. |
O | Outside | G
S |
No sidereal time measures.
No special information available about that time. |
Spontaneous. Dream date: Likely Saturday 1/22/05 approximately 07 (pre-waking) (5% uncertain: Was it the AM on the Friday 1/21/2005 and only recognized that Saturday. Dream at home in my bed before waking. Wife present but sleeping. Seattle, WA |
P | Psychiatric / Psychological | G | No psychiatric diagnosis
(DSM-4-TR);
Mental status examination WNLs. Unconscious dynamics; some stressors that weekend. MBTI: E 67 N75 F50 J56 No MMPI. No MRI head. No induction. |
No psychiatric history.
MBII done. Some stressors that weekend. |
Q | Questionnaires | G | Screening Questions: Questionnaires:
Screening
Occasional lifetime validated SPEs. |
Several previous rare subjectively
validated Subjective Paranormal Experiences.
Objectively scored slightly positively in formal Ganzfeld testing. Scored once very highly on ESP-ertise usually chance Scored consistently initial hits informally on Internet dice game. |
INTERPRETATIONS | ||||
R | REALITY | I | information as described
2 distinct parts: The dinner and the soccer game. Hits M = metaphoric because was in soccer game. 5. F= fact. first time ever I had dictated a dream. aft the soccer game: every D definite dream information expressed in either the dinner (scored as metaphoric) or the soccer game (literal; but at times duplication like the 8 players, the goal metaphor, the opposition, the disorganization). |
Reality: Part 1 Dinner.
For several weeks I had been due to go with my wife Lis to a community dinner, honouring a stalwart (President) in the community who is a very close personal friend. I had very much wanted to talk and say a few words about him. On the evening before the dream, the 21st January evening, somebody who was peripherally involved but influential, spontaneously said, “maybe you can speak but I don’t know if you’ll be asked because I’m not organizing it.” He said, “you know if you were asked to speak spontaneously would you be able to speak” and I said that I would. Later on when I came to the dinner, this was confirmed, like “have you prepared something” and in fact, the friend who was being honoured, it turns out, had specifically requested that I speak. The evening program was never pre-announced and the typed program was only received once we arrived at the community dinner so I didn’t know who was speaking. There was a master of ceremonies (MC) and he made the decision as to who would speak. Based on my previous knowledge (Fact F) I was consciously certain I would be speaking because it seemed like a certainty. The evening began with some appetizers upstairs. Though we were due to go downstairs and begin at 8.30pm, no-one did, no-one knew where to sit, no-one welcomed us, no-one took the initiative until 20 minutes into getting the food. This to me was significant disorganization (F) (hit M). There were two theme speakers, Then it was opened up to the audience who were called up individually each time by the MC. Effectively, the first speaker who spoke the longest and was asked first was one of the ladies who was effectively speaking in my place(hit M)., I never got to speak and the person who originally approached me said afterwards, “Oh, you know we kept you on reserve (hit M) in case anything went wrong;” … in case someone didn’t want to speak. Virtually the same phrase used in the soccer game dream. (hit M) How many spoke? Eight people as in the dream (hit M) —except then one invited speaker was from the catering staff spoke (making 9) (hit M) and insisted the three other crew members also spoke making up eleven (hit M). The whole proceedings had one goal (hit M) To honour the couple (particularly the male who was the President; and one of the speakers was his wife speaking about her husband). This President spoke briefly—the one on the other side receiving (hit M). I felt exceedingly frustrated at not having the opportunity to speak to the extent that I verbalized this (hit M) as I felt I was the best available and most appropriate speaker. (note at the dinner there were possibly 100). SUNDAY after recording this information: Bizarrely after dictating this on the Sunday morning, I met up with somebody who I had barely uttered four words to me in my life before this. He recognized me and said, “You're Australian or South African, aren't you.” (F-D) “We're having a soccer game (F-D) at the park and you’ve got to come and play.” “How many will play” I asked. “Oh. We’ve got enough for eight a side” (F-D) And he arranged for the kids and some adults all to come. They piled into a car (some walked the quarter mile) and were transported to the field. So, for the first time in 40 years, I was invited to play soccer and basically, from 10am to noon, I played a full scale, full-length soccer game, with kids and adults. There were probably 30 of us eventually, with tiny makeshift goals (maybe 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and angled) (I had played some years before a couple of times with my son [not invited] and on the odd occasion at a little picnic [not specifically invited], but never a full length game and never also for a full period of one and a half or two hours. And I had never been even solicited in a group to play before other than at the two picnics. The score was 0 to 0. However, according to those who were playing, the person who was regarded as the best in the field was myself, as in my dream. Eventually, five of the opponents would be marking me! And afterwards, I had two adults coming up to me and admiring my soccer skills. There were 0 goals scored, although with the tiny makeshift goals, I hit the goal post and came the closest to scoring on several occasions, compared with anyone else. In the dream, I knew the goalkeeper had abandoned the goals and the opponents had scored: Consequently, I made sure this did not happen, as per my dream. The goalie at an early stage came out of his goals to play up the field and I sent him right back so the initial abandonment of our goals (maybe reflecting what I call the Neppe law of cause and effect, where cause can be altered, altering the effect) (S) were not left open. I kept wondering if the score was going to be 1 to nothing. Strangely enough with 1 1/2 minutes left to go, that was when I hit the goal post. But it didn’t go in. |
S | Statistic | I | Very evidential, No official
P values but probability of soccer that weekend ? P <0.0001, and
of all these facts coming true or metaphorically expressed extraordinarily
low.
correlates; correspondence: and qualitative parameters all profound. |
a great deal was metaphoric
in that dinner paralleling the soccer dream profoundly.
Direct. My dream had twelve key pieces of information. All of them came about in the speaking and the soccer. The differences of modification above were only in the soccer game, not the speaking. Time period: From the Saturday evening event so very close indeed. |
T | Typicality | I | Comparison with typical nosological subtypes | Typical precognitive dream |
U | Underlying | 12 key pieces. All 1 2 came about. | corresponding elements | |
V | Validation | This one I didn't recognize
as a precognitive dream actualizing itself from 14 to 27 hours after
the dream. I never initially told this dream to anyone, although I kept
having the thought on Saturday of mentioning it to my wife, Lis. But
at least the second part was pre-recorded.
I recorded it Sunday 1/22/2005 (on computer digital dating) at 9am. I told my wife at that point. Detail of what happened: This second part was recorded at 12.30 pm Sunday 1/22/2005 after the game Differences: No women played soccer. (But the lady was the main speaker doing the honoring) The score was 0-0. (But one goal to honor the speaker) There were eventually more than 11 per side. (But initially 8 per side and the transportation there.) And I played soccer. (but the reserve speaker) Even the open goal was the way the function was arranged: All open, uncertain what will happen, open goal to honor the President. But somehow, I intuitively understood this later all as part of the speaking not the soccer. Factors correlating are numerous. The 8 being transported yet far more playing. The woman who plays the major role, the 11 on the soccer dream and eleven speaking though eight were asked. The one goal to honor the particular person. The fact that I was not asked to speak, despite being the only professional speaker there and in my dream being most hurt not playing and in reality being most hurt not speaking. The invitation to play soccer, my first full-length soccer game. The South Africa reference. | ||
W | Working hypotheses | I | Strong evidence for externally validated SPE statistically | no physiological elements |
X | X-factor familiarity | I | Ante— dynamic, Para—
psi minimal,
Meta— psi radical familiarity |
Metafamiliar nexus with extremely
unlikely psi events
Likelihood of ante-familiarity with psychodynamics |
Y | Yes | I | Protagonist balance; Strength: Very strong evidence for psi | subjectively and objectively strong supportive data for spontaneous psi. |
Z | Zero | I | Fraud or initial paramnesia not proven; even was uncertain which night it was dreamt. | Skeptical negations; did not record until the Sunday morning. Did not externally validate outside family. Was not date and time stamped |
*= Axis; ^ = Classification; S= specific, G=general, I=Interpretations
Table 3: Subjective Experience of Anomalous Trait Typology Levels Evaluation (SEATTLE)
* |
Level |
^ | Detail of ACTUAL SPE | Jim—mythical subject (below) Example |
A | Anomaly | S | kind of SPE | Regular precognitive dream |
B | Base ACE | S | direction, timing, place, lab vs. spontaneous(afferent, e.g., ESP; efferent, e.g., PK, central, combinations) | afferent, unknown time and place; spontaneous |
C | Correspondence DRUM | S | Unvalidated U, subjectively validated V, objective O, psychotic P. | Jim; V—dr |
D | Description
DSMF |
S | Content with perspective and concomitant features; definite, speculative, metaphor, fact (DSMF), | Jim’s detailed description |
E | Ego- consciousness
W, split, RBMN |
S | WA, ASCs: S-ASC, P-ASC, L-ASC,
I-ASC, T-ASC, R-ASC, B-ASC, M-ASC, N-ASC
spontaneous s, induced i, experimental e;. self-referential S, other-referential O |
Jim: S-ASCsS |
F | Functional focus | S | Experimental elements, extra: brain: X-Rays, FMRI, PET, EEG, data comparisons, e.g., computer simulations or comparisons, pharmacology | Focus = Jim. |
G | Gestalt
FEMA |
S | Focus, e.g., percipient. agent, experimenter. human, dog, plants etc. Expectancy: anticipated outcome subjectively: motivation, e.g., High expectancy of negative outcome; attitude, e.g., sheep, goats, supersheep, supergoats | Percipient, HE +. Strong chochma.
Sheep. HM, |
H | Heuristic
TICKLES/ PICKLES |
S | Phenomenological detail
T(P) ICKLES Specific with event: Emotional, Somatic elements; Timing, Territory; Detail of waking ESP Separative Experience complete Veridical Dream TICKLES; T=t, t, p; I =Axis i; C=p; K=a;,e; L=s; E=p, S=u; |
T<24h; R-T; self
I OD C ordinary K Pni L Illogical E No emotion S No bodily symptoms |
I | Intention | S | Prior aims e.g., Spontaneous, Experimental (CE, UE), Induced; II, UI. | Spontaneous |
J | Judgement | S | Logic or statistic, probability
correspondence, interpretation
VE, E, S, NE |
non-evidential
Suggestive |
PRE-EXISTING FEATURES |
||||
K | Knowledge | G | Ethicospirituobiopsychofamilio |
known paragnost; self component. |
L | Labels | G | psychiatric, subjective paranormal experient evaluation | not psychiatric |
M | Modifiers | G | FOLDINGS: fact, ordinary, logic, definite, interpretation, no category, guesstimate, speculation | Detailed each section |
N | Neurophysiological | G | Neurophysiological, neuropsychiatric, neurological and medical; INSET, NTLQ; diagnosis; pharmacological; genetic; Neurophysiological correlate; neurological testing | no testing performed |
O | Outside | G
S |
Outside: atmosphere, setting; time and space, specific individuals= experimenter, subjects, geomagnetic field, sidereal time | specific information re date and time and participants |
P | Psychiatric / Psychological | G | Psychiatric diagnosis (DSM-4-TR); Mental status examination. Unconscious dynamics; MMPI; Meyer Briggs, Personality tests, Projective techniques; observed attitudes | MBTI: intuitive,
normal mental status. |
Q | Questionnaires | G | Screening Questions: Questionnaires: Screen, e.g., SPEQ, NEASTS; DVQ; | no testing done |
INTERPRETATIONS | ||||
R | Reference
REALITY |
I | Research data and expectation comparisons literature | literature examined |
S | Statistic | I | p values; correlates; correspondence: qualitative | Evidential, suggestive |
T | Typicality | I | Comparison with typical nosological subtypes | Typical precognitive dream |
U | Underlying | Underlying whole with corresponding elements | corresponding elements | |
W | Working hypotheses | I | Subjective or objective correlates | bidirectionality; temporal lobe; MMPI) |
X | X-factor familiarity | I | Non-familiarity—
Unmeaningful coincidence: chance
Explained familiarity— Ordinary explanations, e.g., fraud, misperceptions Quasi-familiarity (7subtypes: Latent— subliminal, Pseudo— organic, Ante— dynamic, Para— psi minimal, Meta— psi radical, Prefamiliarity —acausal synchronicity Query— uncertain) |
Parafamiliar alleged may have ante /quasi familiar and real familiarity aspects |
Y | Yes | I | Protagonist balance; Strength | Interpret the positives |
Z | Zero | I | Skeptical negations; Balance; Summary; Hit | Interpret the negatives |
*= Axis; ^ = Classification; S= specific, G=general, I=Interpretations
Axis A is used to describe the kind of presumptive psi experience being studied, such as a subjective precognitive veridical dream in a Subject, “Jim”. We will use this example throughout to illustrate the different levels. Axis A describes the level of the basic description of the allegedly anomalous event in a non-prejudicial manner. This is the most commonly used Axis and the starting point of phenomenological differentiation. (This and sections B, C, I and J rely particularly heavily on my initial classification (Neppe, 1985).
"Base"
Level refers to the locus— the position or direction of the phenomenon.
This could be on the level of incoming/communication/
Thus, Axis B - the Base - can be subdivided into Afferent, Efferent, or Central with combinations such as A-E, E-A, or C-A-E. The first letter may reflect the area being examined, but the others may still be of equal importance.
Axis C—Correspondence Level examines the level at which the SPE corresponds with the experients’ actual reports either to others or by some other external method (e.g., written report) of his or her event. Those that were unreported are subjectively "unvalidated" (U), i.e., subject admits only afterwards to a particular kind of SPE—Neppe (1997) called this a “high score SPE”; those that are recorded or reported at the time are subjectively "validated" (V), i.e., told someone or recorded at the time. U or V can be further described using all of DRUM: detailed d, relationship components r — the SPE is not easily contingent or very peculiar but it is symbolic or non-equivalent in its descriptions, uninterpretable/ unclear aspects U and metaphoric elements M, as in dreaming. All can be so listed. Quantity can be stated, e.g., V (4 people) or V-TV audience. Is the impression based on direct objective known facts? Is it psychotically delusional?
Some of these may later be objectively validated as happening (Axis V, Verifiability), but the Axis C level purely relates to the actual subjective experience, not to the actual validation of the event, e.g., Jim’s precognitive dream reported, at the time, detailed specific areas and multiple ostensible residua from the day. Such experiences, when recorded V (e.g., by speech communication or in writing) increase the level of subjective validation. This does not mean to say the experience is externally validated and happens in the real world. This is a function of Axis V, Verifiability, which uses an external event, happening, or experience to objectify the subjective. Neppe called these a “low score SPE” requiring both V (subjective validation plus actual equivalence, a direct cognitive or behavioral component, and some kind of external validation.
AXIS E—EGO CONSCIOUSNESS LEVEL
After examining the fundamental kind of experience (the Anomaly) and its locus (the Base), level of verification (Correspondence) and description, it is logical to examine the state of the main focus: The ego, i.e., the person (or non-human animal) implicated in the experience.
Consciousness is an extremely difficult concept to define, and when defined it uses other terms that themselves are also difficult. Consciousness refers to a process of awareness and responsiveness. The ordinary day to-day state often is referred to as "clear consciousness", and impaired consciousness (i.e., due to disease) often is described as "clouded." Such clouded consciousness may involve progressively decreasing levels of awareness of and responsivity to the environment, ranging from drowsy torpor to stupor to semi-coma to coma. From the parapsychological perspective, certain people having so-called "near- death-experiences" may have had them in clouded consciousness and even in coma. I call these Unconscious-ASCs or U-ASCs, where an U-ASC is one of the various altered states of consciousness (ASCs).
There are several classical ASCs. Several such states might (disputably) be conducive to psi, e.g., hypnotic, Ganzfeld, meditative, mystical, or religious. These can be subclassified into different ASCs, occasionally in combination, and sometimes between states, in which case both can be mentioned (Table 3). If it has a self-referential component an extra s can be included as, e.g., R-ASCs.
Table 2: Neppe proposed ASC terminology classification
ASC type | Abbrev | Variations (W, Split, RBMN) |
Wakefulness | WA | “Normal” Wakeful Consciousness Awareness |
Sleep | S-ASC | Hypnagogic (Gs-ASC), hyponopompic (Ps-ASC), stage (1-4s-ASC), dream (Ds-ASC), Lucid (Ls-ASC) |
Psychiatric | P-ASC | Psychotic, psychiatric, transitional (describe) |
Lucid | L-ASC | Lucid hyperawareness |
Induced | I-ASC | Ganzfeld (Gi-ASC), meditative (Mi-ASC), mystical religious (Ri-ASC), experimental (Ei-ASC or Ei-WA) |
Trance | T-ASC | Dissociative (Dt-ASC), focused (Ft-ASC), or clear (Ct-ASC). |
Recreational | R-ASC | Recreational drugs (drug should be stated) |
Between | B-ASC | Transitional or between states, e.g., Dt-Ct--ASC |
Mixed | M-ASC | Combinations |
Nondescript | N-ASC | Not otherwise specified |
AXIS F—FUNCTIONAL FOCUS LEVEL
Axis F: Functional Focus. Analyses of specific psi experiences include the experimental manipulations applying at that moment in time. This implies the functional state as opposed to trait changes. These may be reflected by complex functional methodologies such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Electroencephalography EEG, computer simulations, conduction studies, electromyography, measures of reflex arcs and measures of autonomic responses marked, e.g., in complex electrocardiography. Such techniques add a modern component to subjective anomalous experience.
The discussion of Axis E—Ego-Consciousness shifted from the actual anomalous experience to the ego-consciousness involved. This implies a focus. Axis-F deals with this Focus, which may be electronic. Alternatively, it may be the person allegedly having the paranormal experience—the "percipient" in clairvoyance or the possible “agent” in recurrent spontaneous psychokinesis. Or the focus involved may be unclear. If so, this should be indicated; Occasionally, an experiment may focus around the "experimenter." Commonly, there may be several foci directly involved, e.g., certain telepathy experiments. The focus may at times be non-human, e.g., a dog, cat, rat, or pigeon. A conceivable focus could be inanimate. For example, the electronic voice phenomenon may be argued to be an effect on magnetic tape not due to the experimenter involved. Focus therefore involves one or more Percipient, Agent, Experimenter, Animal, Inanimate, Relationship, Dyad, or Other. The first mentioned “focus” should be the one whose Ego-consciousness has been reported on in Axis E. More than one person on Axis E may lead to multiple foci. "Focus” can be a controversial area— either Speculative or possibly Certain.
Axis G —Gestalt Factors—allows a holistic perspective. Axis G lists the contextual factors, often best in tabulated form. As this kind of information may be somewhat peripheral to the actual SPE, the data may be "unknown." Whereas Axis F reflected state aspects, Axis G may reflect more trait elements, but still specific for the research being attitudinal at that time (as opposed to general attitudes). Gestalt Factors reflect the focus, e.g., the percipient, or a mouse for that matter.
The expectancy of psi occurring under the specific circumstances of the experiment or SPE should be listed for each participant, namely high expectancy (HE), uncertain (UC), or low expectancy (LE) of positive (+) or negative (-) outcome. Thus five designations (i.e., HE +, LE +, UC, LE-, HE-) could be used. Such expectancy is a rather complex area. These general factors generate valuable data for large sample numbers or later meta-analyses, but are less necessary for routine listing in describing single SPEs.
"Motivation" is rated, in the context of the SPE, using a graded system of: Not at all motivated (NM), Slightly motivated (SM) and Highly motivated (HM).
What are each participant’s attitudes? It interacts with such general factors as attitude to psi (i.e., what parapsychologists refer to as “sheep,” “goats,” “supersheep,” “supergoats”) and with their overall personality. We can measure high and low expectancy, as well as positive and negative outcome expectancies. What is the certainty of the impression of the SPE in Jim’s case?
Heuristic perspective involves using components of Axis A to G in the context of the anomalous. These are the building blocks of the phenomenological detail involving TICKLES and PICKLES. (Table 4), a system my associates and I use, for example, in our precognition research.
Table 4: TICKLES/ PICKLES system for spontaneous subjective experience
TICKLES | GROWTH | E.G., | |
T | time range, territory (place)
self, person |
Extended time or space?
laboratory, home, work? |
T<24h; R-T; self in New York |
I | Impression (and intentionality) | W, LD, RD, ID, OD, RV, RV+, W, LW, OW, CW | form combination |
C | Chochma / Certainty | Certainty impression= Chochma level | A, S, M, O |
K | retrocognitive R, precognitive P, contemporaneous C | no extension n /extension e/ distancing d: immediate i / remote r; Spatial extension. | SE; Red; M, S, F, D |
L | Logic based on data available | estimated chance | S, M, O |
E | Emotional reaction | appropriate/ inappropriate | happy, sad |
S | Somatic (bodily) | sometimes unexplained. | Senses |
Spatial relationships are qualified by location and summarized by "laboratory" (L) or "right there" (abbreviated R-T) as opposed to "distant" (e.g., a telepathic experiment over thousands of miles or a remote viewing.) Time should also be quantified in detail, e.g., precognition of a few seconds as opposed to a few months later. This should be recorded (e.g., 12-48h; Seattle).
Certain events subjectively involve a time or space shift. For example, some déjà vu experiences may begin in the present, and the person then believes he or she knows the immediate future. I have called this "precognitive extension" (P.E.). Conversely, "retrocognitive extension” (R.E.) jumps from the present to the remote past ("retrocognitive distancing" or RD). “Precognitive distancing" (PD) may be frequently described in the déjà vu context. Similarly déjà vu may have a "spatial extension" (SE) component where the experience seems to incorporate more and more, or demonstrate a non-specific "growing" aspect. These terms can equally be used to describe other SPEs.
I reflects the impression, i.e., Lucid dream (LD), Remote viewing visual dream (RD), intense dream (ID), Ordinary dream (OD), visual (RV), RV Plus (spontaneous real visual; usually big impact RV+), waking (W), Lucid waking (LW), Ordinary waking (OW), Combination Waking (CW). This list is open for further development and can be customized to fit each individual. Detailed impressions may include subsections picking out key data, e.g., dream/visual. This can be fleeting, or it can be maintained. (f or m). Also under impression we have Remote Viewing so that there is also an intentionality. Under Axis I. (e.g., spontaneous, deliberate, or induced in some way.)
C = Certainty, also called “Chochma,” reflects subjectively actual (A), strong (S), medium(M), or ordinary (O) certainty that the event will have occur or has occurred. Chochma is intuitive wisdom kaballically. The C is critical since sometimes there is very strong intensity Sometimes the C Chochma/certainty is very strong for certain parts but vague for the rest: We can even amplify and write in our descriptions (SD) or (OD) and in the C score of TICKLES SD and OD.
K as Kind can technically include combinations of Precognitive, Contemporaneous, and even Retrocognitive (going back in the past), e.g., subjective paranormal déjà vu is retrocognitive yet often has some precognitive extension elements. There is also a difference between immediate precognitive and distant precognitive: If something is going to happen, the next batter up. Sometimes impressions manifest not only as cognitive impressions, but as other electrical disturbances, e.g., the time on the clock, the number on a bus, a pop up advertisement in Yahoo, or basically anything in the environment that gives someone a significant impression. Synchronicities may happen back to back and come relatively close in time.
L = Logic often reflects prior knowledge from various sources. The L for logic can be a very powerful indicator in that it adds further strength to TICK. Sometimes there is logic, e.g., a mining accident will occur, but we don't know where or when. On the other hand, when the papal nomination was happening, the current Pope, at the time of a precognition, was 8 to 1 in the betting. If it happened, how broad was the prediction? The broader, the more individuals or places besides the time, the less the predictive strength and the more the likely that logic played a role.
E = Emotion. Sometimes the E emotion is congruous with the cognition (the thought). But the greatest difficulty comes when people report simply a profound sadness for no reason. Level ratings like Chochma of Strong, Medium, Ordinary are relevant. (SMO). Unfortunately, on its own, a mood may reflect something, but is too non-specific to score.
Even in dream states, for example, subjects feel emotion, or wake up (WI) with residual emotion, or have sudden emotion during the day.
S = Somatic, i.e. physical sensations, smells, tastes, sounds, vibrations, etc. are remarkably common and often linked with other components.
“Sub-tickling” for other impressions is also useful.
Axis I — Intention Level focuses on the intentions that preceded the SPE. Some research could be spontaneous in that it occurred unexpectedly in a non-laboratory setting. Alternatively, was the result a consequence of an "experiment"? Was the experiment "controlled” (CE) or “uncontrolled” (UE) ? Did some kind of ritual R precede SPE? The ritual could be, for example, meditative. The intention of such a ritual may or may not have been to induce psi. Consequently, one can speak of "intended" (II) or unintended induced (UI). The magical rituals found in preliterate cultures, e.g., Malopo dancing (Van der Hooft,1980) are intended to induce psi. Therefore, they would be "II." Axis I emphasizes the mechanism that precipitated the SPE. This can be "spontaneous," experimental (CE, UE) or induced (II, UI). Combinations can occur.
These judgments involve a "guesstimate” of the subjective probability of the SPE, an extension of the Logic in TICKLES, because subjective SPE information takes into account the extent of subjective validation (broader than Axis C), reliability of witnesses and of the description, the level of the anomaly, and level of correspondence. It is a higher level than just TICKLES Logic in Axis H, but still based on the subjective data without doing the objective evaluations using validity, using logic or statistics, probability correspondence, or interpretation. It can be scored as, subjectively: Very Evidential (VE), Evidential (E), Suggestive (S), or Non-evidential (NE). If necessary, specific judgmental comments can be made under Axis J. Research method probability scores are indicated under Axis J, because this implies a judgement. Axis J still falls short of Axis V—Objective Verifiability of the data with outside comparisons.
GENERAL FEATURES
AXIS K—Knowledge
These
relate to all current information about the broader trait situation
as opposed to the specific state at that moment. This implies examining
all the ethicospirituobiopsychofamilio
AXIS L—Labels
Labels imply psychiatric and parapsychological diagnoses, e.g., the entity of subjective paranormal experience psychosis. This differentiation of ostensible psychic backgrounds from the psychiatric or neurological patient is critical. This does not imply great detail, but such summary labels like “schizophrenic” or “trance mediums” are important.
AXIS M—MODIFIERS
Experients should amplify each sentence of their subjective experience using the appropriate modifiers tabulated in a mnemonic FOLDINGS in Table 4. This allows them to amplify their perceptions, awarenesses and intuitions. The use of these Modifiers fit both logic and known fact —F, L, N, G of FOLDINGS—hence the Modifiers are under this General Features section; but the Modifiers also amplify descriptive Specific Features, namely the Chochma/ Certainty—O, D, I, S of FOLDINGS so they overlap classifications, Moreover, they amplify Table 3 TICKLES where both Logic (L) and Certainty (C) appear.
Table 5: FOLDINGS classification of MODIFIERS of subjective experience
F | FACT (F) | specific already known fact based on the information that is freely available |
O | ORDINARY RESIDUA | ordinary level as in residua of dream or waking impression but nothing striking. |
L | LOGIC. | logical conclusion using the best available data |
D | DEFINITE INTUITION (D) | An intuition/ awareness; less powerful than the utter certainty awareness of S below |
I | INTERPRETATION OF IMPRESSION (M) | Metaphor or subjective interpretation of iimpression. |
N | NO SPECIFIC CATEGORY | Unsure of how to categorize implying combinations (can stipulate or detail). |
G | GUESSTIMATION | Logical speculation —guesstimating (G) |
S | SPECULATION (S) | speculative impressions based on subjective events. |
AXIS N—Neurophysiological COMPONENTS
Axis N, Neurophysiological Components, include the trait related phenomena, measured using questionnaires, objective testing, and pharmacological elements. One questionnaire and clinical measure probes for possible temporal lobe symptomatology using the INSET (Inventory of Neppe of Symptoms of Epilepsy and the Temporal Lobe; Neppe, 2008) and the or the preceding NTLQ (Neppe Temporal Lobe Questionnaire; Neppe, 1983c). It includes the information leading to neurological and psychiatric diagnoses and labels, including pharmacological responsiveness, a key being toleration and response to antipsychotic doses of medication (Neppe & Wessels, 1979; Neppe, 1988a, 1988b; Neppe & Smith, 1982), genetic components (e.g., family pedigree), neurophysiological correlates (e.g., interictal EEG), the various kinds of neurological testing (e.g., evoked potential measures), and anatomical measures (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging level or computerized tomography of the head). Also relevant are medical diagnoses, syndromes, symptoms and signs given the subject? Does the subject have a known temporal lobe seizure disorder? Is there a delirious state? Was the near-death experience in someone who had been in a prolonged coma or under anaesthesia?
AXIS O—Outside
Outside factors are relevant. What was the sidereal time of the experience? What time and space elements pertaining to electromagnetism and geomagnetism existed at the time? How was the broader research done, e.g., Ganzfeld set-ups, the specific individuals involved in the experiment or the experience, and the outside atmosphere? Was the setting public or private? Concepts pertaining to time and space: Where was it? When was it? With whom was it? These factors actually reflect both state, at the time, as well as predisposing trait factors, e.g., experimenter over long periods or events on that day as opposed to that state moment.
AXIS P—Psychiatric and Psychological
In Axis L, Labels, single broader diagnoses were used. In Axis P, this is amplified psychologically and psychiatrically. This includes again both state (e.g., mental status examination at that time, though not the moment of the SPE, so trait elements) and trait factors. The underlying psychopathology and psychiatric condition is most easily done via the multi-axial system of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (currently DSM 4-TR). This can be brief: Mental status can just be reported as “normal.” Unconscious factors may use psychological elements and the unconscious dynamics as well as personality components (e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, or MMPI; or the Meyer Briggs Type Inventory) plus projective tests and attitude tests. From this, one is able to move ahead to conclusions.
AXIS Q—Questionnaires
Just as there are screening questionnaires pertaining to neurophysiological, neuropsychiatric, and neurological conditions, there are also questionnaires pertaining to subjective paranormal experiences. A variety have been developed over the years, including screening questionnaires such as the Neppe Subjective Paranormal Experience Questionnaire and the more detailed modification, the NEAST (Neppe Evaluation of Anomalous Subjective Typologies, Neppe, 2006). Another example would be the Neppe Déjà Vu questionnaire used in his original déjà vu research (Neppe, 1983f) and its latest re-modification, the New Neppe Déjà Vu Questionnaire, the NDVQ (Neppe, 2006b).
INTERPRETATIONS:
AXIS R—Reference / REALITY
Reference allows comparison of current results with the available reference data. This also allows awareness of the expectation of results.
AXIS S—StatisticS
Statistical analyses relate to result clusters and the probability of events happening by chance or expectation without psi. This allows quantifications for evidentiality and suggestive quality. This incorporates probability (p) values, correlations, bi-directionality in terms of causality, both internal correspondences, with the correlation of the different items, and external correspondences with some outside measure, and the extent of the experiences.
AXIS T—Typicality
In this instance one compares with nosological subtypes. for example, the various déjà vu items and how they fit within the different nosological sub-types of the fabric of the subjects being examined.
AXIS U—UnDERLYING PERSPECTIVE
The evaluation creates an underlying summary perspective such as: “Ostensible veridical lucid dreaming with several corresponding elements and complicating psychodynamic elements in a subject who has features of temporal lobe symptomatology with seven possible temporal lobe symptoms but who, on testing, did not demonstrate any trait changes on EEG or FMRI.”
At this point, the final elements pertaining to verifiability, familiarity, positives, and negatives of the summation are examined.
Axis V—Verifiability
Axis V extends the subjective informing of the psi events. Axis V moves to objective reality: The written record, unseen by anyone else, of the actual event (i.e., "subjectively validated" or S-V), or communication with someone else, is now objectively unconfirmed ("unconfirmed validation" or U-V) or reliably confirmed ("objective reliable validation" or R-V) based on the data of what actually occurred. The final level of event may also be unvalidated or have components of psychosis. In this instance the SPE has components of out-of-touchness with reality and delusional influence or self- reference. These I have called "psychotic SPEs" (Neppe & Tucker, 1989) and the level of correspondence is "psychotic." This may, if necessary, combine with another term, e.g., "psychotic unvalidated" (P-V). Alternatively a precognition may be awaiting actualization (A-V).
Axis W—Working Hypotheses
After examining research and reference data, the typicality of the results, statistical correlations, exact correspondences, and verification of information, one is ready to propose working hypotheses and conclusions which the final three axes will put into a balance of meaning.
Before explaining or describing something as ostensibly psi, the anomalistic psychologist must consider what I call globally quasifamiliar explanations (Neppe, 1980), including the "subliminal" (latent familiarity), "organic" and "dynamic" explanations. These incorporate three alternatives to psi as an explanation for a happening that appears anomalous, namely: (1) subliminal stimuli— Devereux's "latent familiarity." organic explanations such as a hallucination or memory disturbance (paramnesia); (2) Neppe's "pseudofamiliarity" (Neppe, 1985; Neppe, 1980); and (3) psychological non-organic explanations based at the level of the unconscious, i.e., psychodynamic, or simply "dynamic" or antecedent events—antefamiliarity (Neppe, 1980). These three allow a hierarchy of parsimonious explanations prior to interpreting any quasifamiliar externally objectively validated event as a psi experience: If that psi can be regarded as such a kind that a modification of our present Newtonian laws of physics is necessary, this would be parafamiliarity — implying an extension of our natural laws (Devereux); if it requires rejection of current laws this implies a metafamiliar explanation— "meta-" refers to non-physical explanations (Devereux, 1974). Finally, the experience may be anomalous because of its apparent acausal synchronicity. This I have called "prefamiliarity" (Neppe, 1980); possibly "psi" embraces it. If uncertain if meta- or para-familiar, or pre- familiar, this is queryfamiliarity (Neppe, 1980). Because these anomalous levels—latent, dynamic, organic, psi—may be difficult to differentiate, I have suggested the term "delta" for any kind of anomalous experience. It is a composite term: Delta implies extrachance experience. Closing out this comprehensive classification, phenomena may easily be coincidental with a high chance probability of simple chance or unmeaningful coincidence (non-familiarity) (Neppe, 1984) or may be easily explained by fact or logic: explained familiarity (a new term, better than Neppe’s previous real familiarity) (Neppe, 1980). Combinations listed as familiarity level interpretations can be difficult (Table 2 Axis X: When e.g., psi and dynamic components interplay, the researcher should preferably place the most striking component first. Psi/dynamic would imply putative psi with possible dynamic factors, dynamic/psi would imply the reverse. Terms such as chance/delta or chance/psi or psi/chance (i.e., psi more likely than coincidence) appear legitimate.
AXIS Y—YES
The Yes Factors: How would one interpret the positives, the strengths, in this regard? The protagonist would argue from this balance.
AXIS Z—ZERO
The Zero factor: The skeptical negations. Again trying to balance this, summarize it, interpret the negatives, and find any alternatives. This is a legitimate scientific method not referring to pseudoskeptics who reject illogically.
These 26 axes are a preliminary and novel attempt at developing a multiaxial system for describing subjective paranormal experiences, either single spontaneous ones, or clusters, e.g., in laboratory PK experiments. This system was previously called Neppe's Anomalous Multiaxial Event System (NAMES) with 10 points A to J (Neppe, 1980). However, the extension to SEATTLE and A to Z seems legitimate and relevant. SEATTLE now needs to be applied to research and clinical situations.
I have proposed this multiaxial classification system for parapsychology knowing how important this similar system (DSM) has been for psychiatry. The tentative twenty six level description of anomalous experience called the Subjective Experience of Anomalous Trait Typology Evaluation (SEATTLE). The SEATTLE has developed from and involves a significant modification of the author’s original 1985 10-axis Multiaxial System for Anomalous Events, which did not include many key features, and therefore required amplifications. I see this as work in progress and this SEATTLE 1 classification will no doubt soon be replaced by SEATTLE 2.
The SEATTLE ensures that the possible errors of classifying heterogeneous phenomena into single subgroups can largely be eliminated. The 26 SEATTLE axes run from A to Z, in a workable order, but I have no illusions that this is absolutely ideal. Although not too contrived, allowing researchers to classify in order from A to Z, it is also bulky and takes time. This is why I emphasize that with assiduous attention to detail, many information pieces can be completed, but there are important stylistic elements such as the TICKLES (PICKLES) building blocks and MOLDINGS as modifiers in many ESP experiences. The first ten letter Axes (A—J) detail Specific Features pertaining to the data given by the subjects and largely correspond historically with the previous Multiaxial system. Thereafter, more General Factors (Axes K-Q) examine general biopsychosocial subject characteristics and pertinent factors. Finally, attempted possible Interpretations of Phenomena (R—Z) by experts (clinicians; statisticians; parapsychologists) follow. This multidisciplinary approach can be applied to both the experimental and the spontaneous. Even retrospective data can be classified, even when there are gaps in the data so that not all of the Axes A to Z will be complete as these are still better than no comparative data.
The SEATTLE classification allows for potential worldwide collaborations and a major new funding direction. Most importantly a more unified multiaxial database can arise with developments like those that occurred in Psychiatry with DSM. Neologisms will happen as they did with this process in Psychiatry. Every A to Z axis is special and has ongoing developing pertinent subdivisions.
The SEATTLE can be applied to every subtype of SPE and objective experience, whether spontaneous, experimental or induced. Ultimately, SEATTLE data analyses allows research and clinical meta-analyses of anomalous events where important phenomenological commonalities and differences could allow significant theoretical, paradigmatic and research advances.
The SEATTLE axes involve preliminary, novel attempts to clarify developing a multiaxial system for describing subjective paranormal experiences. Until we consistently document each and every experience in detail, we will create non-replicable, heterogeneity, even in our experimental protocols. This allows us to consistently document attitudes and expectations of the experimenters, subjects and observers and to realize that a supposed replication was not a true replication, because significant data sets were different.)
Dialing a complex telephone number produces entirely divergent results when one digit is in error: In psi, we realize that non-replicability may be because exactly the same phenomenology was not researched. SEATTLE now requires empirical testing and routine use in research.
References
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I wish to thank the several readers of this article as well as the Pacific Neuropsychiatric Institute which retains intellectual property rights and copyright for permission to publish.