Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research

Key themes

Extrasensory Perception (ESP)

This is a core operational theme, encompassing various forms of apparent information acquisition without the use of known sensory channels. The journal extensively covers empirical studies on telepathy (mind-to-mind communication), clairvoyance (perception of remote objects or events), and precognition (foreknowledge of future events). The exploration involves rigorous experimental design, statistical analysis, and attempts to control for all conventional explanations.

The Nature of Consciousness

A central, overarching theme is the exploration of consciousness beyond its conventional neurobiological understanding. Articles frequently investigate whether consciousness can operate independently of the physical brain (e.g., in survival studies) or interact with the environment in ways not explained by known physics (e.g., in psi phenomena). This theme prompts fundamental questions about identity, mind-body dualism, and the potential for non-local awareness.

Methodology and Evidence in Parapsychology

This meta-theme is critical to the journal's mission. It involves ongoing discussions and debates about the appropriate scientific methods, statistical analyses, and standards of evidence required to investigate anomalous phenomena. Articles frequently scrutinize experimental designs, address potential biases, discuss replication issues, and explore new methodological approaches to enhance rigor and address criticisms from mainstream science.

Worth discussing

What are the primary methodological challenges in conducting rigorous parapsychological research, and how does the journal attempt to address them?