Abstract

The author considers problems in the contemporary study of spontaneous cases in parapsychology. The main one is the low number of research projects in the area. A specialty that conducts little research has no possibility of developing as a science and has little impact on society. Also, better balance is needed between research directed at proof and at process considerations, as opposed to the emphasis on extremes that is mostly seen today. In some instances, interest in showing that psychic phenomena transcend physical limitations seems to hinder attempts at studying possible relationships with such aspects as psychological variables. Another problem is the need to expand toward neglected phenomena such as those reported to occur in religious contexts. It is hoped that those interested in different approaches to the study of spontaneous phenomena will enter into dialogue that will help the field develop further.