Abstract

The ganzfeld procedure, in which the psi percipient is exposed to uniform visual and auditory stimulation, is used to enhance psi performance. The present study, with 30 undergraduates, yielded physiological findings consistent with the hypoarousal hypothesis of ganzfeld stimulation and imagery findings consistent with the constraint-reduction/lability hypothesis. It is suggested that at least part of the ganzfeld's effectiveness is contributed by the reduced tonic sympathetic autonomic arousal and more labile imagery that accompany such stimulation. Autonomic hypoarousal, in turn, may reduce sources of physiological and emotional "noise," as postulated by the psychophysical noise-reduction model. (20 ref)