Abstract

Discusses the scope and nature of parapsychological anthropology and reviews the historically unidimensional methodological models used to research psi and psi-related activities in non-Western cultures. A multi -method approach is proposed that uses more psi-directed and culturally relevant versions of the standard ethnographic and intrusive experimental methods. A new integrative method, "psi-in-progress," is also proposed. This approach involves the study of ostensible paranormal functioning in a natural cultural or subcultural context with the rigor of experimental control and statistical evaluation but with minimal alteration of the context. It is suggested that the psi-in-progress method--supplemented by ethnographic data on a particular psi-related activity, its actors, and its relationship to the wider cultural milieu--affords a more holistic portrayal of psi and the psychocultural conditions under which it occurs. (141 ref)