Abstract

Assessed 2 psychokinesis (PK) imagery strategies derived from a survey of popular writings on how to develop psychic skills. Goal-oriented imagery involves visualizing only the desired goal; process-oriented imagery involves visualizing some sort of process gradually leading up to the desired outcome. In Study 1, 16 college-aged Ss were asked to bias the behavior of a visual display controlled by a random number generator, using each imagery strategy for 8 trials. There was significantly positive overall evidence for PK and for PK during goal-oriented imagery. Ss' overall scores differed significantly from chance. In Study 2, 20 undergraduates attempted the same PK task, using each imagery strategy half the time. 10 Ss had previously experienced mental development training (MD group), and 10 had not (NMD group). ANOVA revealed that goal -oriented imagery scores were significantly greater than process-oriented scores, that prior training was not itself a significant factor, but that imagery strategy and prior training interacted significantly. MD Ss showed little difference in imagery scores; NMD Ss showed a strong difference in favor of goal-oriented imagery. Ss were asked to practice concentration enhancement exercises and repeat the PK procedure in 2 wks, this time using their preferred imagery strategy for all 16 runs. Eight Ss chose the goal-oriented strategy; their scores were significantly above chance. 11 chose the process-oriented strategy; their results were at chance. (11 ref)