Abstract

Reviews surveys pertaining to the incidence of spontaneous alleged paranormal experience. A study is also presented that differs from previous work in that it utilized a "captive group" of 57 40-70 yr old women educated in basic parapsychology but with no special interest in this area, who were required to answer a specially constructed questionnaire. Only 1 S denied any subjective paranormal experience (SPE) and 7 had a significantly high number. Good linear correlations are shown between general and specific criteria for SPE. Ss claimed an average of 2.8 categories of SPE, largely independent of age. The 5 most common categories of SPE found were "feelings," presences, "other ESP," out-of -body experiences, and paranormal dreams. Four-fifths of the Ss had their first SPE before the age of 20, most between 10 and 20. Effects of psi on behavior, contents of psi, and family history are also discussed. (18 ref)