Mind and matter correlated in a matrix. Replicating a new method

Abstract

The thesis explores whether mind can interact directly with matter, i.e., with a physical system, without the use of any known physical interaction. The concept, called psychokinesis, is yet an unexplained phenomenon. The study of paranormal manifestations has been arduous due to the difficulty in replicating its findings. To address the problem Walter von Lucadou developed a method called Correlation Matrix Method (CMM) that endeavours to explain i t. CMM is supported by the Model of Pragmatic Information (MPI) and Generalised Quantum Theory. These theories based on principles from quantum physics were translated by analogy into a general quantum theory to be applied to the field of psychology. Links established between physics, psychology and parapsychology are then explored in the thesis. The CMM method consists of correlating psychological behaviours produced by participants with the behaviour of a random number generator, to investigate whether participants can mentally influence the random number generator. Previous experiments conducted by von Lucadou and Walach showed significant results. This thesis replicate s the former experiments in five studies to test the reliability of CMM. The first two studies were exact replications of the original studies by Lucadou and Walach. The s ame random number generator (RNG), software program and protocol were used in the replications. Study 3, whether the number of participants was relevant against the number of sessions produced. In study 4 and 5 a new type of RNG, was introduced to compare with the performance of the original RNG. A new method for control and for data analysis were introduced and compared with the orig inal.