Comments on the extraversion-ESP meta-analysis by Honorton, Ferrari, and Bem

Author(s): Carpenter, J. C.

Journal/Book: J Parapsychol. 1998; 62: 402 N Buchanan Blvd, Durham, NC 27701-1728, USA. Inst Parapsychology. 277-282.

Abstract: This paper challenges the conclusion reached by Honorton, Ferrari, and Bem in their meta-analysis that the relationship between ESP and extraversion scores is an artifact attributable to some subjects completing the extraversion scale after learning their ESP scores. After noting that personality scales are generally constructed so as to not be susceptible to situational biases, the authors demonstrate that in the database in question, order is highly confounded with whether subjects were tested individually or in groups (test setting). Additional analyses, including multiple regression, demonstrated that the order effect upon the extraversion-ESP relationship is itself an artifact of test setting, which remains a significant mediator of the relationship when order is partialled out. Furthermore, four series in the database which provide a relatively unconfounded test of the order hypothesis yielded significant and comparable extraversion-ESP correlations irrespective of test order. Because test setting, unlike test order, is not a methodological flaw, the authors' analyses imply that the extraversion-ESP relationship for forced-choice ESP tests is a valid psi effect. Finally, it is pointed out that when group testing studies are eliminated, the extraversion-ESP relationship :is of comparable magnitude for forced-choice and free-response ESP tests.

Note: Article Palmer J, Rhine Res Ctr, 402 N Buchanan Blvd, Durham,NC 27701 USA

Keyword(s): PERSONALITY

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