Scientists angered by telephone telepathy study

According to an article in The Times, yesterday's story on Telephone Telepathy - the phenomenon of receiving a telephone call from someone shortly after thinking about them - has angered scientists, who claim the conclusions were more likely the result from flaws in Dr Sheldrake's methods. (Picture from UK's Science Museum - which has a chapter covering phone telepathy as well).

"A furious row broke out today at Britain's premier science forum over the decision to allow believers in the paranormal to promote their views without challenge from the mainstream.

The row was triggered by the British Association for the Advancement of Science's decision to showcase highly controversial research purporting to demonstrate telepathy and life after death.

The study into telepathy, conducted by unorthodox biologist Rupert Sheldrake, inspired strong reactions among both supporters and critics.

... "He (Dr Sheldrake) is reporting results that are far higher than those usually found by parapsychologists, and there is good reason to be sceptical. The design of the experiments are more messy than most in the field, and so the results could be due to participants picking up subtle cues from the callers - it is important that other scientists attempt to replicate the alleged effect."

... Interesting: Dr Sheldrake other work includes studies that claim to show blindfolded people can tell when they are being stared at, and that pets can communicate telepathically with their owners.

emily | 1:45 PM | Health Issues and SMS Alerts |
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