A parapsychological inquiry into purportedly anomalous telecommunication phenomena with considerations of their contribution to the survival hypothesis debate
e-space (Manchester Metropolitan University) May 28, 2026 DOI: 10.83056/mmu.32479686 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Parapsychology Skepticism Epistemology Critical appraisal Alternative medicine |
| Key points | Argues that anomalous telecommunication phenomena have been studied within parapsychology and that multiple explanatory frameworks—anomalistic psychology, the survival hypothesis, super-psi theory, and multiverse theory—have been proposed to account for them. |
Abstract
The study of anomalous telecommunication phenomena within the confines of standardised methods of the social sciences began with the published work of Rogo & Bayless (1979). This thesis offers a critical overview of published research and theories concerning how studying such phenomena have contributed to parapsychology and new knowledge. And, how appropriate the methods of inquiry have been to date. Included within, are reviews of four peer-reviewed papers, an extended book chapter and a book, all relating to the study of anomalies surrounding telecommunication. The publications cover the history of the topic, previous researcher biographies, sceptical approaches, the psychology of experients, modern analyses, and a critical consideration of criticisms raised of the research. Critical appraisal is given to the possible explanations that can be put to such reports, including: an anomalistic psychology approach, the survival hypothesis, super-psi theory, and finally, consideration of multiverse theory. The conclusion briefly offers suggestions for future progression, based on past and present thoughts for dealing with spontaneous cases and the psi vs. survival debate.