Yes it could be down to chance. However, I have cited 39 experiments which arrived at a higher than expected hit rate. The chances of all of these experiments becoming victims of chance independently of each other is rather ludicrous in my opinion. Indeed Hyman (a noted sceptic) and Honorton both concluded that the chances of all the results of the Ganzfeld experiments being down to chance as unfounded. Perhaps you can tell me why you consider the Ganzfeld experiments all down to chance? Perhaps you have conducted or come across a study I am not aware of which proves Hyman and Honorton wrong?
The method of randomisation varies between experiments. I think the similarities between the results of the different randomisation procedures means that the chance of all the positive hits above the statistical threshold being down to insufficient randomisation are slim to none.
The majority of the studies cited I have read out with the internet hence giving you a link is difficult. The Wikipedia page holds sufficient information to give a brief outline though http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganzfeld_experiment
Hyman's main concern about the experiments was that it was an argument of the missing middle. The quantity of the results meant chance, bias and faulty procedures were eliminated as possible causes for the data produced, but that does not mean that psychic energy is at work. To a large extent he is right. Although the Ganzfeld experiments showed something was (and is) going on beyond our present understanding, this does not show conclusively that that 'something' is psychic energy. However, this seems to be the only viable hypothesis put forward at the present time hence I will go with that until a better theory comes to the fore. Perhaps you have one?
The idea of psychic energy is related to the poltergeist phenomenon hence has a place in this thread. Poltergeist seem to come into being around children and young people when they are still in their formative period. I think that in this formative and ever changing period of life our brains/psyche change along with our bodies and this can sometimes create a poltergeist. However, the theory hinges on the existence of some form of psychic energy hence by presenting evidence for one I help the case of the other.
The method of randomisation varies between experiments. I think the similarities between the results of the different randomisation procedures means that the chance of all the positive hits above the statistical threshold being down to insufficient randomisation are slim to none.
The majority of the studies cited I have read out with the internet hence giving you a link is difficult. The Wikipedia page holds sufficient information to give a brief outline though http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganzfeld_experiment
Hyman's main concern about the experiments was that it was an argument of the missing middle. The quantity of the results meant chance, bias and faulty procedures were eliminated as possible causes for the data produced, but that does not mean that psychic energy is at work. To a large extent he is right. Although the Ganzfeld experiments showed something was (and is) going on beyond our present understanding, this does not show conclusively that that 'something' is psychic energy. However, this seems to be the only viable hypothesis put forward at the present time hence I will go with that until a better theory comes to the fore. Perhaps you have one?
The idea of psychic energy is related to the poltergeist phenomenon hence has a place in this thread. Poltergeist seem to come into being around children and young people when they are still in their formative period. I think that in this formative and ever changing period of life our brains/psyche change along with our bodies and this can sometimes create a poltergeist. However, the theory hinges on the existence of some form of psychic energy hence by presenting evidence for one I help the case of the other.
