Consciousness Experiments

All the best-known examinations of consciousness

1. The Double-Slit Experiment

What it is: This foundational experiment in quantum mechanics demonstrates that particles (e.g., electrons or photons) can exhibit wave-like interference patterns when not observed but act like particles when measured or observed.

Consciousness link: Variations of the experiment have tested whether a conscious observer directly influences the outcome. Researchers like Dean Radin have explored whether focused intention can affect the collapse of the wave function.
2. Global Consciousness Project (Random Number Generators)

What it is: Random number generators (RNGs) produce unpredictable outputs. The Global Consciousness Project (GCP) hypothesizes that collective human consciousness can influence RNGs during significant global events (e.g., 9/11, New Year's celebrations).

Findings: The project reports correlations between global attention and deviations in RNG outputs, suggesting a potential consciousness-field interaction.
3. Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) Laboratory

What it is: Researchers at PEAR explored the effects of human intention on physical systems, including RNGs, pendulums, and fountains.

Findings: Over decades, the lab found small but consistent deviations from expected randomness, implying that focused intention can influence physical systems.
4. The Quantum Zeno Effect

What it is: This quantum phenomenon occurs when frequent observation of a system prevents it from evolving. Some have speculated that conscious observation might play a role in "freezing" quantum states.

Relevance to Consciousness: This effect is well-established in quantum physics.
5. Schmidt's RNG Experiments

What it is: Helmut Schmidt, a physicist, conducted RNG experiments where participants attempted to influence random binary outcomes (e.g., 0s and 1s).

Findings: Schmidt reported statistically significant results, suggesting that intention could influence RNGs.
6. The DELPHI Experiment

What it is: DELPHI (Deep Listening for Precursor Information) involved using people in altered states of consciousness (like meditation or hypnosis) to detect precognitive influences on random events.

Findings: There were intriguing patterns.
7. Mind-Matter Interaction (Intention Experiments)

What it is: Researchers like Lynne McTaggart have conducted experiments where groups of people focus their intentions on specific outcomes (e.g., plant growth, water crystallization, or healing effects).

Findings: Some experiments claim positive effects from focused intention.
8. Psi Experiments (Telepathy, Precognition, Remote Viewing)

What it is: Experiments in parapsychology test phenomena like telepathy, precognition, and remote viewing. For example, the Ganzfeld Experiment involves sensory isolation to test for telepathic communication.

Findings: Some studies report statistically significant effects.
9. Water Crystal Experiments (Masaru Emoto)

What it is: Emoto claimed that human emotions and intentions could influence the crystalline structure of water when frozen.

Findings: Photographs of water crystals purportedly show more symmetry and beauty when exposed to positive words or intentions.
10. Meditation and Quantum Field Interactions

What it is: Studies have explored whether group meditation or focused states of consciousness can influence physical environments, such as reducing crime rates in specific areas.

Findings: Projects like the Maharishi Effect report decreases in crime during large-scale meditation sessions.
11. Time and Precognitive Effects

What it is: Experiments by researchers like Daryl Bem have tested whether people can respond to future stimuli, such as improved memory for words that they will later study.

Findings: Bem's results suggest precognition might exist.

A. Meditation Practitioners and Enhanced Effectiveness

Random Number Generator Studies: Some experiments reported that individuals with meditation experience demonstrated slightly stronger effects on random number generators compared to non-meditators.

Mindfulness and Intentionality: Studies suggest that mindfulness training may influence one's ability to sustain intention and focus, potentially increasing the likelihood of influencing outcomes.

B. Individual Differences in Talent

Case Studies: Some experiments highlighted "star performers" who appeared to achieve significant deviations from random outcomes more consistently than others.

Characteristics: These individuals often reported a strong belief in their ability to influence outcomes. High confidence, emotional engagement, and focus were common traits.

Consciousness is notoriously difficult to measure objectively, making experimental validation challenging. One reason for this is that relatively few subjects are skilled in mindful concentration and successful repeatability is dependent upon the test subject's ability to focus on one thing for an extended period of time. "High confidence" could also be paraphrased as "Faith" which is an anathema to most empirically-minded researchers. Notwithstanding there are multiple psychological methods to assess confidence in subjects. "High emotional engagement" is also easy to calibrate including using both observational and self-reporting methods.

Organizations & Centers

The Consciousness Foundation - A nonprofit directing philanthropic capital toward frontier consciousness science, producing white papers and field analyses.
Academy for the Advancement of Postmaterialist Sciences (AAPS) - Promotes rigorous, open-minded inquiry into postmaterialist models of consciousness.
Academy for Spiritual and Consciousness Studies (ASCSI) - Focuses on how consciousness studies and paranormal phenomena relate to human spiritual development.
Center for Consciousness Studies - University of Arizona - Interdisciplinary academic center integrating philosophy, neuroscience, cognitive science, and medicine.
Center for Research on Consciousness and Anomalous Psychology (CERCAP) - Lund University - Research group studying unusual experiences and anomalous cognition using diverse methodologies.
The Galileo Commission - International project examining the limitations of materialist science and advocating expanded scientific frameworks for consciousness.
CIFAR - Brain, Mind & Consciousness Program - A global research program uniting neuroscientists, philosophers, and psychologists to investigate the origins and mechanisms of consciousness.