Abstract: This paper provides evidence why UFO investigators and others should use caution in the use of specialized equipment which claims to analyse the amount of stress present in the human voice.
Six technical limitations are documented: (1) poor inter-judge scoring reliability, (2) problems caused by different words used by the witness, (3) scoring problems caused by the quality of the tape recorder used, (4) scoring problems caused by the speed of the recording, (5) difficulties caused by the possibility that vocal responses may be subject to voluntary control, and (6) scoring problems related to the level of stress present
and the witness stress response threshold.
Such devices do have some merit when used with proper training and with an understanding of their technical limitations;some of these factors are also discussed.
Alvin H. LAWSON
HYPNOSIS OF IMAGINARY UFO "ABDUCTEES"
8-26
Abstract: In an attempt to evaluate objectively the claims of UFO "abductees",
imaginary
abductions were induced hypnotically in a group of volunteers who had no signi
ficant knowledge of UFOs.
Eight situational questions comprising
the
major
components of a typical abduction account were asked of each subject.
Although the researchers expected major dissimilarities,
an
averaged
comparison of data from four imaginary and four "real" abduction
narratives
showed no substantive differences.
Also,
extensive patterns echoing well-estab
lished details from "real" UFO reports emerged from the "naive" subjects' im
aginary sessions.
There is as yet
no satisfactory explanation
for the patterns and
other
similarities between imaginary and "real" abductions.
But more
significantly,
there are parallels between these patterns and the "image constants"
or recur
rent descriptions of form, color, and movement reported by subjects in
drug-
induced hallucination experiments, and in so-called "death narratives",
among
other mental processes.
Thus there is reason to accept at least some parts of
the "real" abductees1 stories as accurate reflections of what their sensory mec
hanisms have reported.
However, despite many similarities, there are crucial differences
such as alleged physical effects and multiple witnesses
which arguethat
UFO abductions are separate and distinct from imaginary and hallucinatoryex
periences.
With these
distinctions in mind, an abduction model is proposed-
witnesses actually perceive images
from whatever source
such
as
bright and pulsating lights, lattice-textured forms moving randomly in the
sky,
lighted tunnels,
humanoid figures,
with data from the imagination,
etc.
memory,
These abduction constants are combined
nesses to create a "real" UFO encounter.
and existing UFO data known by
wit
The subjective reality of the intense
hallucinatory experience is a physically real event.
Subsequently they may
re
port the "truth" as they have experienced it, although actual occurences remain
unclear.
el,
The complexities of the UFO phenomenon are affirmed by the above mod
since still unexplained are many puzzling matters,
including the greatest
mystery of all, the nature of the stimulus which initiated
witness and so triggers the abduction sequence.
the imagery in
the
The writer prefers a dualistic UFO hypothesis.
But while there is
a
continuing absence of unambiguous physical evidence, this study concludes
that
UFOs are
in psychological terms
unquestionably real, and further that
non-physical UFO research is promising
Paul J. LAVRAKAS, Dennis P. ROSENBAUM
ASSESSING BELIEF IN EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIFE: THE BEXTL SCALE
27-31
Abstract: With the advent of organized attempts to search for extraterrestrial life (e.g., SETI), it has become important to plumb the depths of the public's belief in its existence.
The measurement of such a quantity is facilitated by the use of a scale developed by the authors: the Belief in Extraterrestrial Life (BEXTL) Scale. With the existence of this scale, it will now become easier to quantify and understand the social phenomenon of belief in the extraterrestrial hypothesis.
Joseph S, ACCETTA
ANGELS HAIR REVISITED
32-34
Abstract: Laboratory analysis of a sample of possible "angels hair" from a
fall (Oct.
11,
1977) in the San Francisco,
CA area is reported.
widespread
The
samples
analysed showed none of the volatility of that obtained in classicreports.
ysisNonetheless,
tentatively
identifies the
substance as airborne
spider web.
Anal
variety of analyses performed is of importance should a "genuine" angels
speciman connected with a
UFO
make
From time to time a phenomeno-
a
hair
its appearance.
Don C. DONDERI
THE EFFECT OF CONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS ATTITUDES ABOUT UFO EVIDENCE ON SCIENTIFIC
ACCEPTANCE OF THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL HYPOTHESIS
35-40
Abstract: Current scientific attitudes toward UFO evidence are reviewed and contrasted with the growing interest in communicating with extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI).
Conscious rejection of the extraterrestrial UFO hypothesis is attributed to the rigidity of current paradigms, Bayesian thinking with zero prior probability for the extraterrestrial hypothesis, and a low signal-to-noise ratio in the publicly available data. The interest in ETI, on the other hand, is partially attributed to unconscious acknowledgment of the UFO data and its extraterrestrial implications.
Donald A. JOHNSON
A STRUCTURED APPROACH TO THE ANALYSIS OF NON-PHYSICAL UFO EVIDENCE
41-48
Abstract: The lack of indisputable hard evidence of the UFO phenomenon is thought likely to continue and therefore, the author attempts to provide a realistic, orderly approach to the analysis of non-physical UFO data.
Four levels of analysis are suggested and discussed: the studies of the witness, the phenomenon, the
report, and the myth of UFOlogy.
Possible research directions are suggested.
Robert G. NEELEY JNR
1897: THE AIRSHIP IN ILLINOIS
49-69
Abstract: The author presents an in-depth analysis of the airship wave of 1897 in Illinois as derived from an exhaustive study of Illinois newspapers.
Sightings were discovered to fall into one of three categories: the moving lights, the "description"
sightings, and landing/occupant sightings.
Each group was examined and encapsulated and possible identifications of some of the sightings are suggested. Several classic cases of the airship from the literature are examined
Bruce MACCABEE
SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION OF UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS: PART I
Abstract: The abduction experiences of 104 individual subjects are examined.
Male/females statistics multiple participation, case publicity, family relationships, occupational and educational backgrounds are studied with the conclusions found that the abductees tend to be more highly educated and skilled, as well as psychologically stable than perhaps has been thought.
William C. McCALL
WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THE EMOTIONAL REACTIONS OF UFO ABDUCTEES
98-100
Leo R. SPRINKLE
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF UFO EXPERIENCES?
101-109
Abstract: The history of the author's involvement with UFOs is discussed.
A research project of the author (the identification and psychological studies of persons who
claim to experience psychic impressions of UFO phenomena) is described.
The "reality" of and possible interpretations of abduction accounts received under hypnosis is commented upon.
