Psychokinesis (PK)
Psychokinesis (PK) is the ability to influence an object or physical process using
the power of the mind.. Parapsychologists have devised several ingenious methods
of testing PK, many of which (as here) examine whether people can influence "random"
events.
The Dice Test
The test used in PK Championship is a simulation of the dice tests of psychokinesis
that were pioneered by J.B. Rhine in the 1930s. You have to try to use your psychokinetic
powers to influence the random rolling of a six-sided die so that it will
land with the SIX uppermost.
Randomisation
In these tests, the rolling of the dice is determined by a pseudo-random computer
algorithm. The six faces of the dice are equally likely to land uppermost and there
will be be no discernible pattern to the sequence of numbers generated. Although equi-probable,
the numbers selected will generally differ in the overall frequency with which they
are generated (in the same way that tossing a coin several times will not necessarily
result in equal numbers of heads and tails).
To roll the die, simply click it. You must carry out 60 rolls of the dice in order to complete
the test. By chance (i.e., without PK ability) the average score obtained is 10
(i.e., one roll in six would be expected to land with the SIX uppermost). A statistical
analysis of your results will be shown at the end (see below) To show any evidence
of PK in our championship test, you need to score at least 17 sixes (hits). The
chances of obtaining 17 or more hits by luck is less than 1 in 20.
If you obtain a score that is equal to or higher than the top scores obtained
by our users, you will be given the opportunity to submit your data to us so that
you can be added to our published list of champions!
Statistical Analysis
Your results will automatically be analysed statistically at the end of the test.
The statistical procedure used is known as the z-test.This compares the number
of hits obtained with the number expected by chance. The probability (p)
of obtaining hits as high (or as low) as those obtained is determined. If this probability
is small (less than 1 in 20, i.e., less than 0.05) the results are said to be statistically
significant and may show evidence of PK. The smaller the probability (p)
obtained, the greater the possible evidence for PK.
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