About Staring Precognition Test

Staring ESP Experiments

Researcher Rupert Sheldrake and others have investigated people's ability to sense whether they are being looked at. Sheldrake's research in particular has shown a consistent effect suggesting that people may indeed be able to detect whether or not someone is looking at them even though they are unable to see the looking person.

Staring Precognition Test

This test uses a variation on the normal staring experiment in which you have to guess, in advance, whether the computer screen will show a face staring at you, or whether the screen will remain blank.

It is advisable to first try out the Practice trials in order to get an idea of how the test works. When the screen shows the question mark, you should try to anticipate whether the screen will next show staring or blank (these are equally likely on every trial). Click the appropriate button and the screen will then be shown. Repeat this for each trial (there will be a short delay between trials).

When you are familiar with the procedure, you can test your ability more formally by selecting a larger number of trials.

Statistical Analysis

After all trials have been completed, you will be shown the statistical analysis of your results. The total number (and percentage) of correct and incorrect guesses is indicated and, if there are sufficient trials, these are analysed for statistical significance using the z-test. Note that the Practice trials are insufficient to permit this analysis.

The z-test shows the probability (p) of obtaining your results by chance. If the probability is less than 1 in 20 (0.05) the results are said to be statistically significant and may indicate some precognitive ability.

If you wish to statistically analyse the results from several tests, you should record the number of correct and incorrect guesses on each test. You may then analyse the combined data using our Hit-Miss Psi Test Statistical Calculator. Choose the Open Deck procedure with a probability of hit = 1 in 2. The total number of hits = total number of correct guesses. The total number of trials = number of correct and incorrect guesses combined. For example if you scored 2500 correct guesses and 1800 incorrect guesses, then total trials = 4300 and total hits = 2500.