Strangeness Detector allows real-time display and analysis of non-random activity
in a pseudo random number generator (PRNG) . It can be used for:
- Detecting and monitoring strange (non-random) spontaneous PRNG output at particular
times.
- Detecting whether the randomness of PRNG output can be affected by groups of people
who focus their minds on a common activity.
- Learning and testing psychokinetic (mind over matter) abilities, by deliberately
trying to induce non-random behavior in the PRNG.
Research carried out as part of the
Global Consciousness Project (also known as the EGG Project) has suggested
that the behavior of random event generators (REGs) can be affected by important
world events. For example it was found that REGs behaved non-randomly shortly before,
during, and for some days after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Non-random activity
in the REGs has also been reported during other high interest news events, such
as award ceremonies, sporting competitions, jury verdicts in major criminal cases,
natural disasters, and New Year celebrations.
One explanation that has been put forward to explain this phenomenon is that the
shared consciousness of large groups of people who are focussing their minds on
the same event somehow affects the random activity in the REGs. Evidence has also
been reported that synchronised meditation by groups of people can affect the output
of REGs.
REGs have been extensively used to assess psychokinetic abilities. In such cases,
individuals or groups usually focus their intention on producing a particular output
that is controlled by the REG. This may include an attempt to affect the overall
randomness of the REG output.
How Strangeness Detector Works
Strangeness Detector follows a similar procedure and analytical method to that used
by the EGG Project. It should be noted, however, that the REGs used in the EGG Project
are true random event generators, where output is the result of a theoretically
indeterminate process such as electronic noise. In contrast, the outcomes generated
by Strangeness Detector are pseudo random (they are produced by the JavaScript
Math.random algorithm). Also the EGG project pools data from several REGs, whereas
Strangeness Detector uses only one PRNG.
Because of the different methods of random number generation (PRNG vs REG), one
important research possibility is to use Strangeness Detector as a control in Global
Consciousness (EGG) research. In this way it is possible to compare the PRNG
output of Strangeness Detector with the true REG output from the Global Consciousness
Project. In theory, this might help to determine whether the global consciousness
phenomena are due to synchronicity (which may affect PRNG output) or to the genuinely
causal influence of consciousness on REGs.
Once you click Start, the program generates a series of 200 pseudo-random binary
digits every second. The frequencies of these two digits are compared statistically
using a z test to see whether they differ significantly from the equal numbers expected
by chance (i.e., 100 of each on average). If the probability (p) associated with
the outcome is less than 0.05 (1 in 20), this is said to indicate a moderate degree
of strangeness (shown by an amber bar). If p is less than 0.001 (1 in 1000), this
is said to indicate a high degree of strangeness (shown by a red bar).
Data from consecutive seconds are then pooled to calculate the cumulative results.
To do this, the z values for each second are squared (to produce Chi-Square values),
and the Chi-Squares are then summed across all seconds. The resulting sum of Chi-Squares
is tested for significance with degress of freedom (df) = number of seconds. If
the resulting probability (p) is less than 0.05 or 0.001, this is said to indicate
a moderate or high degree of overall strangeness (shown by an amber or red bar on
the right).
Allow Strangeness Detetector to run for a period of time and watch for any non-random
activity (indicated by amber or red bars in the display). Real-time output is displayed
every second and the cumulative data are shown in the thick bar on the right (with
continually updated statistical analysis presented at the bottom). Highly strange
events (HSE), i.e., those with a probability less than 0.001, are shown in the text
box. You can cut and paste the data for HSEs if you wish to keep a permanent record.
Also displayed is the continually updated frequency distribution for the
various binary splits (i.e., a graph of the frequencies for each combination of
the 200 binary digits). Again the combinations are color-coded to indicate degree
of strangeness for particular outcomes. If Strangeness Detector is allowed to run
for a long period of time then, without any evidence of overall strangeness, the
graph should approximate a normal distribution (bell-shaped curve). When Strangeness
Detector is stopped, the data for the frequency distribution are displayed in the
text box below below the graph. You may cut and paste these data if further analysis
is required.
Some Uses of Strangeness Detector
Strangeness Detector can be used to monitor strangeness as this might be correlated
with unfolding world events. For example, you could watch the output from Strangeness
Detector during important breaking news.
Ghost hunters might use Strangeness Detector during a vigil in order to assess any
strange (non-random) activity associated with a possible haunting or poltergeist
case. Or researchers into mediumship could use Strangeness Detector to moritor strange
phenomena during a seance. Once loaded into your browser, the program will run offline
(you do not need to maintain an Internet connection).
Some people may consider using Strangeness Detector to find lucky times for online
gaming, or for deciding when to randomly select lottery numbers (perhaps times of
high strangeness might be lucky!).
You can also use Strangeness Detector to practice and assess psychokinesis. You
might try various strategies to see whether these may affect the randomness of the
output. For example, you could see whether it may make a difference if your focus
is relaxed or intense, or if you speak or remain silent, or if you try meditating,
or if you practice at different times of day, or if you try on your own or in a
group.
Students and researchers can use Strangeness Detector for a whole range of possible
experiments in parapsychology, consciousness studies, and paraphysics. Do let us
know of any interesting research you carry out.
Michael Daniels, November 2009
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