The Psychophysical Research Laboratories (PRL) was an independent research facility established in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1979 by parapsychologist Charles Honorton. It specialized in experimental research on extrasensory perception (ESP), particularly using the ganzfeld technique in a rigorously controlled laboratory environment. PRL operated until 1989, producing some of the most methodologically advanced parapsychology experiments of its era.

 

Founding & Mission

  • Founder: Charles Henry Honorton, a leading figure in ESP and ganzfeld research.
  • Year Founded: 1979.
  • Location: Princeton, New Jersey, USA.
  • Core Mission: To apply psychophysical methods—quantitative, perceptual, and sensory research techniques—to the study of anomalous information transfer (psi).
  • PRL sought to bridge psychology, sensory physiology, and parapsychology, emphasizing strict experimental controls, automation, and replicability.

Research Focus

  • Ganzfeld ESP Experiments: Automated and computer-controlled setups to minimize experimenter bias and sensory leakage.
  • Autoganzfeld Protocol: Introduced in 1982 and led by Dr Rick E Berger with Dr Mario Varvoglis, replacing manual randomization and recording with automated systems.
  • Random Number Generators: Used for target selection to ensure unpredictability and statistical validity.
  • Participant Pool: Included both experienced and novice subjects, often screened for prior high-scoring performance in psi tasks.

Methodological Innovations

  • Full automation of session randomization, stimulus presentation, and data recording to reduce human error and potential cueing.
  • Standardized protocols influenced by the 1986 Honorton–Hyman Joint Communiqué, which addressed methodological criticisms of earlier ESP studies.
  • Comprehensive session logging, including environmental variables and participant feedback, for detailed meta-analysis.
  • Use of computer-generated video targets (dynamic visual stimuli) instead of still images to enhance engagement and potential psi signal strength.

Notable Findings

  • Autoganzfeld experiments (1982–1989) produced a statistically significant hit rate (~32%) compared to the 25% chance expectation.
  • Results were reported in peer-reviewed outlets and cited in the influential Bem & Honorton (1994) meta-analysis, which argued for replicable evidence of anomalous information transfer.
  • Data suggested that certain psychological traits (e.g., openness to experience, frequent dream recall) correlated with higher ESP performance.

Criticism & Debate

  • Skeptics such as Ray Hyman and Richard Wiseman acknowledged improved methodology but maintained that randomization integrity, sensory leakage, and file-drawer effects were not fully resolved.
  • Some replication attempts at other laboratories failed to produce significant results, fueling ongoing debate about the robustness of PRL findings.

Closure & Legacy

  • PRL closed in 1989, partly due to funding limitations and Honorton’s declining health.
  • Its methodological rigor set a new standard for psi research, influencing later laboratories such as the Koestler Parapsychology Unit at the University of Edinburgh.
  • PRL remains a reference point in both parapsychological literature and skeptical critiques as an example of best-practice experimental design in the field.

References

  1. Bem, D. J., & Honorton, C. (1994). Does Psi Exist? Replicable Evidence for an Anomalous Process of Information Transfer. Psychological Bulletin, 115(1), 4–18. DOI
  2. Honorton, C. (1985). Meta-Analysis of Psi Ganzfeld Research: A Response to Hyman. Journal of Parapsychology, 49(1), 51–91.
  3. Hyman, R., & Honorton, C. (1986). A Joint Communiqué: The Psi Ganzfeld Controversy. Journal of Parapsychology, 50(4), 351–364.
  4. Milton, J., & Wiseman, R. (1999). Does Psi Exist? Lack of Replication of an Anomalous Process of Information Transfer. Psychological Bulletin, 125(4), 387–391. DOI