Psychics Challenged

NZSCICOP recently challenged psychics to put their abilities to the test under controlled conditions. Colin Amery of Auckland took up the challenge. Mr Amery claims to be skilled in telepathy, clairvoyance, and Tarot reading. He was tested in the Otago University Psychology Department in March this year, claiming that he is "50% successful" in telepathy and "80% successful" in Tarot reading.

Clairvoyance tests could not be conducted as Mr Amery's definition of this could not be distinguished from telepathy. He would only agree to Tarot readings in a face-to-face situation, so controlled tests of this were not possible either. Experimental tests of telepathy were held, and demonstrations of Tarot readings were run under Mr Amery's conditions.

Mr Amery attempted to telepathically receive ten randomly chosen numbers (from the set 0 - 99) and ten randomly chosen pictures (from a set of 50). These were transmitted by Mr Amery's agent from a nearby building. Mr Amery was incorrect on all ten numbers. An independent judge ranked the responses against the targets for both sets with no better than chance results. These controlled tests of Mr Amery's telepathic claims showed no evidence of psychic ability.

Although not under controlled conditions, the Tarot readings showed Mr Amery to be a proficient exponent. However they provided no evidence for any psychic ability, and could be readily explained with standard cold reading techniques.

Mr Amery has subsequently questioned the results (see New Zealand Times, March 23) claiming bias in the selection of pictures and the evaluation of the Tarot results. However NZSCICOP stands by its report, copies of which are available from any member of the steering committee.