The Parapsychological Association (PA) was founded in 1957 with the mission to advance parapsychology as a science, promote scholarly exchange, and provide a professional network for researchers investigating psychic phenomena. Over the decades, the PA has attracted some of the most influential figures in the field—scientists, psychologists, and experimentalists whose work has shaped both the methods and debates of modern psi research.

 

Founding Context

  • Founded: 1957 at the suggestion of anthropologist Margaret Mead during a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
  • First President: R. A. McConnell.
  • Initial Purpose: To unite researchers in psychical research and parapsychology, encourage methodological rigor, and foster collaboration across disciplines.

Notable Historical Figures

J. B. Rhine (1895–1980)

Widely considered the father of modern experimental parapsychology, Rhine pioneered statistical testing of ESP at Duke University. He emphasized controlled laboratory methods and coined the term "extrasensory perception." Although never a formal officer in the PA, his influence was foundational in shaping the organization's scientific ethos.

Gertrude Schmeidler (1912–2009)

Known for her "sheep-goat" effect—correlating ESP performance with belief—Schmeidler contributed significantly to experimental design in parapsychology. She served as PA president in 1959 and advocated for integrating psychological variables into psi research.

Charles Honorton (1946–1992)

A methodological innovator best known for adapting the ganzfeld sensory-deprivation technique for ESP testing. Honorton served as PA president in 1975 and worked extensively to improve replication and standardization in parapsychological experiments.

Stanley Krippner (b. 1932)

A pioneer in dream telepathy studies at the Maimonides Medical Center and cross-cultural research on altered states of consciousness. Krippner served as PA president in 1972 and has been a leading advocate for interdisciplinary approaches to psi phenomena.

Rex Stanford (b. 1934-2022)

Developed the psi-mediated instrumental response (PMIR) model, exploring how unconscious psi influences behavior. Stanford served as PA president multiple times and published extensively on the psychological mechanisms underlying psi.

Dean Radin (b. 1952)

A leading contemporary researcher and author of influential books such as The Conscious Universe and Entangled Minds. Radin has conducted meta-analyses of psi data and served as PA president, bringing statistical rigor to controversial claims.

Rhea White (1931–2007)

Advocated a shift from experimental lab research to the study of spontaneous and transformative experiences. White’s tenure as PA president reflected her focus on experiential narratives as a complement to quantitative data.

William G. Roll (1926–2012)

Known for his work on poltergeist cases and the theory of recurrent spontaneous psychokinesis (RSPK). Roll served as PA president in 1964 and was a central figure in integrating field investigation into the PA's research portfolio.

Helmut Schmidt (1928–2011)

Physicist and parapsychologist who developed automated psi testing devices, including random event generators used in psychokinesis experiments. Schmidt’s work influenced later projects such as the Global Consciousness Project.

Robert L. Morris (1942–2004)

First Koestler Professor of Parapsychology at the University of Edinburgh, Morris blended parapsychological research with mainstream psychology and served as PA president, advocating for cross-disciplinary credibility.

Institutional Influence

  • Annual conventions provide a platform for presenting peer-reviewed research, fostering collaborations, and debating methodological issues.
  • The PA's affiliation with the AAAS from 1969 to 1979 gave parapsychology unprecedented visibility in the scientific community.
  • Presidents and officers have often set the tone for methodological rigor, openness to critique, and engagement with skeptics.

Legacy

The historical figures of the PA represent a spectrum—from laboratory scientists seeking strict controls to field investigators embracing experiential data. Together, they have shaped parapsychology into a discipline that, while still controversial, maintains an enduring presence in scientific discourse.

References

  1. Alvarado, C. S. (2012). Historical notes on the Parapsychological Association. Journal of Parapsychology, 76(1), 21–43.
  2. Rhine, J. B., & Pratt, J. G. (1957). Parapsychology: Frontier Science of the Mind. New York: Charles C. Thomas.
  3. Honorton, C. (1975). Presidential Address. Proceedings of the Parapsychological Association.
  4. Krippner, S. (1972). Cross-cultural perspectives on psi phenomena. Proceedings of the Parapsychological Association.
  5. Radin, D. (1997). The Conscious Universe: The Scientific Truth of Psychic Phenomena. New York: HarperCollins.