parapsychological

Parapsychological is an adjective relating to parapsychology, the study of alleged psychic phenomena that are said to lie beyond the scope of conventional psychology or established science. The term is used to describe phenomena, research methods, theories, and literature within this field.

Parapsychology investigates reports of psi phenomena such as telepathy (mind-to-mind communication), clairvoyance or remote viewing (perception of distant events), precognition (foreknowledge of events), and psychokinesis (influence of mind on physical systems). Researchers may also explore related experiences such as psychometry, near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and aspects of reincarnation claims under a parapsychological framework. The scope often includes both laboratory experiments and field investigations, as well as theoretical interpretation and statistical analysis of unusual experiences.

Methodologically, parapsychologists use a range of approaches, including controlled laboratory tasks (for example, ESP experiments with Zener cards or Ganzfeld setups), studies of RNG or other physical systems for mind-matter interactions, and case studies or surveys. Meta-analyses have produced mixed results, with replicability and publication bias repeatedly highlighted as central issues. Critics argue that methodological flaws and a lack of independent replication prevent firm conclusions, while proponents emphasize rigorous controls, preregistration, and robust statistics to address these concerns.

Parapsychological research is conducted by specialized laboratories and associations, such as the Parapsychological Association and related university centers. The field remains controversial within the broader scientific community, with ongoing debate about the legitimacy and interpretation of observed effects.