Two Replication Studies of a Time-Reversed (Psi) Priming Task and the Role of Expectancy in Reaction Times

Two experiments involving an international collaboration of experimenters sought to replicate and extend a previously published psi experiment on precognition by Daryl Bem that has been the focus extensive research. The reverses usual cause–effect sequence standard psychology using priming reaction times. preregistered confirmatory hypothesis is response times incongruent stimuli will be longer than congruent even though prime not yet appeared when participant records their judgments. for Experiment 1 was supported. Exploratory analyses indicated those participants who completed English-language version rather translation showed significant effect, as case in original study; no departure from chance found data non-English translations. 2 enhance predicted effect having each read either pro-psi or anti-psi statement at beginning test pre-recorded would produce larger statement. results did support primary there sample. However, mixed performance; received had greater score As experiment, neither experimenters’ nor participants’ beliefs were significantly associated with dependent measure. In sum, pre-registered hypotheses importance personality variable Sensation Seeking, component extraversion, correlate performance discussed are challenges implications collaborations replication controversial science.
 Keywords: priming; expectancy effect; retrocausation; consciousness; sociology; precognition; psi; replication
 
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