Anticipatory reactions to erotic stimuli: An exploration into "psychic" ability

The current study investigated psi ability (precognition) based on Bem’s (2011) experiments. The study used a computer-based program that tested for the prediction of erotic stimuli via erotic and non-erotic images. Sensation seeking and cortisol were explored as moderators of psi ability. Participants provided saliva samples at the beginning and end of the study for a measure of cortisol. It was predicted that participants would detect the future position of erotic images significantly more than they would by chance and more than non-erotic images. Additionally, it was predicted that those who scored high in sensation seeking would have greater psi ability than those with lower sensation seeking scores. Further, it was predicted that there would be an inverse relationship with baseline salivary cortisol levels, such that the higher the sensation seeking score, the lower the baseline cortisol level. Results indicated that participants did not predict the future position of erotic images significantly more than chance levels. Further, there was no relationship found between sensation seeking and psi ability and baseline cortisol levels.