The ganzfeld experiment is a parapsychology test in which a “sender” tries to transmit an image to a “receiver” placed under uniform visual and auditory stimulation. The receiver describes impressions and chooses among possible targets, with performance compared with chance. Parapsychologists have reported above-chance results, while skeptical analyses argue that the findings have not been independently and reliably replicated.
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Lens adapted to this topic: Parapsychological case for ESP
Parapsychological researchers regard ganzfeld as a promising controlled method for testing spontaneous-style ESP experiences. They point to reported above-chance results, meta-analytic patterns, and methodological rebuttals to skeptical critiques, while acknowledging continuing disputes over replication, study quality, and interpretation.
Parapsychologists argue that ganzfeld studies have repeatedly produced above-chance results and that the procedure remains one of the strongest candidates for a repeatable laboratory demonstration of ESP.
Bem and Honorton argued that replication rates and effect sizes from ganzfeld research were sufficient to bring the evidence to the wider psychological community’s attention.
Later parapsychology authors have challenged the Milton–Wiseman conclusions, disputing claims about file-drawer effects, declining effects, and the interpretation of null results.