PSYCHOKINESIS

The term 'psychokinesis' (from the Greek ''ψυχή'', "psyche", meaning ''mind, soul, or breath''; and ''κίνησις'', "kinesis", meaning ''motion''; literally "movement from the mind")^[1]^[2] or 'PK', also known as 'telekinesis'^[3] (Greek '' + '', literally "distant-movement" referring to telekinesis) or 'TK', denotes the paranormal ability of the mind to influence matter, time, space, or energy without the use of any currently known type of physical means.^[4] For instance, psychokinesis might be used to distort or move an object,^[5] or to influence a random number generator (RNG)^[6] ^[7] The position of most skeptics of the paranormal is that psychokinesis does not exist in the real world, but only appears to exist due to fraud or statistical manipulation of scientific data, while parapsychologists say that the ability is real or deserving of further study based on the above-mentioned RNG experiments^[8] and eyewitness reports involving hard-to-reproduce spontaneous phenomena. Psychokinesis is a popular ability in entertainment movies, written fiction, and computer games.

Terminology

;Early history
"Telekinesis" was coined in 1890^[9] by Russian psychical researcher Alexander N. Aksakof.^[10]^[11]^[12]
"Psychokinesis" was coined in 1914^[13] by American author-publisher Henry Holt in his book ''On the Cosmic Relations''^[14] and adopted by his friend, American parapsychologist J. B. Rhine in 1934 in connection with experiments to determine if a person could influence the outcome of falling dice.^[15]^[16]
Both terms have been described by other names, such as "remote influencing," "distant influencing,"^[17] "remote mental influence," "distant mental influence,"^[18] "directed conscious intention," "anomalous perturbation,"^[19] and "mind over matter."^[20]
Originally telekinesis was coined to refer to the movement of objects thought to be caused by ghosts of deceased persons, mischievous spirits, demons, or other supernatural forces.^[21] Later when speculation increased that humans might be the source of the witnessed phenomena (that which was not caused by fraudulent mediums)^[22] and could possibly cause movement without any connection to a spiritualistic setting, such as in a darkened séance room, psychokinesis was added to the lexicon, this done to differentiate between the earlier use of the term telekinesis.^[23]
Eventually, psychokinesis was the preferred term by the parapsychological community (and still is) and it was suggested that telekinesis become obsolete.^[24] Popular culture, however, such as movies, television, and literature, over the years preferred telekinesis to describe the paranormal movement of objects likely due to the word's resemblance to other terms, such as telepathy, teleportation, telephone, and television.^[25]
;Modern usage
As research entered the modern era, it became clear that many different, but related, abilities could be attributed to the wider description of psychokinesis and telekinesis is now regarded as one of the specialities of PK. In the 2004 U.S. Air Force-sponsored research report ''Teleportation Physics Study'', the physicist-author described the classification of PK and TK this way:
Psychokinesis, then, is the general term that can be used to describe a variety of complex mental force phenomena (including object movement) and telekinesis is used to refer only to the movement of objects, however tiny (a grain of salt or air molecules to create wind)^[26]^[27] or large (an automobile, building, or bridge).^[28] Hypothetically, a person could have very profound telekinetic ability, but not be able to produce any of the additional effects found in psychokinesis, such as softening the metal of a spoon to allow its bending with minimal physical force. Conversely, someone who has succeeded in psychokinetically softening metal once or a number of times may exhibit no telekinetic ability to move objects.

Measurement and observation

Currently parapsychology researchers describe two basic types of measurable and observable psychokinetic and telekinetic effects in experimental laboratory research and in case reports occurring outside of the laboratory.^[29]^[30]^[31]
'Micro-PK' or 'micro-TK' is a very small effect, such as the manipulation of molecules, atoms,^[32] subatomic particles,^[33] etc., which can only be observed with scientific equipment. The words are abbreviations for micro-psychokinesis, micropsychokinesis;^[34] micro-telekinesis, microtelekinesis.
'Macro-PK' or 'macro-TK' is a large-scale effect which can be seen with the unaided eye. The words are abbreviations for macro-psychokinesis, macropsychokinesis; macro-telekinesis, macrotelekinesis.
The adjective phrases "microscopic-scale," "macroscopic-scale," "small-scale," and "large-scale" may also be used; for example, "a small-scale PK effect."

Spontaneous effects

Spontaneous movements of objects and other unexplained effects have been reported, and many parapsychologists believe they are possibly forms of psychokinesis/telekinesis .^[35]^[36] Parapsychologist William G. Roll coined the term "recurrent spontaneous psychokinesis" (RSPK) in 1958.^[37]^[38] The sudden movement of objects without deliberate intention in the presence or vicinity of one or more witnesses is thought by some to be related to as-yet-unknown PK/TK processes of the subconscious mind.^[39] Researchers use the term "PK agent," especially in spontaneous cases, to describe someone who is suspected of being the source of the PK action.^[40]^[41] Outbreaks of spontaneous movements or other effects, such as in a private home, and especially those involving violent or physiological effects, such as objects hitting people or scratches or other marks on the body, are sometimes investigated as poltergeist cases.

Types of abilities - classification

Psychokinesis is the umbrella term under which are various related specialized abilities. These specialities include:
:
★ Movement of matter (telekinesis; see below).^[42]^[43]^[44]^[45]
:
★ Object deformation (including metal softening and bending).^[46]^[47]^[48]^[49]
:
★ Influencing events.^[50]^[51]^[52]
:
★ Biological healing.^[53]^[54]^[55]
:
★ Teleportation (disappearing and reappearing elsewhere).^[56]^[57]^[58]
:
★ Phasing through matter.^[59] ^[60] ^[61]
:
★ Transmutation of matter.^[62]^[63]^[64]
:
★ Shape-shifting.^[65]^[66]^[67]
:
★ Energy shield (force field).^[68]^[69]^[70]^[71]
:
★ Control of magnetism.^[72]^[73]
:
★ Control of photons (light waves/particles).^[74]^[75]^[76]^[77]
'Telekinetic abilities'
:
★ Movement of matter (micro and macro; move, lift, agitate, vibrate, spin, bend, break, or impact).^[78]^[79]^[80]^[81]^[82]^[83]
Included in the telekinesis speciality category is the subspecialty of being able to use mental power to speed up the naturally occurring vibrations of atoms in solids, liquids, or gases to generate heat, possibly to the point of ignition if combustible (a psi power also known as pyrokinesis); or, to slow down the atomic vibrations to cause cold or freezing. Additional movement of the heat/flame or cold/freezing effect through open space may also be accomplished through standard telekinetic ability. The book ''The Physics of Superheroes'' describes it this way:
:
★ Self levitation (including flying).^[84]^[85]

Notable claimants of psychokinetic or telekinetic ability

★ Uri Geller (1946 – ), the Israeli famous for his spoon-bending demonstrations, allegedly by PK.^[30]

★ Nina Kulagina (1926 – 1990), alleged Soviet psychic of the late 1960s and early 1970s.^[30]

★ Felicia Parise, an American medical laboratory technician who allegedly was able to repeatedly demonstrate telekinetic movement of small objects in the early 1970s, in the first reported instance spontaneously, and then with practice by intense conscious intention,^[88]^[89] described as follows:

★ Swami Rama (1925 – 1996), a yogi skilled in controlling his heart functions who was studied at the Menninger Foundation in the spring and fall of 1970, and was alleged by some observers at the foundation to have telekinetically moved a knitting needle twice from a distance of five feet.^[90] Although Swami Rama wore a facemask and gown to prevent allegations that he moved the needle with his breath or body movements, and air vents in the room had been covered, at least one physician observer who was present at the time was not convinced and expressed the opinion that air movement was somehow the cause.^[91] The test device was an uncovered, balanced knitting needle (one of two glued on top of each other at right angles) positioned under a floodlight in a room where incense had been burned prior to the test.^[92]
See also these Wikipedia Category lists:

★

★

Belief in telekinesis

Belief in psychokinesis varies greatly among individuals and cultures. For example, in September 2006, one survey conducted by phone and mail-in questionnaire polled Americans on their belief in telekinesis. Of these participants 28 percent of male participants selected "agree" or "strongly agree" with the statement ''It is possible to influence the world through the mind alone'', as did 31 percent of female participants. There were 1,721 participants, and the poll had a margin of error of plus or minus four percent.^[93] The survey as a whole was about belief in various religious and paranormal topics.

Skepticism and controversy

The topic of psychokinesis is controversial in mainstream science, with supporters and detractors. In the book ''Parapsychology: The Controversial Science'' (1991), British parapsychologist Richard S. Broughton, Ph.D, wrote of the differences of opinion by Nobel laureates encountered by Robert G. Jahn, director of the (now-closed) PEAR laboratory about the psychokinesis research the lab was engaged in at the time:
Broughton writes further:

Anecdotal evidence

On the problem of eyewitness testimony of alleged psychokinetic events, parapsychologist Richard Broughton writes:

Illusion of Control

In psychology there is a well-established phenomenon called the illusion of control, in which people think they have a degree of control of something when it makes no difference what they do. Such an illusory correlation between a person's intention and a physical effect could give a false impression of psychokinesis. Two examples of this in relation to psychokinesis are when a person claims to use PK to affect the outcome of a roll of dice, which could be merely a one in 11 chance event, and when a claim is made to be able to control the appearance or disappearance of clouds.

What skeptics say

The more vocal members of the skeptical community assert that because some PK effects can be reproduced or simulated by trickery or special effects, that is a more reasonable explanation than to accept that the laws of physics should be rewritten.^[94] To support their side of the argument, skeptics may invoke the principles of parsimony, Occam's razor, and the saying "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof" to support their position.
;Michael Shermer
Michael Shermer, the executive director of the Skeptics Society and founding publisher/editor-in-chief of Skeptic magazine, who also writes a monthly column for ''Scientific American'' magazine, stated in 1997 and again in 2002 in his book ''Why People Believe Weird Things'' his position that people who claim to have witnessed psychic phenomena, which includes psychokinesis, "have committed an error in thinking" and are "misinformed" about what they claim they personally experienced or observed. Shermer has a Ph.D in the history of science and masters and B.A. degrees in psychology. He is one of the world's leading skeptics of the paranormal.
;James Randi
James Randi, author, magician, and long-time lecturer of paranormal skepticism, now also currently the director and spokesperson for his own foundation, the James Randi Educational Foundation, has stated that psychic feats, such as the alleged softening of metal described in "spoon bending," in his view, have contributed only to society's understanding of fraud. Randi's formal education consists of completion of elementary school in Canada, several years of high school (did not graduate) and at age 67, an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Indianapolis.^[95] He described himself as a "child prodigy" in a 2001 ''Skeptic'' magazine interview conducted by Michael Shermer.^[96]
;Carl Sagan
The late Carl Sagan, who had a Ph.D in astronomy and astrophysics and Masters and B.A. degrees in physics, offered this advice to scientists and the public at large about psychokinesis research in his 1995 book ''The Demon-Haunted World'':

Magic and special effects

Magicians, sleight-of-hand-artists, etc., have successfully simulated some of the specialized abilities of PK (object movement, spoon bending, levitation, teleportation), but not all of the feats of claimed spontaneous and intentional psychokinesis have been reproduced under the same observed conditions as the original.^[97] ^[98] ''The Skeptic's Dictionary'' offers the following on producing PK effects by means of magic:

Notable witnesses to PK events

Psychokinetic events have been witnessed by
psychologists in the United States at the Ph.D, Masters, and B.A. degree levels,^[99]^[100]^[101] and in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world by
professionals with medical degrees,^[102] ^[103]
physicists,^[104]^[105]
electrical engineers,^[106]^[107]
military personnel,^[108]^[109]^[110]
police officers,^[111]^[112]
and other professionals and ordinary citizens.
;Michael Crichton
Best-selling author Michael Crichton (''The Andromeda Strain'', ''Jurassic Park'', etc.), who graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College and received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School^[113], and is a past recipient of the Association of American Medical Writers Award,^[114] described his successful experience with psychokinesis at a "spoon bending party" in his 1988 book ''Travels'':^[115]
;Dean Radin
Parapsychologist and author Dean Radin has reported that he, too, was able to bend the bowl of a spoon over with unexplained ease of force with witnesses present at an informal PK experiment gathering. Radin has a Ph.D in psychology from the University of Illinois, a Masters degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois, and a B.A. degree in electrical engineering, magna cum laude, from the University of Massachusetts.^[116] He described his experience in his 2006 book ''Entangled Minds: Extrasensory Experiences in a Quantum Reality'' and online (with photos):^[117]

Prize money for proof of PK

Internationally, there are individual skeptics of the paranormal and skeptics' organizations who offer cash prize money to anyone—or anyone who meets a criteria of eligibility, such as a certain level of fame—who can successfully demonstrate the existence of an extraordinary psychic power, such as psychokinesis, that is currently regarded by mainstream science as being paranormal in origin, according to an agreed-upon experiment. A list of prizes for evidence of the paranormal is available.

Psychokinesis in popular culture

Psychokinesis has a well-established existence as a psychic power in movies, television, computer games, literature, and other forms of popular culture. In the 1976 film Carrie, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, Sissy Spacek portrayed a troubled high school student with telekinetic powers.^[118] She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal, the first psychokinetic character in a film ever to be so recognized (Ellen Burstyn was the second, in 1980's ''Resurrection''). In the Star Wars movie series and related novels and computer games, numerous characters have the ability to control the movement of objects using the "the Force." Various specialized psychokinetic abilities are often found in fictional characters in comic books, such as Jean Grey of the X-Men and also in television series such as Charmed, with Prue Halliwell and Paige Matthews (see also orbing} and Bewitched with Samantha Stephens (all are witches with the ability of moving objects). In the videogame , PK is the subject of testing on military soldiers, thus creating a "super soldier". There are also written accounts of psychokinetic events in ancient religious writings, most notably the Bible, in which, for example, Jesus is described as miraculously walking on water, transmuting water into wine, healing the sick, and reversing physical disability or even death by mere touch or thought.

References

1.
Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, , , , Random House Reference, 2001, ISBN 0-375-42599-3 Page 1560: "psycho-, a combining form representing ''psyche'' in compound words. ... (Gk, comb. form of ''psyche'' breath, spirit, soul, mind; akin to ''psycheim'' to blow)."
2.
The New Oxford American Dictionary, , , , Oxford University Press, 2005, ISBN 0-19-517077-6 Page 1367: "psycho. comb. form relating to the mind or psychology: ...from Greek ''psukhe'' breath, soul, mind."
3.
Encyclopedia Britannica online: psychokinesis
4. http://parapsych.org/glossary_l_r.html#p Parapsychological Association, glossary of key words frequently used in parapsychology, Retrieved December 20 2006
5.
On-Line Medical Dictionary: psychokinesis
6. http://parapsych.org/glossary_l_r.html#r Parapsychological Association, glossary of key words frequently used in parapsychology, Retrieved December 20 2006
7.
"PEAR Lab Closes, Ending Decades of Psychic Research," Skeptical Inquirer, Jeffers, Stanley, , , Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, May/June 2007, Vol. 31, Issue 3, Page 16: "Much of the work of the PEAR group has employed 'random event generators' (REGs), which are essentially electronic random number generators whose 'operators' are invited by dint [force, power] of their own intentionality, to bias in such a way, that the mean of the random number distribution would be either higher or lower than it would be in the absence of their intentional efforts. The claim is that some 'operators' can achieve a bias consistent with their intentions at a level that, although minute, is statistically very unlikely to have arisen by chance."
8.
http://parapsych.org/faq_file2.html#12 Parapsychological Association FAQs - discussion of random number generator experiments.
9.
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, , , , Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2005, ISBN 0-87779-809-5 Page 1284: "Telekinesis (1890)..."
10.
Proceedings, Myers, Frederic William Henry, , , the journal of the Society for Psychical Research, December 1890, Frederic William Henry Myers writing: "For the alleged movements without contact... M. A. Aksakof's new word 'telekinetic' seems to me the best attainable." Note: this quote as a cited reference can also be found in the multivolume "The Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition," 1989, Clarendon Press, Oxford, England, ISBN 0-19-861229-X."
11.
Parapsychology Foundation "Basic terms in Parapsychology" "Telekinesis. Older term for “psychokinesis,” coined by Alexander Aksakof (1895/1890), and still preferred in the former USSR; Soviet Union and Eastern Europe."
12.
Online Etymology Dictionary "Telekinesis. 1890, said to have been coined by Alexander N. Aksakof (1832-1903) Imperial Councilor to the Czar... Translates Ger. 'Fernwirkung.'
13.
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, , , , Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2005, ISBN 0-87779-809-5 Page 1004: "Psychokinesis (1914)...."
14.
Parapsychology Foundation "Basic terms in Parapsychology"
15.
Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, Spence, Lewis, , , Kessinger Publishing (reprint publisher), 1920, ISBN 0-7661-2817-2 Page 752: "The term 'psychokinesis' or 'PK' was adopted by psychologist J.B. Rhine and his associates at the Psychology Department, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina from 1934 onwards in relation to experiments with influencing the fall of dice by mental concentration."
16.
Parapsychological Association - Glossary: PK/Psychokinesis
17.
Overview of Current Parapsychology Research in the Former Soviet Union May, Edwin C., Ph.D and Vilenskaya, Larissa ''Subtle Energies'' Volume 3, Number 3, 1992, Page 1, Introduction: "AMP research programs in the Soviet Union have primarily focused on experimental studies in 'distant influence' on animate an inanimate systems; i.e., psychokinesis (PK) and bio-PK."
18.
Parapsychology: The Controversial Science, Broughton, Richard S., , , Ballantine Books, 1991, ISBN 0-345-35638-1 Page 329: "The expression [parapsychologist William] Braud prefers to describe this work is 'distant mental influence,' but it could also be called PK with human targets." Note: see Further Reading in this article for a later book by Braud with the same title.
19.
Overview of Current Parapsychology Research in the Former Soviet Union May, Edwin C., Ph.D and Vilenskaya, Larissa ''Subtle Energies'' Volume 3, Number 3, 1992, Page 1, Abstract: "The authors primarily discuss experiments in anomalous perturbation (often referred to as psychokinesis—PK and bio- which have been the main focus of AMP research programs in the Soviet Union."
20.
The Encyclopedia of Parapsychological and Psychical Research, Berger, Arthur S., , , Paragon House, 1991, ISBN 1-55778-043-9 Page 341: "Psychokinesis (PK). The response of objects such as dice or the environment to a person's wishes is commonly labelled 'mind over matter.'"
21.
The Encyclopedia of Parapsychological and Psychical Research, Berger, Arthur S., , , Paragon House, 1991, ISBN 1-55778-043-9 Page 430: "Telekinesis. A term used by Frederick W. H. Myers to describe those physical phenomena of Spiritualism involving the movement of physical objects without the intermediation of any known physical energy."
22.
Man, Myth & Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Mythology, Religion, and the Unknown, , , , Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 1970, 1985, 1995, ISBN 1-85435-731-X Page 2442: "Spiritualism aroused violent antagonism and criticism concentrating particularly on the physical phenomena occurring at seances, which opponents claimed were faked."
23.
The Encyclopedia of Parapsychological and Psychical Research, Berger, Arthur S., , , Paragon House, 1991, ISBN 1-55778-043-9 Page 341: "PK... This term is used in preference to 'telekinesis' in order to avoid the implication that an effect on an object or the environment is produced by a deceased entity." Page 430: "Telekinesis. ... The Spiritualistic interpretation of telekinetic phenomena—that they are evidence of survival after death and of the existence of spirits—is usually not accepted in parapsychology or psychical research. The term 'telekinesis' is therefore usually not used because of its Spiritualistic connotations."
24.
Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, Spence, Lewis, , , Kessinger Publishing (reprint publisher), 1920, ISBN 0-7661-2817-2 Page 753: "Psychokinesis. ... The term has now largely displaced 'Telekinesis' formerly used by psychical researchers and Spiritualists." Page 912: "Telekinesis. ... The term is now supplanted by Psychokinesis or PK."
25.
Google.com search results for telekinesis and psychokinesis http://www.google.com/search?q=psychokinesis Telekinesis: 929,000 Psychokinesis: 775,000 (unfiltered results)
26.
Encyclopedia of the Strange, Mystical & Unexplained, Guiley, Rosemary Ellen, , , Gramercy Books, 1991, ISBN 0-517-16278-4 Page 478: "...rituals to control the weather may also involve PK."
27. The X-Men character Storm has the power to create wind and other weather effects.
28. These three feats: levitating automobiles, a building, and a bridge were featured in the movie as being performed by the characters Jean Grey and Magneto.
29.
Library.ThinkQuest.org - Glossary: Macro PK and Micro PK
30.
The Encyclopedia of Parapsychological and Psychical Research, Berger, Arthur S., , , Paragon House, 1991, ISBN 1-55778-043-9
31.
Parapsychology: The Controversial Science, Broughton, Richard S., , , Ballantine Books, 1991, ISBN 0-345-35638-1
32.
Parapsychology: The Controversial Science, Broughton, Richard S., , , Ballantine Books, 1991, ISBN 0-345-35638-1 Page 330: "...atomic-level PK effects..."
33.
Parapsychology: The Controversial Science, Broughton, Richard S., , , Ballantine Books, 1991, ISBN 0-345-35638-1 Page 35: Most contemporary research into PK involves examining the direct influence of consciousness of the mind on finely balanced electronic devices—PK on atomic particles—and this has become known as micro PK."
34.
Encyclopedia of the Strange, Mystical & Unexplained, Guiley, Rosemary Ellen, , , Gramercy Books, 1991, ISBN 0-517-16278-4 Page 478: "micropsychokinesis" [spelling example].
35.
The Encyclopedia of Parapsychological and Psychical Research, Berger, Arthur S., , , Paragon House, 1991, ISBN 1-55778-043-9 Page 326: "...cases involving noises or movement of objects have been reported and recorded over the centuries. ... Laboratory investigations under controlled conditions of such occurrences have not been possible since generally they start unexpectedly and take place spontaneously in private homes or offices."
36.
Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, Spence, Lewis, , , Kessinger Publishing (reprint publisher), 1920, ISBN 0-7661-2817-2 Page 879: "Spontaneous phenomena. Unexplained experiences of ESP or PK and other paranormal phenomena in everyday life, as distinct from laboratory tests that can be adequately controlled and repeated."
37.
The Seaford Disturbances, Roll, William G., , , Journal of Parapsychology, Vol. 2, pp 79-124, 1958,
38.
Parapsychological Association - Glossary: "RSPK"
39.
Encyclopedia of the Strange, Mystical & Unexplained, Guiley, Rosemary Ellen, , , Gramercy Books, 1991, ISBN 0-517-16278-4 Page 454: "Poltergeist. In other cases, the phenomena seem to be caused by subconscious psychokinesis (PK) on the part of one individual."
40.
Encyclopedia of the Strange, Mystical & Unexplained, Guiley, Rosemary Ellen, , , Gramercy Books, 1991, ISBN 0-517-16278-4 Page 456: (entry for Poltergeist) "...typically an agent, an individual who seems to act as a focus or magnet for the activity. The agent is a factor in most cases, both those that seem paranormal or that may be caused by human PK."
41.
Pratt, J. G.; Stevenson, Ian. "An Instance of Possible Metal-Bending Indirectly Related to Uri Geller," ''The Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research'', Vol. 70, January 1976: "As far as I can say, no one in the apartment that night would take credit for being the responsible PK agent."
42.
The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary, , , , Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004, ISBN 0-618-42899-2 Page 769: "Psychokinesis. The production or control of motion, especially in inanimate and remote objects, purportedly by the exercise of psychic powers."
43.
Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, , , , Random House Reference, 2001, ISBN 0-375-42599-3 Page 1561: "Psychokinesis. The purported ability to move... inanimate objects... through mental processes."
44.
The Everything Psychic Book, Hathaway, Michael R., , , Adams Media / F+W Publications Company, 2003, ISBN 1-58062-969-5 Page 129: "...psychokinesis... moving a solid object with your mind."
45.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, , , , Pearson Education Limited, 2003, ISBN 0-582-50668-9 Page 1542: "Psychokinesis. The moving of solid objects using only the power of the mind, which some people believe is possible."
46.
Parapsychology: The Controversial Science, Broughton, Richard S., , , Ballantine Books, 1991, ISBN 0-345-35638-1 Page 35: "...PK object movement or object deformations such as bending metal."
47.
Encyclopedia of the Strange, Mystical & Unexplained, Guiley, Rosemary Ellen, , , Gramercy Books, 1991, ISBN 0-517-16278-4 Page 478: ""Psychokinesis (PK). A form of psi that is the apparent influence of mind over matter through invisible means, such as the movement of objects, bending of metal, and the outcome of events."
48.
Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, , , , Random House Reference, 2001, ISBN 0-375-42599-3 "Psychokinesis.... deform inanimate objects, as metal spoons..."
49.
The Everything Psychic Book, Hathaway, Michael R., , , Adams Media / F+W Publications Company, 2003, ISBN 1-58062-969-5 Page 129: "...psychokinesis, a fancy word for feats like spoon bending or moving a solid object with your mind."
50.
Parapsychology: The Controversial Science, Broughton, Richard S., , , Ballantine Books, 1991, ISBN 0-345-35638-1 Page 35: "...the apparent ability of a human being to affect objects, events, or even people around him or her without the usual intervention by the muscular system."
51.
Mind Over Matter (volume of Mysteries of the Unknown encyclopedia series), , , , Time-Life Books, 1988, ISBN 0-8094-6336-9 Page 7: "Psychokinesis—or PK, as it is commonly known—refers to the alleged ability of the human mind to influence objects and events without the benefit of physical contact with them."
52.
Encyclopedia of the Strange, Mystical & Unexplained, Guiley, Rosemary Ellen, , , Gramercy Books, 1991, ISBN 0-517-16278-4 Page 478: "Psychokinesis... influence of mind over matter... such as... the outcome of events."
53.
The Everything Psychic Book, Hathaway, Michael R., , , Adams Media / F+W Publications Company, 2003, ISBN 1-58062-969-5 Page 271: Glossary: "Psychokinesis. The ability to levitate, move objects, heal, and manipulate psychic energy." Also, Page 139: "Psychokinesis is the ability to... create healing."
54.
Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, Spence, Lewis, , , Kessinger Publishing (reprint publisher), 1920, ISBN 0-7661-2817-2 Page 752: "Psychokinesis.. influence on living targets, such as plants, healing, influencing of animals."
55.
Mind Over Matter (volume of Mysteries of the Unknown encyclopedia series), , , , Time-Life Books, 1988, ISBN 0-8094-6336-9 Page 8: "...mental mastery of the human body... block out pain, levitate... healing."
56.
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, , , , Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2004, ISBN 0-87779-809-5 Page 1284: "Teleportation. The act or process of moving an object or person by psychokinesis."
57.
Encyclopedia of the Strange, Mystical & Unexplained, Guiley, Rosemary Ellen, , , Gramercy Books, 1991, ISBN 0-517-16278-4 Page 609: "Teleportation. The movement of bodies or objects over great distances; a form of psychokinesis (PK). ...the passage of solid objects through matter by dematerialization and materialization."
58.
Mind Over Matter (volume of Mysteries of the Unknown encyclopedia series), , , , Time-Life Books, 1988, ISBN 0-8094-6336-9 Page 7: "...macro-PK... the movement of objects into and out of enclosed spaces without visible aid. ...teleportation effects."
59.
Mind Over Matter (volume of Mysteries of the Unknown encyclopedia series), , , , Time-Life Books, 1988, ISBN 0-8094-6336-9 Page 8: "...disregard for physical barriers." Page 85: "...move items... from inside to outside a container....microparticles behave in somewhat similar fashion, tunneling through barriers and showing up in places that classical physics decrees they should not be."
60.
The Physics of Superheores, Kakalios, James, , , Gotham Books/Penguin Group, Inc., 2005, ISBN 1-592-40146-5 Page 250 (illustration, panel from ''X-Men'' comic book #130, 1980, showing pre-X-Men Kitty Pryde and dialogue): "I thought real hard -- an' I walked right through that wall, like it wasn't even there! It gets easier each time I do it, too!" (Followed by a real-world possible physics explanation by the author, a university physics professor.) Page 254: "With our improved understanding of physics, we can now more accurately describe Kitty Pryde's mutant power as being able to alter her macroscopic quantum wavefunction, increasing her tunneling probability to near 100 percent at will. Quite useful when one has locked the keys inside the car."
61.
The Marvel Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to Characters of the Marvel Universe, , , , DK Publishing, 2006, ISBN 0-7566-2358-8 Page 233: "Kitty Pryde. Powers: ...ability to pass ("phase") through solid matter..."
62.
Dictionary of Psychology, Colman, Andrew M., , , Oxford University Press, 2001, ISBN 0-19-866211-4 Page 599: "Psychokinesis. The movement or change of physical objects by mental processes..."
63.
The New Encyclopaedia Britannica, 15th Edition, Volume 9, , , , Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., 2003, ISBN 0-85229-961-3 Page 762: "Psychokinesis. In parapsychology, the action of mind on matter, in which objects are caused to move or change as a result of mental concentration upon them.
64.
Mind Over Matter (volume of Mysteries of the Unknown encyclopedia series), , , , Time-Life Books, 1988, ISBN 0-8094-6336-9 Page 7: "...materializations have also been interpretated as macro-PK..." Page 82: "...tangible objects might change their form or location..."
65.
Man, Myth & Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Mythology, Religion, and the Unknown, , , , Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 1995, ISBN 1-85435-731-X Page 2354: "Shape-shifting. The idea that it is possible, in certain circumstances, for men to change their natural bodily form... Sorcerers also, and some great heroes, were believed to have the same power, by virtue of magical knowledge or some inate quality; and so, though more rarely, were a few otherwise oridinary people who acquired the gift through possession of a charm or the performance of a ritual act."
66.
The Marvel Encyclopedia: The Marvel Universe Roleplaying Guide, , , , Marvel Comics, 2003, ISBN 0-7851-1028-3 Page 29: "Mystique can... shift the atoms and molecules of her body and clothing to mimic the appearance of any human or humanoid of either sex."
67.
The Star Trek Encyclopedia, Okuda, Michael, , , Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster, 1994, 1997, 1999, ISBN 0-671-53609-5 Page 169: "Garth of Izar. ... Garth's escape attempt was aided by the Antos cellular-metamorphosis process, which allowed him to change his shape to become any person he wished." Page 334: "Odo. Odo was a shape-shifter, one of the founders of the Gamma Quandrant's Dominion. ... He'd turn himself into any object requested." Page 392: "Q. ... Q sought refuge in human form..."
68.
The Marvel Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to Characters of the Marvel Universe, , , , DK Publishing, 2006, ISBN 0-7566-2358-8 Page 144: "Invisible Woman: the Fantastic Four's female presence. ... Sue's powers evolved over time, giving her the ability to project impenetrable force fields and to turn objects invisible through mental control."
69.
Fantastic Four: The Ultimate Guide, , , , DK Publishing, 2005, ISBN 0-7566-1173-3 Page 14: "Invisible Woman. Susan Storm Richards. ... She discovered... that she possessed the ability to manipulate cosmic energy with her mind. Among other things, this power enabled her to create invisible fields that could withstand considerable amounts of force."
70.
The Essential Handbook of the Marvel Universe Vol. 1, , , , Marvel Publishing, Inc., 2006, ISBN 0-7851-1933-7 [Entry for Invisible Girl, later renamed Invisible Woman] "Through concentration, she is able to project a field of psionic force which she can manipulate..."
71.
The Skeptic's Dictionary Article: "Mass Media Funk" "Those who practice TT [Therapeutic Touch] believe they are able to move 'energy,' some sort of psychic force field or chi which they believe permeates the body and surrounding aura."
72.
Mind Over Matter (volume of Mysteries of the Unknown encyclopedia series), , , , Time-Life Books, 1988, ISBN 0-8094-6336-9 Page 7-8: "The ability to influence air temperature and magnetic fields... is also considered... micropsychokinesis." Page 27: "Another American studied in the lab, Ingo Swann, was reportedly able to influence ambient air temperature and alter magnetic fields."
73.
The Physics of Superheores, Kakalios, James, , , Gotham Books/Penguin Group, Inc., 2005, ISBN 1-592-40146-5 Page 191: "Magneto... the ability to generate and control magnetic fields."
74.
Mind Over Matter (volume of Mysteries of the Unknown encyclopedia series), , , , Time-Life Books, 1988, ISBN 0-8094-6336-9 Page 7: "...macro-PK... optical effects, such as luminous 'spirit lights'..."
75.
Psychoenergetics: The Journal of Psychophysical Systems, Bersani, F., , , Gordon and Breach Science Publishers, 1983, Page 99 (article pp 99-128): "The effects observed range from the typical bending of metal objects, such as spoons, keys, bars, etc., to strange effects like light flashes and teleportation."
76.
Hauntings and Poltergeists: Multidisciplinary Perspectives, Houran, James, , , McFarland Press, 2001, ISBN 0786409843 Chapter: "Investigations of Poltergeists and Haunts: A Review and Interpretation" by William Roll and Michael A. Persinger. William Roll: "In a case in Clayton, North Carolina (Roll, 1972 book ''The Poltergeist''. NY, Doubleday), I observed bursts of white light that were indistinguishable from electronic flashes except that their source seemed to be a 19-year-old woman."
77.
The Marvel Encyclopedia: The Marvel Universe Roleplaying Guide, , , , Marvel Comics, 2003, ISBN 0-7851-1028-3 Page 25: "Invisible Woman. Susan Storm... she realized she had the power to become invisible at will... to bend light without distortion—thus rendering herself (and other people and objects) invisible."
78.
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, , , , Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2005, ISBN 0-87779-809-5 Page 1284: "Telekinesis (1890). The production of motion in objects... without contact or other physical means."
79.
Webster's New World Dictionary and Thesaurus, Second Edition, , , , Wiley Publishing Co., Inc., 2002, ISBN 0-7645-6545-1 Page 649: "Telekinesis. ''Parapsychology.'' The causing of an object to move psychic, rather than physical, force."
80.
Oxford American Dictionary, , , , Avon Books/HarperCollins Publishers/Oxford University Press, 1980, ISBN 0-380-60772-7 Page 946: "Telekinesis. The process of moving things without touching them and without ordinary physical means."
81.
Concise Oxford American Dictionary, , , , Oxford University Press, Inc., 2006, ISBN 0-19-530484-5 934: "Telekinesis. The supposed ability to move objects at a distance by mental power or other nonphysical means."
82.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary, , , , Clarendon Press, 1995, ISBN 0-19-861320-2 1432: "Telekinesis. ''Psychology''. Movement of objects at a distance supposedly by paranormal means."
83.
Dictionary of Psychology, Colman, Andrew M., , , Oxford University Press, 2001, ISBN 0-19-866211-4 Page 733: "Telekinesis. Movement of a body without the application of a physical force, a conjectural paranormal phenomenon."
84.
The Physics of Superheores, Kakalios, James, , , Gotham Books/Penguin Group, Inc., 2005, ISBN 1-592-40146-5 Page 196: "Water molecules are diamagnetic, and since we are primarily composed of water, so are we. It is through our diamagnetism that Magneto is able to levitate himself and other people."
85.
The Marvel Encyclopedia: The Marvel Universe Roleplaying Guide, , , , Marvel Comics, 2003, ISBN 0-7851-1028-3 Page 23: "Jean Grey. ... Her telekinetic abilities allow her to levitate herself, other living beings, and inanimate objects."
86.
The Encyclopedia of Parapsychological and Psychical Research, Berger, Arthur S., , , Paragon House, 1991, ISBN 1-55778-043-9
87.
The Encyclopedia of Parapsychological and Psychical Research, Berger, Arthur S., , , Paragon House, 1991, ISBN 1-55778-043-9
88.
http://books.google.com/books?q=%22Felicia+Parise%22&btnG=Search+Books Multiple searchable references via scanned-text excerpts from books mentioning Parise and her telekinetic feats.
89.
Mind Over Matter (volume of Mysteries of the Unknown encyclopedia series), , , , Time-Life Books, 1988, ISBN 0-8094-6336-9 Page 27: "Notable among them were two women, Felicia Parise of the United States and Alla Vinogradova of the Soviet Union; both repeatedly developed a gift for PK after viewing films of Kulagina in action and were said to test successfully under laboratory controls."
90.
Beyond Biofeedback, , Elmer, Green, Knoll Publishing Co, ,

91.
http://www.swamij.com/pdf/swami-rama-beyond-biofeedback.pdf Elmer Green's description of Swami Rama's alleged psychokinetic demonstration (with illustrations).
92.
http://www.geocities.com/swamiramabio/ResearchSwamiRama.htm Photo of the uncovered balanced knitting needle device (a typical psi wheel) that Swami Rama allegedly influenced by telekinesis.
93. http://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/33304.pdf Study conducted by the Gallup Organization between October 8, 2005 and December 12, 2005 on behalf of the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion, Baylor University, of Waco, Texas, in the United States.
94.
Parapsychology: The Controversial Science, Broughton, Richard S., , , Ballantine Books, 1991, ISBN 0-345-35638-1 Page: 76: "Parapsychological hypotheses at the very least claim that humans can acquire information or affect external physical systems in ways that science, in its present state, cannot explain. If the claims are correct, then the existing world view that science gives us will have to be modified—the so called laws of physics will have to be rewritten."
95.
http://randi.org/jr/bio.html From Randi's bio: "1995: A degree honoris causa, Doctor of Humane Letters, was awarded Mr. Randi from the University of Indianapolis."
96.
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-10428115_ITM "Skeptic: But you didn't finish high school, did you? Randi: Correct, I didn't. You had to finish all five years and, frankly, I was not in school most of the time because I was one of those child prodigies. I'm not boasting about it. It's a simple fact that I had those particular conditions of mind that allowed me to learn very quickly."
97.
Parapsychology: The Controversial Science, Broughton, Richard S., , , Ballantine Books, 1991, ISBN 0-345-35638-1 Page 161: "Remember that at least two such accomplished conjurors testified that what they had witnessed could not have been done by any conjuring techniques that they knew of."
98.
What Magicians Say About Uri Geller
99.
Unleashed — Of Poltergeists and Murder: The Curious Story of Tina Resch, Roll, William G., , , Paraview Pocket Books/Simon and Schuster, 2004, ISBN 0-7434-8294-8 William G. Roll, Ph.D in psychology from Lund University in Sweden; Jeannie Lagle, Masters degree in psychology. Both witnessed PK involving Tina Resch. Roll additionally witnessed PK in numerous other cases he investigated and wrote about. See his Wiki article for other case references or elswhere in this article's reference list under "Types of abilities - control of photons".
100.
Official website of Dean Radin Ph.D in psychology from the University of Illinois, USA. Bent the bowl of a spoon.
101.
Official website of Pamela Heath Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in psychology with a minor in chemistry. PK experiencer, as described on her website. She is also a degreed parapsychologist.
102.
Official website of Michael Crichton Medical degree from Harvard Medical School, USA. Bent the bowl of a spoon and other utensils. See description at http://www.crichton-official.com/features/spoonbending.html.
103.
Official website of Pamela Heath Medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, USA. PK experiencer.
104.
The Metal Benders, Hasted, John B., , , Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1981, ISBN 0-7100-0597-0 John B. Hasted (1921-2002), M.A., Ph.D. Chairman and Professor, Department of Physics, Birkbeck College, University of London. In his book ''The Metal-Benders'', he describes his research of PK claimants and PK events he personally witnessed.
105.
What Scientists Say About Uri Geller Quotes from many physicists who witnessed Uri Geller performing PK inside and outside of a laboratory setting.
106.
Official website of Dean Radin Masters degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) and a B.A. degree in electrical engineering, magna cum laude, from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst), USA. Spoon bowl-bending experiencer.
107.
What Scientists Say About Uri Geller Witnessed PK by Uri Geller individually and on different occasions: Professor Helmut Hoffmann (Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Vienna, Austria) and Professor Arthur Ellison (Emeritus Professor of Electrical Engineering, City University London, England). Quote by Ellison: "The Yale key at no time left our sight from the moment it was removed from the key ring and placed on the typewriter frame to the time when the splined end had bent upwards. Our attention was not distracted and the key was not altered in position, accidentally or otherwise. We were all looking carefully for magician's tricks and there were none. Everything occurred exactly as I have described. As a result of this personally witnessed experiment in clear unequivocal conditions I am able to state with confidence my view that Mr Geller has genuine psychic capability."
108.
What Scientists Say About Uri Geller Col. John B. Alexander, Former Staff Officer, National Security Agency and Part of the Army's Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM): "I was with Uri when he held a session in the US Capitol. With few exceptions, only Congressional members and their staff were there. ... The group asked him to bend something. ...he did agree and ask for a spoon. One was finally found in a guard's coffee cup. Uri bent the spoon with minimal contact. He then laid it down on a chair about three feet in front of me and went back to talking. As he talked, the spoon continued to bend and fell on the floor. I still have the spoon."
109.
The Men Who Stare at Goats, Johnson, Ron, , , Simon & Schuster, 2004, ISBN 0-7432-7060-6 Nonfiction investigative book written by a British journalist. Back cover: "In 1979, a secret unit was established by the most gifted minds within the U.S. Army. Defying all known accepted military practice—and indeed, the laws of physics—they believed that a solidier could adopt a cloak of invisibility, pass cleanly through walls, and, perhaps most chillingly, kill goats just by staring at them." Page 63: "Lenny from Special Forces disappeared into the room where the goat was. He came back and answered, with surprise and solemnity, "The goat is down.'"
110.
Cheney's 'Spoon-Benders' Pushing Nuclear Armageddon, Steinberg, Jeffey, , , Executive Intelligence Review, August 26, 2005, "In reality, Fort Bragg, by 1978, was already a hotbed of mind-war experimentation. Among the programs carried out at remote corners of the sprawling special operations base: the Goat Lab, where a team of New Age-trained Special Forces soldiers attempted to burst the hearts of goats, in an adjacent holding pen, through the power of psychic concentration." Article available online at http://www.uri-geller.com/articles/2005/august/eir.htm.
111.
1970 Poltergeist in St. Catherines, Ontario Handwritten official police reports of a 1970 spontaneous PK case witnessed by officers of the Niagara Regional Police in St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada.
112.
Unleashed — Of Poltergeists and Murder: The Curious Story of Tina Resch, Roll, William G., , , Paraview Pocket Books/Simon and Schuster, 2004, ISBN 0-7434-8294-8 Two police officers witnessed alleged PK activity in the Resch home in the 1984 Columbus poltergeist case.
113.
Official website of author Michael Crichton From Crichton's bio: "Crichton graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College, received his MD from Harvard Medical School, and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, researching public policy with Jacob Bronowski. He has taught courses in anthropology at Cambridge University and writing at MIT."
114.
http://www.crichton-official.com/aboutmc/biography.html From Crichton's bio: "Association of American Medical Writers Award, 1970 ("Five Patients");"
115.
Official website of Michael Crichton An online excerpt from Crichton's book ''Travels'' in which he describes his experience at a PK party. See also http://www.michaelcrichton.net/travels/travels_books.shtml for a follow-up comment by Crichton.
116.
http://www.deanradin.com/NewWeb/bio.html From radin's bio: "Along the way I graduated with a degree in electrical engineering, magna cum laude and with senior honors, from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst), a masters in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana), and a PhD in psychology, also from the University of Illinois.
117.
http://www.deanradin.com/spoon.htm Photos and a description of his spoon-bowl bending experience, similar to author Michael Crichton's.
118.
Official website of author Stephen King. Synopsis: "The story of misfit high-school girl, Carrie White, who gradually discovers that she has telekinetic powers."

External links

;General information

★ Hollywood Telekinesis and Psychokinesis Movie List Includes the "List of Cultural References to Psychokinesis and Telekinesis" that was formerly on Wikipedia.

★ The Skeptic's Dictionary: "Psychokinesis" A skeptical commentary article on psychokinesis.

★ "Psychokinesis" definition On the James Randi Educational Foundation's website.

★ Princeton's PEAR laboratory closing spring 2007, ''Princeton Alumni Weekly'' November 8, 2006: Notebook.

★ Online Telekinesis Test

★ Mind Over Matter Study An invitation by the Rhine Research Center of Durham, North Carolina USA to submit reports of PK or TK as part of an academic research study.

★ The Psi Breakthrough, at Last? A 1994 James Randi email hotline article about using psi wheels for testing PK, reprinted in his Swift newsletter in 2004.

★ PsiPog Psychic Students In Pursuit Of Guidance.
;Major organizations and research centers in the PK / TK field

★ American Society for Psychical Research (New York City, USA)

★ Parapsychological Association (Petaluma, California, USA)

★ Parapsychology Foundation (New York City, USA)

★ Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) (Princeton, New Jersey, USA)

★ The Rhine Research Center (Durham, North Carolina, USA)

★ Society for Psychical Research (London, UK)
;English language translations of foreign Wikipedia PK / TK articles

★ French article - Psychokinesis

★ German article - Telekinesis

★ Italian article - Psychokinesis

★ Japanese article - Sense power / Telekinesis

★ Portuguese article - Telekinesis

★ Russian article - Telekinesis

★ Spanish article - Telekinesis

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PSYCHOKINESIS

Terminology

Measurement and observation

Spontaneous effects

Types of abilities - classification

Notable claimants of psychokinetic or telekinetic ability

Belief in telekinesis

Skepticism and controversy

Anecdotal evidence

Illusion of Control

What skeptics say

Magic and special effects

Notable witnesses to PK events

Prize money for proof of PK

Psychokinesis in popular culture

See also

References

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Published Scientific Papers on PK / TK

Online Resources for Published Academic Articles and Scientific Papers on PK / TK

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