IMPROVING COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN EUROPEAN PARAPSYCHOLOGISTS: THE EURO-PA (DEBORAH L. DELANOY)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: STARGATE
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 15
• Document Creation Date: November 4, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 25, 2003
• Sequence Number: 4
• Content Type: RP

Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
IMPROVING CCm7NICATION AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN EUROPEAN
PARAPSYC HOLOGISTS : THE EG'RO -PA
Deborah L. Delanoy
Psychology Department
University of Edinburgh
Abstract
European parapsychologists face a set of inter-related problems which
militate against the existence of an effective communication and
collaboration network between researchers. Primary among these problems
are language differences, the physical isolation of many researchers,
the dwindling number of established research centers and a lack of
funding. In an attempt to combat score of these difficulties, European
parapsychological researchers have started to hold an annual conference,
the Euro-PA. The history and goals of the Euro-PA are discussed, and its
effectiveness in overcoming some of the problems facing European
parapsychologists is considered. A questionnaire was circulated to
European parapsychologists collecting their opinions on a variety of
questions relevant to communication and collaboration issues. The
responses to this questionnaire are presented.
Acknowledgements: My thanks to John Beloff, Robert Morris and Caroline
Watt for their helpful canments on an earlier draft of this paper.
Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
 Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
Good communication and collaboration among researchers are of
amo
importance in any field of study. In a relatively small fieldasuuc
h as
parapsychology, where researchers are often working in relative isolation
from their colleagues, the importance of a
good collaboration network is greatly increased. Parapsychology, inic and
with other disciplines, publishes a variety journals j
ournurnals is and do has has a
professional body, the Parapsychology Association (PA), which sponsors
anovane al a ention, among many other activities, which helps to
But, providing the necessary communicatin/collabo ationnnetwork? successful
Researchers in parapsychology
inter-related problems, none unique ltolthe Europeanrsiittuation~,n which may
be seen as militating against the success of y
communication and collaboration strategies. tonge csevproble s
are language differences, ~~y among these problems
each other and from establishedhyresearch olcenters, mthe dwindling number
of established research centers, and, last but by no means least, a
lack of funding. It is not the intention of this
various problems in detail. Instead
, the reasons paper these examine these
defeat t the conventional c why these factors can
hi ea htth nication/collaboration means will be
highlighted. difficultefforts ies will being discussed, by European parapsychologists to
the opinions of European PA members to a ~variand etyatofnclommunniicattiio nand e
collaboration issues will be presented.
The problems raised by the language differences found between researchers
living in different countries has recently been admirably addressed by
Carlos Alvarado (1989) in his article "The Lanage Barrier in
Parapsychology", In this article Alvarado describes the various problems
which arise from language differences, the most i
researchers, Particularly those for whom English is tthheirafirstt language,
are unaware of important work which has
non-English speaking researchers. been and/or is being conducted by
detrimental consequences: Alvarado notes, such ignorance has
"Clearly, a researcher should be aware of any publication in
his or her field of speciality, not only for complete coverage,
but also for practical reasons, such as having knowledge of
successful or failed replications, avoiding the repetition of
mistakes or problems found in previous work, and obtaining
ideas for further work," (Alvarado, 1989, p. 129)
These problems are compounded by the numerous lan
relatively small geographic area of
mope gule spoken within the
especially non-native English speakers, . While many Europeans,
languages, there are few who havasteredaallClanguagestwh chewould
be necessary to have a comprehensive knowledge of all the
parapsychologically-relevant work published in Europe. Another problem
created by language differences concerns more direct communication between
European parapsychologists. Since most Europeans know some English,
64
Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
 Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
this tends to be the language used when one is trying to reach a broad
European audience. Hence, the European Journal of Parapsychology (EJP)
is published in English, as are a few other parapsychologically-oriented
European journals and bulletins (e.g., the Sychronicity Research Unit
Bulletin, the Journal of the Society for Psychical Research and
Theoretical Parapsychology). But, many Europeans, even those who are
multi-lingual, do not have a truly fluent conrnand of English. This can
make direct communication between individual researchers very difficult,
as one may lack the necessary vocabulary with which to express one's ideas
and/or comprehend those of others. These difficulties can defeat attempts
at communication and make any form of collaboration exceedingly difficult.
Another problem which hinders communication and collaboration among
researchers involves the geographic isolation of researchers from each
other and from centers of research. The lone researcher often lacks the
facilities, technical knowledge, and equipment necessary to conduct
research which would be considered competent by current, justifiably
demanding, standards. And, as shall be discussed, research centers
which could supply these are an increasingly rare caminodity in Europe, as
elsewhere. Also the psychological effects of being isolated from one's
colleagues can be very demoralizing. one needs colleagues who understand
the canplexities of our field, with whom one can explore new ideas, etc.
Carrn)nicating with distant colleagues, even when no language barrier is
present, can still be a difficult undertaking. While modern technology
has provided us with some excellent ccnmunication aids, many individual
researchers do not have access to a fax machine or computerized electronic
mail, and the telephone can be prohibitively expensive. The postal
services can provide an affordable alternative, but it is nonetheless a
very time-consuming and frustrating means of exchanging information, as
it entails long delays between each canmunication.
The lack of reseach centers in Europe is another major obstacle to
communication and collaboration between European researchers. With the
recent demise of the Parapsychology Laboratory at Utrecht University in
the Netherlands, the only remaining parapsychological research center,
headed and staffed by full-time personnel who are PA members/associates,
which has the facilities and equipment necessary to carry out a wide
variety of research is the Koestler Chair of Parapsychology, located at
the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Unfortunately Scotland, whilst
a very favorable location in many respects, is not centrally located with
respect to continental Europe. And regretably, the Koestler Chair does
not currently have the resources necessary to sponsor research in other
countries nor to have guest researchers cane and work at Edinburgh. This
lack of reseach centers also results in employment opportunities within
the field of parapsychology.in Europe being virtually non-existent.
There are several other research groups in Europe. These groups generally
lack the resources associated with a fully functioning research
laboratory, and are most commonly 'staffed' by dedicated part-time
researchers, who must look to other full-time occupations to support
themselves and their families. Given the limited resources of these
groups, they tend, quite sensibly, to concentrate upon fairly specific
Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
 lines of research. This can sometimes have the result of further
isolating other researchers/research groups, who although living in
relative proximity to the research group, have differing research
interests and/or perspectives. Nonetheless, despite the many obstacles
which confront such groups, they continue to play a very important role
in European research.
The lack of funding is undoubtably the greatest problem facing European
parapsychology, a problem shared by the field in general. This problem
underlies all the others mentioned thus far, and is the main contributor
to the difficulty of solving them. We lack the funds to hire translators
which could help resolve the problems raised by differing languages. And
while many European researchers are multi-lingual, being (relatively)
fluent in a language(s) does not necessarily involve having the skill
required to accurately translate carefully worded technical papers.
Furthermore, most multi-lingual researchers are unable to support
themselves via parapsychology (due to lack of funding), and must turn to
other occupations for their livelihood. Thus, even those that do have
the ability usually do not have the time to act as translators, either
for their own work, or that of others. The lack of funding also means
that most individual researchers and research groups lack the resources
necessary to conduct many types of work and are unable to communicate with
others as readily as is desirable. Indeed, most European researchers
find it impossible even to attend conferences which are not located in
their vicinity. The lack of research laboratories in Europe is a direct
consequence of the lack of funding, which subsequently leads to the
virtual complete lack of employment opportunity within parapsychology in
Europe. Furthermore, lest we become myopic, it must be remembered that
in Europe generally, there has been a marked reduction in funding for
academic and research purposes for all fields in recent years. This
reduction, whilst affecting all fields, will be especially felt in areas
such as parapsychology which, at the best of times, has never enjoyed
more than a subsistence level of funding.
One means of responding to these problems would be to hold meetings in
Europe specifically for European parapsychologists which would provide the
opportunity for greater communication and collaboration between
researchers. This idea was put forth by Martin Johnson, who proposed
creating a European branch of the PA, in 1976 (Johnson, 1976). Johnson
(1978) raised the issue again in 1978, and in 1979 he announced the
formation of a European regional branch of the Parapsychological
Association (ERPA) (Johnson, 1979). One objective of this group was to
arrange regional colloquia for PA members/associates, active in research,
where they could exchange ideas and receive constructive criticism of
proposed research projects. The other primary objective was 'to stimulate
and guide students and persons interested in carrying out some piece of
research but living in areas which are less integrated in the main stream
of parapsychological research' (Johnson, 1979, p.2). According to John
Beloff, who was elected to the working-canmittee, the ERPA met a few times
at other conferences (PA conventions and SPR conferences), but never held
a meeting independently of another organization. Apparently, even these
rather informal meetings ceased in the early 1980's (Beloff, 1990).
Approved For Release 2003/09/01 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
 Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
The idea of having a specific meeting for European parapsychologists was
revived in the late 1980's. Again, it was thought that a conference for
European PA members and researchers would help address sane of the
ccum-unication/collaboration problems discussed above. The necessity for a
European parapsychology conference, in addition to the annual PA
convention, stemmed from many European parapsychologists being unable to
afford either the time or the money to travel to the PA conferences when
they are held outside of Europe, as is usually the case. Thus, it was
decided to hold a three day conference for European PA members and
associates who were actively pursuing parapsychological research. This
conference was brought about by the combined efforts of Jeff Jacobs and
Hans Michels of the Synchroncity Research Unit (SRU), Dick Bierman of
Amsterdam, and Robert Morris from the Edinburgh research unit.
The first meeting of European members/associates of the Parapsychology
Association (Euro-PA) was held during October 1988, in Holland. The
format for the first conference was that each participant was required to
make a brief presentation lasting no longer than fifteen minutes, which
would be followed by a lengthy discussion period of approximately 30
minutes. With the format being aimed at encouraging open discussion,
attendance was to be limited to 25 participants, and in fact, only 23
attended. Given the funding situation in Europe, conference costs were
kept to a minimum. Holland was chosen as a venue as it occupies a
relatively central European location, thus being readily, and relatively
inexpensively, accessible to many Europeans. There were no registration
fees, and a very pleasant yet inexpensive venue was found for the
conference. Costs were further reduced by having participants make their
own bed, assist with serving food and clearing tables, and performing our
own bar catering. These measures resulted in an eminently affordable
conference, a necessary and much appreciated feature.
A wide variety of primarily theoretical and methodological topics were
discussed the first two days of the conference, and the half-day session
of the third day was devoted to a roundtable discussion about
inter-laboratory research (for further details of the conference see
Blackmore, 1989). The primary outcome of this first conference was that
ccmriunication between researchers was greatly improved. The lengthy
discussions which followed each presentation, and continued during the
breaks, over meals, and at the bar into the not-so-wee hours of the
morning, resulted in all of us having a much better knowledge and
understanding of each other, our ideas and perspectives, and our
individual problems in pursuing parapsychological research. In short,
it was a great success and it was unanimously decided to hold a second
conference. Further, it is thought that most participants would agree
they left the conference with renewed enthusiasm and increased impetus to
continue pursuing their parapsychological work, despite the many
difficulties this entailed.
Before holding the second Euro-PA conference the Edinburgh research
unit circulated a questionnaire to all European members and associates of
the PA, eliciting their opinions on a variety of issues concerning the
Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
 Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
organization of the Euro-PA
parapsychological research. and other topics relevant
returned. Those who Of 58 questionnaires to r?I~ e
actively engaged in returned questionnaires tendeds muted, 2
received 8 ore
conducting parapsychol to be those most
to the questionnaire were to ?g1eal research,
where a clear majority opinion had be adopted as policy The answers
these issues been and in
would In those cases
which be discussed and d and in other
was held at the end of Visionsexpressedmade cases,
at a business
in November 1989). It should the next Euro-PA conference c erred
annual Fero-PA Perhaps be mentioned (which occurred
people meeting there was no restriction othat at the second
associate e eeAconference, excepting that one had to be a number of
attending EU'rO- the are relevant The main points raised by this member or
to the issues of C 1unication and questionnaire which
of
the main goals the Ero-pA and its a collaboration related to
Appendix 1 for a copy of the questionnaire andla satin/coordination
received), (see
?y of the responses
The questions regarding
quest, Ake g administration and coordination were of
should y question regarded whether prim
y
establish a formal organization. ? stjon ologists
whether to organize by A related
represented country. Given the question involved
by the Euro_pA many different countries
divergent, rinterests ors and the different, have a ccxr~u research s contained in each country, tobettmes
have
of established in each country, elected was it best is
and that coup , elected the m
country, or would it be prehrable? coordinate communication within t
corrnnittee? The responses have a central organizational
Appr 1 ottee? ly 65 to the above
C
per cent of the responses fav rns were clear ,
central
orrQnittee who membership rponse favored having one ctrawished who c would rotate annually, and only one respondent
opinion was against ees rganized by country. Furthermore,
reason for hiappearing a formal organization, the the majority
organization, s baring to be the lack of resources to support primary
such an
Other questions were asked regarding conference. whether there should be an annual
c aeel 'Twenty-five (89 per cent) conference. Other decisions regarding cnfe favored ere: short paper, long discussion format would be retained; the conference
number be p invien to all PA members, associates
number
guests- - affiliates and a limited
of issues each conference would focus on a
presentations would opposed to one specific wico variety
be refereed, topin; cnfenc
vary throughout Europe; the location of the conferences should
d
should be kept as low as possible.
Other questions posed regarded fund-raising,
research, and publications. Public relations' per
cent) of the respondents With regard to fund-raisin inter-lab
prat) of but were in favor of g. ten (36 ng
administration but only one was willin th'he organization of such g to help with the organization and
dministra projects.
It was Ultimatel
with an fund-raising actlvites were outside the sco y decided that
annually rotating carnnittee, However, it was l m itfo stated di org at zttihn
was the
Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
 Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
business meeting following the second Euro-PA conference, that members
would make an effort to keep one another informed of possible funding
sources, and that this would continue to be a topic of discussion.
Indeed, an informative presentation on how to pursue funding for research
projects had already been presented at the conference (Parker, 1989) (for
further information on the second Euro-PA conference, see Watt, 1990).
The issue of public relations is complex given the many differences which
exist among the European countries lay populations. While there is a
generally high level of lay interest in parapsychology in Europe, this is
especially marked in some countries, with The Netherlands possessing
arguably the greatest degree of such lay interest. Other countries are
confronted by a most vociferous sceptical canmunity, West Germany being a
notable example. Much of the discussion regarding public relations had
focused on the interest accorded our field by the lay population. To
address and support this population, several members were in favor of
supporting a popular journal where formally conducted research, including
that published in our professional journals, would be re-written in a
manner accessible to laymen. Here again, language difficulties
intervened. It was feared that an English language journal would not
address the needs of many non-English speaking laymen, and producing such
a journal in several languages was obviously beyond the means of the
Euro-PA members. In the end, it was decided that the pursuing of both
public relations and publication activities per se were beyond the scope
of the Euro-PA members. However, with regard to professional
publications, at the business meeting a motion to support the European
Journal of Parapsychology by publishing research in that journal was
strongly carried.
Twenty-one (75 per cent) of the respondents thought that inter-laboratory
research projects should be a priority of the Euro-PA, with eleven
indicating interest in participating in such projects. Supporting this
idea is difficult due to many reasons previously discussed (e.g., lack of
labs, distance between researchers, lack of funds, etc.). Nonetheless,
means of making inter-lab (or inter-researcher, as the case may be)
research more of a reality continues to be a topic for active discussion,
and as shall be shortly discussed, some strides are occurring in that
direction.
One final comment about the Euro-PA concerns language. The
question of language was not raised in the questionnaire, as prior to
holding the first conference, it was decided that English would be
spoken at the conference, and indeed, all camrunications about the
conference, and the Euro-PA in general, have been in English. The reason
for this is simply that it is the language of which the greatest number of
Afro-PA members have at least some knowledge. Yet, sane of our members,
even those who are rrulti-lingual, find car?nunication in English very
difficult. And as previously mentioned, not only is it difficult for some
to express themselves in English, also it can be difficult for others to
understand them, especially those for whom English is not their first
language. Also, there have been a few instances where language
difficulties have dissuaded researchers from attending the Euro-PA
 Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
conferences. Furthermore, it has
periods, that sane conference been evident during the discussion
in English problematic participants find communicating
and therefore are less active in the discussions.
The possibility of hiring translators
obvious financial reasons. was raised, and rejected for
English has been adopted ass' for a better alternative,
Offers a less than ideal solution to the language a Euro-PA, altho
9u g Problem. ugh it
Also, language problems ma
north/south divide which has o be a contributing factor to an
thus far. C red at the two Euro-pA observed
countries, Most conference participants are from conferences held
no s held
most notably Great Britain northern European
one living in Spain or Italy Gent' and Holland, while
attended the conferences as yet. y (Southern, Mediterranean countries) has
than languages differences for There are many possible reasons other
approaches/interests stan this apparent divide, such as differing
(in The Netherlandsdsrds and the more northernlyroriented location
attempt address a few of the two previous Euro-PA's.
held in France Possibilities the partially as
? a country which occupies a~ central 990 Euro-pA will be
e
boundaries with both 'northern and location having
reason for the lack of southern southern' European countries. If the
ran ua e participation is location
,, as sed to
from
g , it is hoped that the 1990 conference will attract oattt
attendees
the southern countries. However, if language in the north/south divide, simply shifting the loc eocat i's important factor
is likely to have little effect.
on of the conference
The primary problem facing E1iro n a lack of funding. The Euro-PA not searchers has been identified as
to this problem, and been able to find a direct answer
oganiiatin, as discussed above, given its (lack of)
orgy zae to, act is not in a position to do so.
been abl
accomplish thus far is to host vere most the for n has
which makes the conferences more accessible to its m low cost conferences,
still potential Euro-PA participants who em
, Yec nine continental
mainland, find, travel expenses ~ not living on the contnental a has provided travel grants a Prmh~tnve factor. On occasion the PA
has
have otherwise been number of overseas attendees who
this year the PA has deli tca unable to attend the annual convention. Indeed,
excellent idea $2000.00 for this purpose. This is
third and it will be suggested at the business an
E ro-PA (to be held in France in October 1990), that we do the
me of similar scheme which would be funded by tha conference
fpa
Participants a minimal fee on top of that harging all expenses. required to meet conference
However, there are several indirect ways in which the may have positive effect upon the European fundin
g Ear?-PA such means
involves the Euro-PA s decision to invite researchers situation.
our conferences. One such meaParapsychology is an interdisciplina to
other fields
through increased interaction with those fran o rY field, and
may arise joint research ther related fields, there
par s chol projects which examine issues of concern to both
P?y ogy and other fields. Such projects may have better funding
opportunities than do projects concerned solely issues. Another possible way the Euro-PA could serve toiindirectly aid
raid
Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
 Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
the funding situation, is via the increased communication with one
another that has resulted from the conferences. Most European countries
(those who are members of the European Economic Community or EEC) are
currently combining econatri.c forces, and in 1992 many economic boundaries
which have previously separated these European countries will cease to
exist. One outcome of this is that research proposals which involve
researchers and institutions in different EEC countries are currently
being encouraged by the various governmental bodies who normally finance
scientific research, via the offering of preferential consideration to
such joint research proposals. The increased communication among
researchers stemming from the Euro-PA conferences may encourage the
formation of such joint research projects. Also, while this is purely
speculation, we may also shortly be finding similar funding encouragement
(from the EEC or specific governments) to conduct joint research projects
with those countries which were previously behind the 'iron curtain'.
Again, the Euro-PA offers an excellent means of bringing such researchers
together.
Language also remains a problem for which no immediate solution is
apparent. To this observer, it appears that most of the younger members
of the Euro-PA are increasingly fluent in spoken English. Yet an
increasing level of fluency in English does not necessarily address many
of-the problems that Alvarado (1989) noted, as writing and translating in
English can remain a very difficult and time-consuming task. It should
also be noted that the recent crumbling of the 'iron curtain' could
increase the number of different languages encountered within European
parapsychology (and all the problems inherent therein), although at the
moment this is purely a manner of speculation.
In his article Alvarado (1989) suggests four strategies which could
minimize the problems raised by language differences, namely: 1)
publishing in English the summaries, bibliographies and reviews of works
originally published in other languages; 2) English-language journals
actively seeking and encouraging publication of the research of
foreign-language speakers; 3) developing an active translation policy
into English of works previously published in foreign languages; and, 4)
efforts on the part of the PA to encourage greater foreign participation.
These suggestions were aimed at the 'conventional' communication and
collaboration network, and they are all excellent strategies, the
implementation of which would benefit all. However, as Alvarado notes
'possible solutions such as conferences and translations may prove to be
expensive and, consequently, beyond the means of groups and individuals'
(pg. 134). As has previously been discussed, they would certainly be
beyond the means of the European parapsychology carmunity.
There is one problem area which, in the opinion of the author, the
Euro-PA has successfully addressed. It has decreased the isolation of
individual researchers and of research groups from each other and, by
this means, greatly increased carmunication and collaboration between
individual researchers and also between the various research groups. As
has been previously stated, as a consequence of the conferences we know
one another better on a personal level, and have a much better
71
Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
 understanding of each other's ideas and research pers
able to exchange research ideas and learn of s
members,
Pecific developments eoWe are
mwho have thus far always made by
oftware dhelo expressed a willingness to share ideas,
in ware ivelion has ntc. Also, it should be noted that this increase
conferences. Via the been restricted to those who attend the
voice n opinion the qu hato ire' all EUro-PA members were able
voice ahol they wanted to see develop an
parapsyogy. Indeed, over a third of the returned questionnaires irp( 6
per cent) were received from people who have not attended a Euro-pA
conference, as oof yet. Also, all Eu
codevelopmnts
conference, v yet. r?-PA members are kept abreast of
or return mailings, regardless of whether they attend the
lint questionnaires. And, as reflected by our mailing
the number of Euro-PA members has increased by over twelve per cent
since the first Euro-pA conference. With recent developments
Europe, we hope we will see further increases in the near future. Inean
attempt to further aid carmnu-~ication, a directory is being In an
the Edinburgh research unit which will be sent to all Euro-PA members.
While similar to the PA directory, it includes some additional
information, such as whether
research ormat and or members are interested in conducting
rhea grand/ ofcorresponding with one another, and whether the
about which they wouldlbe relevant but outwith
parapsychology per se
help and advice. Y have
that by having help It is hoped
a separate directory, focused on European
parapsychologists, members will be further encouraged to interact with
one another.
Thus, while many of the problems facing European unaddressed, the formation of the Euro-PA has ddoonaeYmucch~tots rprove
caranunication and collaboration between researchers. imruvh
room for improvement, and it is hoped is still much
greater interaction and ?~ that future years will produce
reates. are the see of inter-lab research
pr jests. At some the least, the Euro-PA has provided us with an opportunity
the circumstances confronting European parapsychology,
and it places us in a better position to take advantage of other
Opportunities which may develop.
Approved For Release 2003/09/09: CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
72
 Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
References
Alvarado, Carlos A. (1989) The language barrier in parapsychology.
Journal of Parapsychology, Vol. 53, No. 2., pp. 125-139
Beloff, John (1990) personal cairnunication
Blackmore, Susan (1989) 1988 Euro-PA Conference. Parapsychology Review,
Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 5-7
Johnson, Martin (1976) Some reflections after the P.A. Convention.
European Journal of Parapsychology, Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 1-5
Johnson, Martin (1978) Are we ready for the establishment of a European
branch of the Parapsychological Association. Eur
Parapsychology, Vol. 2, No. 3, Journal of
~ , pp. 203-205
Johnson, Martin (1979) The European regional branch of the
Parapsychological Association (ERPA) is now established. European
Journal of Parapsychology, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 1-2
Parker, Adrian (1989) Applying for
Paper presented to th
Research Funding in Parapsychology.
e Second
Netherlands, Nov. 10-12
Annual Euro-PA Conference, Vught, The
Watt, Caroline (1990) Euro-PA 1989. Parapsychology Review,
No. 2, pp. 10-11
Vol. 21,
Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
 Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
Appendix 1
The Euro-PA Questionnaire: The Questions and a Summary of the Responses
(the numbers given refer to the number of respondents answering the
specific question; 58 questionnaires were sent out and 28 were returned)
EURO-PA QUESTIONNAIRE
Country:
When completing this questionnaire, please feel free to write on the back
of the sheets, or include other sheets, if you need more space than has
been provided for your answers.
1. What should the main Euro-PA goals be? Please tick as many of the
following as appropriate:
25 An annual conference
7 I would be willing to help with the organization and
administration of the conference
10 Fund-raising
1 I would be willing to help with the organization and
administration of fund-raising projects
18 Public relations/publications
15 I would be willing to help with public relations
15 I would be willing to help with publications
21 Inter-lab research projects
11 I would be interested in participating in inter-lab
research projects
Other (please specify):
4 generally supporting parapsych.or interdisciplinary research
1 education (workshops, etc.)
1 scientific recognition of European parapsychology
3 contact with each other
2. What type of administration or coordination would be needed to achieve
these goals?
a. Do you think there should be just one central Euro-PA
ccnmittee, or different ccnmittees for specific areas (conference
committee, public relations cormnittee, etc)? If so, please specify
which ccxrmittees you think should be established.
17 one central committee
7 few smaller committees
1 minimum possible committees
74
Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
 Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
b. Uo you have any other suggestions as to rreeares of oryarei r.inq the
administration and coordination of the Euro-PA? flow fot n4r l an
organization do you think we need? Should it be organized by country as
well?
1 formal organisation similar to PA
3 formal European branch of PA
5 against a formal organisation
7 semi-formal organisation
12 against organising by country
1 for organising by country
1 affiliation with other scientific bodies
c. flow should we attempt to ensure rotation of renponsi hi 1 i t i c,s
whilst n>aintainirrg continuity? Should we have an election at each annual
meeting?
16 in favour of annual election
2 infrequent election
2 postal vote
6 voluntary duties
1 decide Euro-PA aims first
3. Would you normally be
f
interested
in
attending an annual Euto-1
71
con
erence? (please circle)
Yes
23
.
No 2
if yes:
a. Please specify what the presentation. fotnket should he for the
conference (e.g., short papers with long discussion pericxls, formal
papers with shorter discussion periods, etc.). Should presentations Ix-
refereed?
18 short papers, long discussion
3 long papers, short discussion
4 flexible format
10 in favour of refereed papers
5 against refereed papers
b. Please express your views on whether the nun& er of attendees for
any given conference should be liimited, whether non-PA ncnd,ers should
attend, whether any restrictions should" be applied to who makes
presentations and/or enters into any discussion periods, and any
guidelines which should be used in deciding the alxive.
Attendance?
6 PA members only
14 PA members plus guests/invited speakers
4 anyone can attend
Present?
4 no restrictions
2 PA present, guests attend
3 firm chairmanship
Approved For Release 2003/09/09 : CIA-RDP96-00792R000400100004-9
 Approved For Release 2003/09/09
c. Would you like each conference
problem area of to be centered around a specific
parapsycl-oloyy? If so, Please specify different