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

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IMPROVING COMMUNICATION AND COL.LIIBOr:ATION BPIhELN rUROPE 1N
PARAPSYCHOLOGISTS: THE EL'RO-PA
Deborah L. Delanoy
Psychology Departri7ent
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 i sol at- ion of many reesearchers,
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.
J'3 '
C.'e,y,4' 4s s0
047
Acknowledgements: My thanks to John Beloff, Watt for their helpful carrrre-nts on an earlier draffttroof thisspaper.Caroline
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Good carununication and collaboration among researchers are of
importance in any field of study. In a relatively small field paramount
such as
parapsychology, .where researchers are often working in relative isolation
from their colleagues, the importance of collaboration network is greatly increased. a good communication and
with other disciplines, publishes a variety Pof journals in chas am-on
professional of ournals and
an annual body, he Parapsychology Association (PA), which sponsors
convention, g many other activities, which helps to
provide such a network. But, are these conventional means in providing the necessary communication/collaboration network? successful
Researchers in parapsychol
inter-related problems, none Unique ltolthe in Europe confront a set of
be seen as militatin European situation, which may nst the success of communication and collaboration strategies. Pr the
imary ese probl eins
are language differences, the physical isolation of many researchers from
each other and from established research centers,
of established research centers
~ and, last the dwindling number
xa least, a
lack of funding. It is not the intention of this paper p r means
various problems in detail. Instead, these examine these
defeat the . the reasons why these factors can
conventional communication/collaboration means will be
highlighted. The efforts bein
combat these difficulties will begdiscuussed, European parapsychologists to
the opinions of European PA members and data collected examining
collaboration issues will be presented a variety of cararrunication and
The problems raised by the language differences found between researchers
living in different countries has l? Gently been admirably addressed by
Carlos Alvarado (1989) in his article "The
Parapsychology". In this article Alvarado describes the various problems
which arise from language differences, the most i
reseachers, Particularly mportant being that
are unaware of i those for whom English is their first language,
ar-unawa e of mpoortanteao k which has been and/or is being conducted by
detrimental consequences: Alvarado notes, such ignorance has
"Clearly, a researcher should be aware of any his or her field of speciality, Publication in
but also for practical reasons, such as havvingknowledgee oofage,
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 languages s
relatively small geographic area of
Europe. While many Europe Poken Europe the
especially non-native English speakers,
f in
languages, there are few who havemasteredaallctheolanguagestwhichewould
be necessary to have a comprehensive knowledge of all
parapsychologically-relevant work published in the
Europe. Anothr problem
created by language differences concerns more dire
ct communication between
European Parapsychologists. Since most Europeans know sane English,
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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 coimand 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 cc mlunication 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 carnodity 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 complexities of our field, with whom one can explore new ideas, etc.
Communicating 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 corinunication aids, many individual
researchers do not have access to a fax machine ur 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 communication.
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 ccnmonly '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
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lines of research. This can sometimes have the result of f
isolating other researchers/research groups, urger
relative proximity to the research group, who although living in
interests and/or perspectives. Nonetheless, despite the many Obstacles
which confront such groups, they continue to play a very many onle
in European research. important role
e
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. many European researchers are multi-lin etl' And
fluent in a language(s) does not necessarily involve having (relatively)
required to accurately translate carefully worded technical
Furthermore, most multi-lingual researchers are unable to su nopport
themselves via parapsychology (due to lack of funding), other occupations for their livelihood, Thus, even v)' and
that must do turn
h 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 caranunicate 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 eraps chol in
Europe. Furthermore, lest we become myopic, it must be r
y o9y
in Europe generally, there has or~exribered that
p all tar been a marked reduction in funding for
aaderic and research
reduction, whilst affecctinnggsallffields, fWill beiespeciiaally felts 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
rope specifically for European parapsychologists which would provide the
opportunity for greater communication and collaboration between
researchers. This idea was put forth by Martin Johnson,
creating a European branch of the PA who proposed
, in , and in (Johnson
(1978) raised the issue again in 1978
he 1976), ed the
formation of a European regional branch of the Paraps holes the
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, who was elected to the working-committee, ' the EA ? According anf to Imes
at other conferences (PA conventions and conferences), butanever theld
a meeting independently of another organization. Apparently, rather inforn-al meetings ceased in the early 1980's (Beloff,1990). these
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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
communication/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 her 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-clay 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
ccmnunication 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
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organization of the Euro-PA and other topics relevant to
parapsychological research. Of 58 questionnaires distributed Europe
returned. 28 ire
Those who returned questionnaires tended to be most
actively ein conducting parapsychological answers
engaged research. The answars
questionnaire were to be adopted as policy in those cases
where a clear majority opinion had been expressed, and in other
these issues would be discussed and decisions made at a business cases,
meeti
which was held at the end of the next Euro-PA conference (which occurred
in November 1989). It t should
annual No Fero-PA mee perhaps be mentioned, that at the second
g there was no restriction on the number of
people attending the conference, excepting that one had to be a member of the PA. The main points raised by aor which
are relevant to the issues of ccrrmunication and collaboration related to
the main goals of the Euro-PA and its administration/coordination (see
Appendix 1 for a copy of the questionnaire and a summary of the responses
received).
The questions regarding
importance. administration and coordination were of primary
A key uestion regarded whether European parapsychologists
should establish a' formal organization. A related
whether to organize by country. Given the many difffeerentonco ntoriess
represented by the Euro-PA members and the different, sometimes
divergent, research interests contained in each country, have a committee established in each country, thwas e it best rs
and associates of that country, elected by the PA members
country, or would it be prerableo to have t aC central tlorgaanni ational
committee? The responses to the ab(Dv e
APproxirrately 65 per cent of fie- bons ?: re clear cut. committee whose the responses favored having one central
wished ee who cane beersh owoulded b to annually, and only one respondent
opinion was against establishing aCformal.or anization, tthe he mprimary
reason
reason for this appearing to be the lack of resources to Support primary
organization.
Other questions were asked regarding whether there should be an annual
conference. Twenty-five (89
an annual conference. per cent) of the respondents favored having
anoat Other decisions regarding the conference were: the
paper, long discussion format would be retained; the conference
would be open to all PA members, associates, affiliates and a limited
number of invited guests; each conference would focus on a wide variety
of issues as
ofesentasues would prefed to one specific topic; conference
do refereed, the location of the conferences should
vary throughout be
should be kept as loweas possible for priority was that conference costs
Other questions posed regarded fund-raisin
research, and publications, g, public relations, inter-lab
With cent) of the respondents were in rfavoorr of fung~ andnd- (36 ng
projects, but only one was willing administration of such g to help with the organization and
adminiatran projects. It was ultimately decided that
g activites wore outside the scope of an informal organization
with an annually rotating ccmdttee. However, it was stated at the
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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 ccmplex 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 community, 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 bun_": eSS r e ny notion 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 communications 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
Euro-PA members have at least score knowledge. Yet., some of our members,
even those who are multi-lingual, find conmlunication in English very
difficult. And as previously mentioned, not only is it difficult for same
to express themselves in English, also it can be difficult for others to
u
language. nderstand them, especially those for wham English is not their first
difficulties have dissuaded Vere rbeen a esearchers from instances
attending where
the lEuro-PA
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conferences. Furthermore, it has
periods, that sane conference been evident during the discussion
pe iods, problematic, conference participants find communicating their ideas
ish and therefore are less active in the discussions.
The possibility of hiring translators was raised
obvious financial reasons. Thus, for lack of ' and re
Meted fe,
a English has been adopted as the language of the Euro better alternative, offers a less than ideal solution to the language although it
problem,
Also, language problems may be a contributing factor to an observed
north/south divide which has occurred at the two.Euro-PA conferences held
thus ffar. Most conference participants thus ar, most nofe are from northern European
no one living in Spain orGItal Britain, West Germany and Holland, while
at a
notnded the gonfreae ors y (southern, Mediterranean countries) has
than languages differences fortthis acre are many possible reasons other
approaches/interests, standards and the more northernlyrorlenteddlocation
(in The Netherlands) of the two
attempt to address a few of these previous Euro-pp, s. Partially as an
at td t Faddre possibilities, the 1990 Euro-PA will be
' a country which occupies a central location having
boundaries with both 'northern and southern'
reason for the lack of southern participation isrlooccati , as es, If the count
language, it is hoped that the 1990 conference will attract oatttoendees
from the southern countries. However, if language is an important factor
in the north/south divide, simply shifting the location of the conference
is likely to have little effect.
The primary problem facing European researchers has
a lack of funding. The r,~;rf~_PA has _ been identified as
aO c o puning and hnot been able to find a direct answer
organza pr im is nd,in as discussed above, given its (lack of)
orzation, po
been able to accomplish thus farlis to host?veryelowscost the Eur confeerrences,
which makes the conferences more accessible to its members. Yet there are
still potential Euro-pA participants who, mainland, find travel expenses a prohibitivetfactor. On the
e PA
occasion has provided travel grants for a limited number of overseas attendees who
would have otherwise been unable to attend the
this year the PA has dedicated $2000.00 for this purpose. inonventiTh, Indeed, his excellent. idea, and it will be suggested at the business meeting of the
third Furo-PA (to be held in France in October 1990), scheme which would be funded by ~ tall hat we adopt nference
participants a minimal fee on top of that requirednto meet conference
expenses.
However, there are several indirect ways in which the Euro-PA may have a
#x)sitive effect upon the European funding situation. One ns
involves the Euro-CA's decision to invite researchers from otherufieldsato
our conferences. Parapsychology is an interdisciplinary field, and
through increased interaction with those from o
may arise joint research projects which examine issuesaooffdconcrn to both
parapsychology and other fields. Such projects may have better funding
opportunities than do projects concerned solely with
issues. Another possible way the Euro-PA could serve toindirectlylaid
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the funding situation, is via the increased carmunication 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 econcmic forces, and in 1992 many economic boundaries
which have previously separated these European countries will cease to
exist. One outcane 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 carmunication 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 ,;ulnler of ',''_fferent 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 community.
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 communication 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
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understanding of each other's ideas and research
able to exchange research ideas and learn of s l~rselop ent. We are
members, who have thus far always e
de s,
by
xpressed a will pelliningnes ness tos sloo shtshare idma eas,
software developments, etc. Also, it should be noted that this increase
in communication has not been restricted to those who attend
conferences. Via the questionnaire, all Euro-pA m tto
voice an opinion of what they wanted to see develop in European
parapsychology. Indeed, over a third of the returned questionnaires (36
per cent) were received from people who have not attended a Euro-pA
conference, as of yet. Also, all Euro-PA
members developments via mailings, are kept abreast of
deveerencn or return gs, regardless of whether they attend the
lint nce n questionnaires. And, as reflected by our mailing
umber 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. Eastern
attempt to further aid carm1unication, a directory is being compiled In ay
the Edinburgh research unit which will be sent to all Euro-PA members.
Nbile similar to the PA directory, it includes some
information, such as whether includes additional
rnfarch and/or corresponding members are interested in conducting
with one another, and whether they have
rher grand of e r but outwith se
ed
about which they wouldlbe willingttoooffer help and advvice. It is hoped
that by having a separate directory, It European
parapsychologists, members will be further encouragged to interact
one another. with
with
Thus, while many of the problems facing European parapsychologists remain
unaddressed, the formation of too F"rn-p': 11-~i ,
cc(m unication and collaboration between researchers. Therei,iststillpmuch
room for improvement, and it is hoped greater interaction and that future years will produce
reacts. to act least tree the development of inter-lab research p to improve some of the circumstances usEuropean with an opyohouoity
and it places us in a better position to take ad antagep ofhoo er
opportunities which may develop.
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References
Alvarado, Carlos A. (1989) The language barrier in parapsychology.
Journal of Parapsychology, Vol. 53, No. 2., pp. 125-139
Beloff, John (1990) personal co munication
Blackmore, Susan (1989) 1988 Euro-PA Conference. Para2syshology Revie
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. European Journal of
Parapsychology, Vol. 2, No. 3, 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 Research I1undinr i,rn Parapsychology.
Paper presented to the Second Annual Ebro-PA Conference:, Vught, The
Netherlands, Nov. 10-12
Watt, Caroline (1990) Ebro-PA 1989. Parapsychology Review, Vol. 21,
No. 2, pp. 10-11
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Appendix 1
The Euro-PA Questionnaire:
(the numbers given refer toTheQuestions and a Summary of the Res
e number of respondents answer ngnses
specific uestion?
q 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
been provided for your answers. , if you need more space than has
1. What should the main Euro-pA goals be? Please tick as many the
following as appropriate: of
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
1" would be willing to help with
Public
15 I would be willing to help with publications
ons
21 Inter-lab research projects
11 I would be interested in participating in inter-lab
research projects
Other (please specify):
4 genera
generally supporting Parapsych.or interdisciplinar
1 generall
1 scientific(recogr~itp,ioneof ' y search
3 contact with each other European parapsychology
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 committees for s
connu ttee, public relations committee pecific
, If areas (senleecify
which coutnittees you think should be etc)? If so, please specfy
17 one central committee established.
7 few smaller' committees
1 minimum possible committees
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b. Do you have any other suggestions as to rrx3aris of or:gari i z. ind I-11(-
administration and coordination of the Euro-P1\? flow formal 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
I for, organising by country
1 affiliation with other scientific bodies
c. flow should we attempt to ensure rotation of responsihi 1.i t ic-s
whilst nkiintairr.i.ng 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 interested in attending an annual FULO-I'A
conference? (please circle) Yes 23 No 2
if yes:
a. Please specify what the presentation. foznoL should he for the
conference (e.g. , short papers with long discussion pericxls, fornail.
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 number of attendees for
any given conference should be limited, whether non-PA mend.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 alxwve.
Attendance?
6 PA members only
14 PA members plus guests/invited speakers
4 anyone can attend
Present?
no restrictions
PA present, guests attend
firm chairmanship
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c. Would you like each conference to be centered around a slecif.ic
problem area of Parapsychology? If so, pleases cif different areas
which you would like add.tessed by such a conference.
, Y
13 were against
4 partly/occasionally
2 specific topic linked to a general theme
1 healing
d? Should the conference be held in the same (centrally locate
country )
ntry each year, or should its location var
countri d
es? Please list, in order of your y between different
refer,
you would like the conference to be held. Also cs in What countries
which are located at such a distance frcxn you that you _cify ay would be unl~ike.ly
to attend the conference if it were to be held there.
15 varying locations
7 central locations
3 Holland, 1 England, 1 France, 1
Italy
choose location for special reasontaly
e. Should low cost be a priority in deciding the conference venue or
would you prefer nx,re expensive conference venues, facilities, etc.
in favour
2 low to medium cost
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f. Please list in what nci-ths of the year it would be rrxast convenient
for you to attend the conference, and when it would be least convenient:
Opiniondvery varied, but generally May to October most
favu, November to April least favoured, with May and
October the two most popular months.
4. If you think that fund-raising should be a priority of the Piro-P11,
please provide further infornk-ition as to any fund-raising strategies
and/or projects which you think may be successful.
Polic 5 against fund-raising as a priority
y 2 Euro-PA support individual fund-raising activ-
ities, by letters of support or coordinating
efforts to minimise interference
1 against use of professional fund raisers
1 ask successful fund-raisers
Projects? 1 raffle of videos, RNGs, etc.
1 seek practical spin-offs in applied psychology
1 seek EEC support
2 ask international companies for support
1 use ESP/PK for small-scale gambling
 1
What other catcttents do you
for supporting EJP or
technical journal
similar
combine EJP and JSPR resources
Euro-PA supports but doesn't
technical journal
reorient present journals
field of abnormal psychology
too many technical journals
I lave? 1 EJP too d r y
English should be the official Euro-PA conference language
.Euro-PA should seek to affiliate with other scient_it'_ic
and professional bodies
membership of Euro-PA should be through contribution to
development of parapsych. and election by council, ns PA
Euro-PA members should lower barriers by writing articles
f
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5. Please provide further information regarding what:., if any, puiiic
relations activities you think the Euro-PA should pursue. Also, it has
been suggested that the general public nwy appreciate having a ' jout-ttal '
available which presented high quality research in a lxgA11,11 ,
non-teclutical manner. Do you support this idea, and if so, would you he
willing to contribute popular versions of any technical articles you may
publish in other professional journals? As such a journal would need to
be published in different languages according to country, would you Ixr
willing to help with the translation, editorial, and/or admin.islt:at.ive
work involved in producing such a journal in your country?
by Ettro-1'A
2
Popular Journal? 8
11
7
in favour
against
volunteer
to help write or produce
1 help translate popular books
1 produce six-monthly newsletter
6. Presently, the European Journal of Parapsychology (F.iE') is the
primary technically-oriented research journal published in Europe which is
aimed at an exclusively professional parapsychological audience. (We now
have the Journal of 'I1ieoretical Parapsychology as well.) 'I'Ite future of
this journal is currently uncertain. Do you feel that the Euro-PA should
be involved in supporting the continuance of EJP, or sane outer similar.
professionally-oriented journal? Would you ho w:il l inn to contril.ntte to
such a publication as an author, editor, translator, and/or
i
adm
nistrator?
Support EJP/
Technical Journal?
or other professions
research would suffer if time devoted t.o popular
too few parapsychologists to allow Euro-PA to be
Public relations, fund-raising, publications
iour-rI"1.1
active in
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