Channelers’ Answers to Questions from Scientists: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives The type of channeling in which we enter a trance has been called by various names throughout history, such as prophecy, oracle, spiritual communication, and spirit possession. One potential reason channeling has persisted over human history is that channeling is believed to transmit valid and vital information in many cultures and contexts. The overall goal of this exploratory study was to evaluate the potential usefulness of channeled information for ten questions of a scientific nature. The objectives of the study were to 1) assess the correspondence of channeled and non-channeled answers within questions; 2) evaluate the correspondence of different channelers’ responses for each question while in channeling and non-channeling states; 3) examine whether channelers believe they are receiving information from the same source for the United States channelers, and 4) explore qualitative themes that emerge for each question. Method Channelers provided answers to ten questions in a channeled and non-channeled state. These answers were evaluated for correspondence by three judges using structured criteria. Qualitative thematic analysis was applied to the answers as well. Results A low correspondence between channeled and non-channeled answers was found as hypothesized. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was low correspondence for each question across channelers. We also observed that there was little support that the channelers were accessing the same source of information. We found coherent and common themes for many but not all ten questions. Several methodological learnings were gleaned from the study. Conclusions This exploratory study offers excellent insight into improving future studies attempting to obtain valuable information through channeling.

Data Versus Belief - Interpretation, Ideology, and the Limits of Science: Afterword to the Special Subsection

“…From Tramont's notes, it is clear that while in hypnosis or PLR, 'negative entities' would speak either through the hypnotized client or Nancy Tramont as a surrogate. However, and through the available notes and case studies presented, these processes seem much more similar to "channeling" as commonly seen with mediums and psychics (Beischel, Mosher, & Boccuzzi, 2014, 2017Wahbeh, 2023) or in some magical ritual practices (i.e., taking on the God form, Howe, 1985;Regardie, 1998). In the former, the agent channeling the "discarnate agent" has a much greater degree of control over the presence of the purported entity.…”

“…To Tramont, a largely unresolved question here is similar to the questions raised recently in this journal by Wahbeh (2023) and her comparison of spiritual information provided by mediums. Can the methods of Science be applied to at least partially examine the hypotheti-JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION • VOL.…”

“…Certainly, reviewing these articles proves that. At the same time, if the truth is valuable to us as scientists, we have to engage in a thoughtful critique of issues in mediumship, notably a hodgepodge of inconsistent and sometimes contrary metaphysical systems with a variety of entity structures that do not often align (for an excellent example, see Wahbeh, 2023).…”