Reconsidering sensory isolation in floatation tanks as a method of promoting psi-conducive imagery

Since the 1950s sensory isolation by means of floatation has been explored as to its impact on human consciousness. Similar to this, the ganzfeld has been famously used within parapsychology to investigate the psi-conducive nature of impressions perceived through sensory deprivation and homogenous stimuli. Lilly (1969) proposed that parapsychology adopt floatation tanks as a new method of exploration for psi, with some evidence of parapsychologists taking heed of such advice (e.g., Rogo, 1980). This pilot study aimed to further explore the methodological practicalities of using such tanks within parapsychology. Two of the authors acted as sender (Saunders) and receiver (Cooper) for a total of 12 trials that incorporated the Dalton clips as the target pool of focus. An independent judge was used to rate the mentations, while the receiver also attempted to judge their own mentations against each trial’s target and decoy clips. No statistical significance was found from the scores produced by the participant (z = 0, p = .50, one-tailed) or the independent judge (z = .33, p = .37, one-tailed). However, qualitative information produced instances of correctly identified targets (hits) demonstrating some promise in exploring the floatation tank method further. Limitations of this study are discussed, and recommendations are offered for refining the current methodological procedure. It is planned for this study to be taken forward on a larger scale with the use of a greater variety of participants.