Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2002, Page 127
Chapter 1 describes the complexity of the material, and the difficulties of researching the
topic of anomalous experiences. These experiences vary individually, are multifactoral and
multidimensional, and can be plotted on qualitative and quantitative continua. The authors
point out the need for clearer criteria to differentiate normal variants from the pathological.
They suggest that longitudinal studies yield more useful data than those that are cross-
sectional. Because essential factors are not necessarily dimensional, they recommend non-
linear, unconventional methodology, such as intensive case studies, depth ratings, and
thought sampling, and that these methods should be cross-cultural to be free of cultural
artifact.
Chapter 2 observes that science is ―based on the subjective experience of scientists,‖ their
―epistemological assumptions,‖ and that ―philosophical tastes have taken precedence over
an informed and careful consideration of the evidence.‖
Therefore, validity of ―so-called objective and subjective data is one of degree rather than
kind.‖ The task, then, is to validate anomalous experiences even though they are highly
individualistic and embedded in ―introspective report‖ and ―subjective awareness.‖ The
authors suggest phenomenology (―the direct apprehension of reality‖) as a way to gather
valid data. They are aware that individual ―assumptions and predispositions can distort
one‘s apprehension of the things themselves,‖ and to overcome such distortions they
recommend more detailed data gathering and data processing. Psychophenomenology is
what they call this approach, described as a way of applying ―traditional psychological
measurement and statistical approaches.‖ Suggested methods include in-depth interviews
with detailed life histories that are collated, interpreted, and correlated with others, then
generalized concurrent event reports, or ―thinking out loud‖ thought sampling depth
ratings to quantify experiences on standardized continua retrospective reports by
interview, structured self-report, case study, diaries, and content analysis and
psychological tests to assess how individuals later integrate and interpret their experiences.
Chapter 3 begins the nine-chapter reconnaissance of a variety of anomalous experiences.
This chapter explores ―the psychological mechanisms of hallucination,‖ from Esquinol (1832)
to the DSM-IV (2000), and observes that the mechanisms ―vary in form and content‖ and
can occur with or without a mental disorder. A continuum model is suggested as a possible
and practical method of classifying and quantifying this phenomenon. Coping styles and
tactics, and biological markers such as brain localization by neuro-imaging and activation of
speech muscles (subvocalization), can provide useful data. Culture, environment, stressors,
and inner speech are other operative variables.
Chapter 4 explores synesthesia, defined as a ―curious‖ perception of sensed imagery or
―qualities of one modality‖ that are ―transferred to another modality‖ such as a food or
beverage taste, or musical selections being ―seen‖ in various distinctive colors. Weak
(literary) and strong (perceptual) synesthesias are differentiated, the former occurring more
frequently. This phenomenon does not correlate with intelligence and is reported often in
artists, musicians, and writers. Synesthesia is intermodal, consistent, and reliable
―associations are often well-organized and even rulebound,‖ and such incidents might
involve distinct neurological pathways, frontal-lobe inhibition, and multiple physiological
processes.
Chapter 5 explores lucid dreams, which are identified by one‘s being aware of dreaming
while in the dream state. Lucid dreaming includes degrees of awareness, from detachment
to active participation occurring in REM sleep. Contributing factors to lucid dreams are high
pre-sleep activity, interrupted sleep cycle, emotional arousal, meditation, or intensive
psychotherapy.
Content analysis research has been limited but suggests more sensory involvement and
sense of control in lucid dreams than in other dream states. Some data suggest lucid
Chapter 1 describes the complexity of the material, and the difficulties of researching the
topic of anomalous experiences. These experiences vary individually, are multifactoral and
multidimensional, and can be plotted on qualitative and quantitative continua. The authors
point out the need for clearer criteria to differentiate normal variants from the pathological.
They suggest that longitudinal studies yield more useful data than those that are cross-
sectional. Because essential factors are not necessarily dimensional, they recommend non-
linear, unconventional methodology, such as intensive case studies, depth ratings, and
thought sampling, and that these methods should be cross-cultural to be free of cultural
artifact.
Chapter 2 observes that science is ―based on the subjective experience of scientists,‖ their
―epistemological assumptions,‖ and that ―philosophical tastes have taken precedence over
an informed and careful consideration of the evidence.‖
Therefore, validity of ―so-called objective and subjective data is one of degree rather than
kind.‖ The task, then, is to validate anomalous experiences even though they are highly
individualistic and embedded in ―introspective report‖ and ―subjective awareness.‖ The
authors suggest phenomenology (―the direct apprehension of reality‖) as a way to gather
valid data. They are aware that individual ―assumptions and predispositions can distort
one‘s apprehension of the things themselves,‖ and to overcome such distortions they
recommend more detailed data gathering and data processing. Psychophenomenology is
what they call this approach, described as a way of applying ―traditional psychological
measurement and statistical approaches.‖ Suggested methods include in-depth interviews
with detailed life histories that are collated, interpreted, and correlated with others, then
generalized concurrent event reports, or ―thinking out loud‖ thought sampling depth
ratings to quantify experiences on standardized continua retrospective reports by
interview, structured self-report, case study, diaries, and content analysis and
psychological tests to assess how individuals later integrate and interpret their experiences.
Chapter 3 begins the nine-chapter reconnaissance of a variety of anomalous experiences.
This chapter explores ―the psychological mechanisms of hallucination,‖ from Esquinol (1832)
to the DSM-IV (2000), and observes that the mechanisms ―vary in form and content‖ and
can occur with or without a mental disorder. A continuum model is suggested as a possible
and practical method of classifying and quantifying this phenomenon. Coping styles and
tactics, and biological markers such as brain localization by neuro-imaging and activation of
speech muscles (subvocalization), can provide useful data. Culture, environment, stressors,
and inner speech are other operative variables.
Chapter 4 explores synesthesia, defined as a ―curious‖ perception of sensed imagery or
―qualities of one modality‖ that are ―transferred to another modality‖ such as a food or
beverage taste, or musical selections being ―seen‖ in various distinctive colors. Weak
(literary) and strong (perceptual) synesthesias are differentiated, the former occurring more
frequently. This phenomenon does not correlate with intelligence and is reported often in
artists, musicians, and writers. Synesthesia is intermodal, consistent, and reliable
―associations are often well-organized and even rulebound,‖ and such incidents might
involve distinct neurological pathways, frontal-lobe inhibition, and multiple physiological
processes.
Chapter 5 explores lucid dreams, which are identified by one‘s being aware of dreaming
while in the dream state. Lucid dreaming includes degrees of awareness, from detachment
to active participation occurring in REM sleep. Contributing factors to lucid dreams are high
pre-sleep activity, interrupted sleep cycle, emotional arousal, meditation, or intensive
psychotherapy.
Content analysis research has been limited but suggests more sensory involvement and
sense of control in lucid dreams than in other dream states. Some data suggest lucid
