Rick E. Berger, PhD
chasing signals in noise
Psychophysical Research Laboratories 1981-1985
Rick E Berger, PhD worked as a Research Associate at the Psychophysical Research Laboratories in Princeton, NJ from 1981–1985. During his tenure he developed the Apple II-based Automated Ganzfeld testing system (“Autoganzfeld”) and designed the experimenter console which automated the laboratory experiments. The Autoganzfeld is still considered one of the best parapsychology experimental protocols today. The system has been featured in numerous television documentaries including Nova (US) / Horizon (UK).
The Autoganzfeld was the result of parapsychologist Dr. Ray Hyman (a respected psychologist and skeptic) working with PRL director Charles Honorton to define and enumerate the shortcomings of the traditional Ganzfeld experiment so a computerized hardware/software system could address them. It was apparently a success, as Hyman has framed the Autoganzfeld as a benchmark within ESP study designs. In the Joint Communiqué co-authored with Honorton, Hyman acknowledged that the existing Ganzfeld database showed a statistically significant effect that could not be explained by selective reporting.
The system has been replicated at other laboratories worldwide including the Koestler Parapsychology Unit at the University of Edinburgh (Scotland), University of Gothenburg (Sweden), University of Northampton (UK), Liverpool Hope University College (UK), and University of Amsterdam & University of Utrecht (Netherlands).
Berger was also the Chief Developer of PsiLab II, a transportable psi-testing hardware/software system that included a hardware random number generator (RNG) and software kit. The package was ultimately distributed to 30 laboratories worldwide.
PsiLab II Hardware/Software Psi-Testing System
- Psi games: Experiments on ESP/PK embedded into game software
- Statistical analyses: A suite that directly analyzed individual data and overall experimental results
- RNG analysis and integrity testing software
- Graphical device drivers
Automated Myers-Briggs Testing Software
- Developed Apple II–based software to automate the administration and scoring of the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
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