1. Assumptions and Definitions

The central purposes of the Global Consciousness Project are completely dependent upon a framework of sound scientific methodologies. This document describes our efforts to be clear about what we are doing, and to ensure that the project will yield reliable and instructive results with implications for the understanding of human consciousness and its role in the physical world.

1.1. Randomicity and structure

We assume that the labile, REG-based measurement system can in principle exhibit structure, either in the data sequences or in the distribution parameters, although by design an REG data stream is random, unpredictable, and unstructured. In calibrations, the output data of the REGs show no structure beyond that which is theoretically predicted for an undetermined system. However, also by design, the REG system has the potential to absorb or integrate information causing it to deviate from its expected behavior and thus display structure. We may characterize the REG as an information "sink" able to interact with and actualize information that is present in the environment. The information may be exhibited as structure in the nominally random sequence or the distribution parameters, correlated with identifiable sources of information in the environment according to a predefined protocol.

1.2. Sources of effects

For convenience, sources of structure in the world will be referred to as Global Events (GE), defined narrowly and operationally via registered predictions. Although there may appear to be a causal relationship we do not assume that a GE directly influences the deviation of the REG system. The main strength of experimental evidence is actually for a statistical effect where some descriptive parameter, like the distribution mean, is changed, but where there is no direct causal linkage between an event (say, intention or engagement) and a deviation of device behavior.

1.3. Functions of time and space

For EGG predictions and analysis, the simplest possible rule will be used. All correlations and structural linkages will be judged on the assumption that any anomalous effect on the REGs is concurrent with the event, and largely unaffected by distance between the REG and the locale of the event. An extended discussion is available on request, in which a number of assumptions, caveats, and implications are considered. Here is a brief listing of issues.
 

• Ordinary physical space and time vs. consciousness space and time
• Roles of engagement, emotion, attention, and intention
• Attitudes of experimenters and other interested parties
• Functional effect of the experimental question and design

For the spatial dimension in the EGG project, we make the basic assumption that no ordinary attenuation rule (say, 1/R�) is applicable. However, the project design permits assessment of the effect of ordinary proximity, by comparing correlations of an event with relatively local REG data against correlations with data from more removed locations. (for example, data from REGs located near a Soccer match in Paris vs. REGs in California.)

For the time dimension in the EGG project, we will limit the protocols to temporally local assignments and questions. This means by assumption, that we expect to find temporally local effects and no others. This specifically precludes interpretation of displacements and off-time effects.