37 replies to this topic

[Rockhauler2k1]

Thanks Flying . ;D

[Jeff Belanger]

Folks, in my next column, which comes out Saturday, June 28, I interview James Randi about his views, and what it takes to win his million dollar challenge.

He's quite a character to talk to.

If you're not already signed up on the mailing list, you can do so here: http://www.ghostvill...subscribe.shtml

[flyingorb]

This should be good!!! ;D

[JimTheBrit]

Thanks for the heads up Jeff, I'll be looking forward to the read.

[JimTheBrit]

Quote

Welcome PygmyPlaidGiraffe,

Glad you dropped in.  For general edification, can you give an example of what Mr. Randi would consider a double blind test?  

Flyingorb, for a brief description of what a double blind test is, check out this link: http://www.skepdic.com/control.html

I'll see if I can find specific examples in tests that Randi has overseen by searching his weekly commentary archives - it may take a while though. As a general rule it'll go something like this:
A dowser says he can detect water using dowsing rods. He agrees to a test in which a volume of water is placed within one of ten sealed containers. These containers would be given an ID by an independent third party and randomly arranged such that only this third party knows which container holds the water. The dowser would then attempt to detect the water, overseen by another group who will ensure the tests are carried out correctly. In this way, neither the dowser nor the 'test overseers' would be aware of where the water was. Once the dowser has identified which container he thinks holds the water, the third party will be brought in to reveal whether the 'guess' was correct.

[flyingorb]

Thanks Jim, well your example sounds fair-minded to me.  If someone really has the ability, this test would be easy as pie.

Thanks for the link too.

[JimTheBrit]

Quote

Flyingorb, <snip>

I'll see if I can find specific examples in tests that Randi has overseen by searching his weekly commentary archives - it may take a while though. <snip>

I promised you a clear example of a JREF double-blind test, FlyingOrb - and here it is: Randi's suggestion of a protocol for testing Penta water. It's towards the bottom of the page - Randi's response to the Penta water seller's recommendation of the use of a Bio Impedance Analyzer. Hope it helps.

Regards,
Jim

[flyingorb]

Still seems reasonable to me.  

Smaller clusters of water indeed!  Even ice is more of a crystal lattace.  This nonsence about the "smaller clusters" of water is the kind of fraud I like to see exposed.