IIG Demonstration/Test Protocol, Robert Mooreland: “The Envelope, Please”
Lead investigator Wendy Hughes, Co-lead investigator Paula Lauterbach
IIG Demonstration/Test Protocol, Robert Mooreland: Ability to visualize and identify hidden images.
June 10, 2012
1. Background
The applicant asserts that he can correctly identify images hidden in opaque envelopes.
The “null hypothesis” maintained by the IIG to be disproven, is that earlier self-tests by the applicant were not double blind to prevent accidental cues to compromise the testing.
The applicant has provided four images for the demonstration:
- A. Matt Hughes (An American mixed martial artist in front of an American flag background)
- B. Aayla Secura (A fictional character from the Star Wars universe. The image sent appears to be an altered version of the character from Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, as portrayed by the actress Amy Allen)
- C. A-10 Warthog (A twin engine military jet. The image has two of them)
- D. Lincoln Memorial (Image is a close-up concentrating on the upper half of the memorial statue with the background removed)
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Matt Hughes |
Aayla Secura |
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A-10 Warthog |
Lincoln Memorial |
2. Ground rules for the demonstration
Observers are expected to conduct themselves with courtesy to the claimant and the participants during the demonstration.
Warning Signs will be posted: “By observing this test, you have consented to allow the IIG to use any recording of you for any purpose consistent with our mission”.
Any changes to the protocol on the day of the demonstration must be agreed to by the applicant, the lead investigator, and the IIG Steering Committee members present for the demonstration, and this change in protocol must be recorded.
Any pre-demonstration or post-demonstration interviews of the applicant by the IIG are with the applicant's agreement. It may however help the IIG and the applicant understand any events that happened during the demonstration. The applicant and the lead investigator should be notified as soon as any interviews are planned. Applicant should notify lead investigator if this is a problem.
The applicant is permitted guest(s), but the IIG must be notified before the demonstration. The guests will have to abide by the same rules as other guests/witnesses of the demonstration in regard to being in the demonstration area during the demonstration and when the images for the next round are being placed in envelopes.
The IIG retains the video and images taken by the IIG during the demonstration and reserves the right to post them online or as part of the report once the demonstration is concluded. The web video will be archived if possible for later viewing by anyone. The applicant can take video as well, as long as it does not interfere with the demonstration.
The applicant agrees to being checked for electronic devices prior to the demonstration.
3. Equipment and Material Required
Six copies each of the four images provided to the IIG by the applicant. All the same size. Not to exceed 9"x12" in size.
Twelve 9"x12" white envelopes; twelve larger brown envelopes.
Marking pen
Stapler
Web camera and laptop to broadcast event to Ustream
Minimum two video cameras on tripods to record area of demonstration for the entire demonstration. Tapes or memory cards as required.
Acrylic Box to contain envelopes after each round until the end of the preliminary test when they will be removed and opened.
4. Demonstration Site
2nd floor meeting area of the Center for Inquiry in Hollywood, California.
5. Summary of Procedure
The IIG will print two identical copies of each image for each round, a total of six printed copies of each image, and applicant may see them before the demonstration begins.
The applicant and every observer except certain pre-chosen volunteers will be in a separate room from where the images are placed into the envelopes. In a separate office on the premises, a single (envelope) stuffer will place the 4 pictures (one of each) in envelopes, seal and shuffle them. The stuffer will then place the stack of 4 envelopes outside the office where it will be picked up by a placer who is unaware of the order. The placer then lays out the 4 envelopes on a table where the claimant will attempt to place the matching photos of his 4 choices on the envelopes.
The claimant will otherwise not be allowed to touch or lift the envelopes while they are on the table.
The claimant will be allowed to be seated within 24 inches of the table. The envelopes will be side by side, face up, at the edge of the table closest to the claimant. The claimant will be allowed to have paper on a clipboard and a pen on his lap to take notes.
The envelopes will be marked by a volunteer with the claimant’s choices, and the claimant will initial the envelopes affirming his choices. The photos will be stapled to the envelopes he picks and set aside, always in view of the video camera. Since the placer, claimant and observers are not involved in the stuffing and sealing of the envelopes, the test is double blind. A new stuffer rotates in for each round. The envelopes can be pre-labeled Round 1, Round 2, etc.
There will be video recording of all rounds including the insertion of the images into the envelopes. This is to ensure that the images and envelopes are not altered by any person. This video can only be reviewed after the demonstration is concluded. The live web video camera of the rounds will also film the entire procedure for continuity. A maximum of fifteen minutes is permitted in each round.
At the end of the third round, the envelopes will be opened in the presence of the applicant, witnesses, and cameras. The photos revealed, and a record of hits and misses will be made.
