Paranormal Survey
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PARANORMAL SURVEYEl Paso Community CollegeHonors Project - Introduction to SociologyDecember
4, 2005 (NOTE: This was the first
attempt, without ANY prior training,
ITEM CONTENTS Objective | Method | Process | Statistical Data | Discussion | Conclusions CHARTS Results/Totals | Analysis | Comparisons SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
There were several questions that I was seeking answers to when I began this paranormal survey project. I wanted to know the percentage of average people who believed in, or had experiences with the paranormal and/or spiritual, and what common factors, or differences there might be between them. I also wanted to know if paranormal experiences affected peoples' spiritual and/or religious beliefs, and if so, how. I was curious to know if certain types of people (e.g. young/old, religious/nonreligious, etc.) were more, or less, inclined to have paranormal experiences compared to those who did not have such experiences. I was also interested to know if certain types of spiritual or paranormal experiences were more prevalent than others in the lives of the general public. Additionally, since I have experience with studies in ufology and alleged alien abduction research I was curious to see if any trends I've noticed in the past could be verified or falsified via the data collected in this survey, that being specifically having to do with both cultural (spiritual/religious) and biological factors (genetics). I began by creating a simple one-page survey, starting out with questions on basic demographics (to put people at ease) before going into the more paranormal-specific questions. I tweaked the questions themselves, and put them into an order that I felt would give me the best results; for instance, I chose to ask people if they believed in UFO's after having asked them if they had seen a UFO before, or knew anyone who had seen a UFO. The reason for this particular move was to eliminate bias, based on beliefs, right up front. Some people, if they believe (or don't believe) in something it may alter their answers following that question. By sticking with questions regarding the facts, first, it then opens up the door for their beliefs to follow. I've found, through my research and investigations into the paranormal (a long-term hobby of mine, which was actually my first experience with ethnographic research) that this approach often works better and allows the data to flow more freely from people I interview. I decided to separate my study into three sections/groups:
Even though a control group is typically one where the subjects being surveyed do not know anything about the subject, to compare it with a group who does, in this case, these two groups are reversed, so that the group(s) being studied don't know much about the subject at hand, and the control group is highly involved regarding the subject (that being the paranormal). This gave me a standard in which to measure the answers (variables) of the noncontrol groups. Over the course of the semester I collected the data from all three survey groups and produced charts in Excel for results/totals for each group (separately), analysis (showing percentages for averages), and comparisons (between the control group and the (combined) oral and class survey groups). This gave me easy access to all the data, at a glance, and allowed me the opportunity to draw conclusions and formulate a written summary on my final report. I began with the oral surveys, and via convenience and quota sampling methods I chose people in the cafeteria of El Paso Community College. Out of the 10 surveys I administered, I made sure to include both male and female participants in equal measure (5 males/5 females), select people from different age groups to get a age-stratified sampling, and approached people with different racial/ethnic backgrounds for variety. The sample distribution was closely aligned to the population ethnic make-up of El Paso,that being about 75% Hispanic, and the rest (including Anglo, Black, and Asian, etc.) falling under nonHispanic origin. Asking the questions orally worked out well at first, but I discovered that one of the questions on matching and/or conflicting experiences compared with religious beliefs weren’t clear unless it was worded differently. When I moved on to the email (AOP) control group surveys I decided to only send it to a few people as a pre-test survey. It became obvious right away that this type of questioning wasn’t working out well at all, so added in more questions, removed some, and changed others to clarify the process for the remaining people in the control group (totaling 19 people in all). After implementing the changes the emailed survey process worked out much better, although I found that by doing the survey via email some people would skip questions, or were not willing to answer some of them, or would go into very lengthy explanations as to their beliefs and/or experiences rather than a simple “yes” or “no.” This required more follow-ups to be sure that the answers they provided were thorough, and properly recorded, into my charts. It was time consuming to have to go over many of the surveys more than once for my data input process, although email did provide a quick and efficient way to copy and paste answers into the Excel charts and not have to type every single one into the program. By the time I finished with the control group I realized that there were some other questions that I had in mind, and wanted to know, out of curiosity (on left/right handedness, left/right brain dominance, etc.) so I added them in at the last minute before printing out the hard copies for the class survey group. I took these to my sociology class and administered it to the students. A total of 19 people filled out the survey and returned it back to me, during class. The total time for administering the survey this way was approximately 10 minutes, as compared to 5-10 minutes each for oral surveys, and perhaps 3 minutes (and least twice - for Phase I, and Phase II) for the AOP control group via email. I have narrowed the final analysis down to two groups: 1. Oral/Class Group, i.e. the "general public" (29 people total) 2.
AOP Email Control Group (19 people total) The data below is a synopsis of what was found when comparing the final results between both groups. 73% of the Oral/Class group is below age 30 74% of the Control group is above age
46 Males and females in both groups were nearly
equal to each other. 73% of the Oral/Class group was Hispanic, with an additional 10% Caucasian-mixed 63% of the Control group was
Caucasian-mixed, with an additional 21% Caucasian-Native American mixed 87% of the Oral/Class group is single (not married) 47% of the Control group is single
(not married) Although more people (59%) in the Oral/Class
group watch TV shows on UFO’s/paranormal OFTEN, compared to the Control group
(47%), the latter did not once put “I never watch” in for an answer,
whereas the Oral/Class group did (10%). 10% of the Oral/Class group has seen a UFO 63% of the Control group has seen a
UFO, with an additional 16% saying “maybe” they have, but were unsure 28% of the Oral/Class group knew someone who had seen a UFO 100% of the Control group knew
someone who had seen a UFO 62% of the Oral/Class group believe in the existence of UFO’s and aliens, with an additional 3% saying “maybe” 100% of the Control group believd in
the existence of UFO’s and aliens 48% of the Oral/Class group believe that aliens could abduct humans 100% of the Control group believe
that aliens could abduct humans 0% of the Oral/Class group knew someone who claimed to have been abducted by aliens 84% of the Control group knew someone
who claimed to have been abducted by aliens 0% of the Oral/Class group believed they had been abducted by aliens 37% of the Control group believed
they had been abducted by aliens, with an additional 21% saying “maybe” or
“unsure” The Control Group was 10% more likely
to believe that demons exist (84%) than the Oral/Class group 35% of the Oral/Class group had experienced, or knew someone who had experienced demons 63% of the Control group had
experienced, or knew someone who had experienced demons 31% of the Oral/Class group had seen/sensed/heard an angel 79% of the Control group had
seen/sensed/heard an angel 65% of the Oral/Class group knew someone who had seen/sensed/heard an angel 84% of the Control group knew someone
who had seen/sensed/heard an angel Neither group thought that angels were
physical (only) beings at all. 52% of the Oral/Class group thought that angels were spiritual beings 84% of the Control group thought that
angels were transdimensional/inter-dimensional beings 13% of the Oral/Class group had had an NDE (near death experience) 42% of the Control group had had an
NDE (near death experience) 48% of the Oral/Class group knew someone who had had an NDE 84% of the Control group knew someone
who had had an NDE 87% of the Oral/Class group believes in an afterlife 100% of the Control group believes in
an afterlife 35% of the Oral/Class group believes that when someone comes back from the dead that their “spiritual gifts” are enhanced 68% of the Control group believes
that when someone comes back from the dead that their “spiritual gifts” are
enhanced 48% of the Oral/Class group has seen/sensed/heard a ghost 63% of the Control group has
seen/sensed/heard a ghost 76% of the Oral/Class group believes in ghosts 84% of the Control group believes in
ghosts 51% of the Oral/Class group were Catholic, with 10% claiming to be “Nondenominational” or “Nondenominational Christian,” 7% as Christian, and 10% claiming to have no religion at all 54% of the Control group claimed
“Nondenominational but Spiritual” beliefs, with an additional 21% being
Christian, 10% Metaphysical, and 10% Multi-denominational, and only 5% claiming to have no
religion at all 11% of the Oral/Class group has changed their religion before 74% of the Control group has changed
their religion before 5% of the Oral/Class group gave no answer, and 5% just stated they “dropped” their religion (not naming which religion) 69% of the Control group said their
prior religion was Christianity, and 5% used to be Catholic 53% of the Oral/Class group said their FAMILY was the leading factor in their religious/spiritual beliefs and growth over their lifetime 11% of the Control group said their
FAMILY was the leading factor in their religious/spiritual beliefs and growth over their
lifetime 11% of the Oral/Class group said their CHURCH/RELIGION was the leading factor in their religious/spiritual beliefs and growth over their lifetime 16% of the Control group said their
CHURCH/RELIGION was the leading factor in their religious/spiritual beliefs and growth
over their lifetime 21% of the Oral/Class group said their LIFE EXPERIENCES was the leading factor in their religious/spiritual beliefs and growth over their lifetime 26% of the Control group said their
LIFE EXPERIENCES was the leading factor in their religious/spiritual beliefs and growth
over their lifetime 5% of the Oral/Class group said that TOPICS READ/KNOWLEDGE was the leading factor in their religious/spiritual beliefs and growth over their lifetime 16% of the Control group said that
TOPICS READ/KNOWLEDGE was the leading factor in their religious/spiritual beliefs and
growth over their lifetime 5% of the Oral/Class group said their PARANORMAL/SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES was the leading factor in their religious/spiritual beliefs and growth over their lifetime 16% of the Control group said their
PARANORMAL/SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES was the leading factor in their religious/spiritual
beliefs and growth over their lifetime 52% of the Oral/Class group wished they could see/experience angels 42% of the Control group wished they
could see/experience angels 18% of the Oral/Class group wished they could see/experience ghosts (48% already had) 0% of the Control group wished they
could see/experience ghosts (perhaps because 63% already had) 10% of both groups wished they could have an
NDE experienc 13% of the Oral/Class group wished they could see a UFO and/or aliens (remembering that 10% have ever seen them, and 0% have been abducted) 32% of the Control group wished they
could see a UFO, with 5% wishing to see an alien (remembering that 37% already claimed to
have been abducted and 21% thinking “maybe” they have) 63% of the Oral/Class group did NOT want to see/experience demons (almost all participants said due to FEAR of them, or because they were EVIL) as their #1 concern 47% of the Control group did NOT want
to see/experience demons (for the same reasons as the Oral/Class group) as their #1
concern 10% of the Oral/Class group did NOT want to see/experience aliens/abduction as their #1 concern 21% of the Control group did NOT want
to see/experience aliens/abduction (37% already had, and 21% thinking “may be”
they had) as their #1 concern 47% of the Oral/Class group are introverted 37% of the Control group are
introverted 53% of the Oral/Class group are extroverted 63% of the Control group are
extroverted 95% of the Oral/Class group are right-handed 79% of the Control group are
right-handed 5% of the Oral/Class group are left-handed 10.5% of the Control group are
left-handed 0% of the Oral/Class group are ambidextrous 10.5% of the Control group are
ambidextrous 31% of the Oral/Class group are right-brained 26% of the Control group are
right-brained 11% of the Oral/Class group are left-brained 11% of the Control group are
left-brained 58% of the Oral/Class group are balanced-brained 63% of the Control group are balanced-brained From my experience (both personal, and in the field/investigations and research) I’ve found that most people tend to think ethnocentrically, that if a person has paranormal experiences then they are “weird” or that something is “wrong” with them, perhaps they are “evil” or inclined to “demonic influence,” or have an “overactive imagination,” or are possibly “delusional.” These comments very often appear to come from religious fundamentalists, although (minus the “demonic” or “evil” terminology) skeptics and atheists have also likewise judged/pre-judged in the same manner. Many who have not had these experiences don’t understand them, if for nothing else, due to sheer ignorance, or perhaps fear of the unknown, or just a disbelief in such things. The data from these surveys brings out some fascinating facts about people, their alleged paranormal/spiritual experiences, education levels, age differences, and even ethnic or racial backgrounds. Here, based on this, we can see that things are not always as they were once thought to be. Based on the data from this survey, we can possibly (and generally) conclude these things: People at the age 46 and above tend to have
experienced more paranormal/spiritual experiences than people under 30, and only about 13%
of people between the age of 31-45 have had such experiences. If the term
“older is wiser” and “older is more experienced” is applicable, then
this also seems to be the trend concerning paranormal/spiritual experiences. Older
people are also usually thought of as more stable than young people, and
interestingly, these are the ones most likely to be experiencing the unusual. Single people are thought of as “less
stable” than married people – if true, then more stable people are apt to
have paranormal/spiritual experiences. Hispanics (in this survey) don’t have
as many paranormal/spiritual experiences as Caucasian-mixed people do (which is probably
more due to age rather than racial/ethnic identification -- I know plenty of
experiencers (more mature) who are Hispanic, but most Hispanics in this survey were under
the age of 30). 1/5 of the Caucasians who are mixed also
have Native American blood in them (Cherokee is named the most, but statistics also show
that Cherokees tend to outnumber other tribes according to the 2000 Census, so this may be
coincidental). People who claim to have seen a UFO, or
think they may have seen a UFO, have the common ancestry of Irish (61%), English (50%),
Scottish and/or German (44%), Native American/Cherokee (22%), French aor Russian (17%),
Dutch, Mexican, or Polish (11%), and any these: Spanish, Icelandic, Jewish, Italian,
Czech, Finnish, Lithuanian, Chinese, Indian, and Welsh (5.5%) People who claim to have been abducted by aliens, or think they may have been abducted, have the common ancestry of English (63%), Irish (63%), Scottish (63%), and Native American/Cherokee (25%), and other Caucasian (German, French, Russian, Italian, Mexican - 25% each, and any of these combinations: Jewish, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Lithuanian, Chinese, Indian, Welsh – 13% each). The one full-blood Hopi does not claim to have seen a UFO, nor been abducted by aliens. NOTE: A MUCH larger study would have to
be done to see if these numbers hold true across the United States, as well as in the
accompanying countries. Almost 4/5ths of those (surveyed)
who show outward interest in the paranormal think they may have, or have definitely seen a
UFO, whereas only 1/10th of the general population (surveyed) has seen a
UFO. We do not know if UFO sightings precede or come after such interests in the
paranormal. Nearly 1/3rd of the general
population (surveyed) knows someone who has seen a UFO, but ALL of those (surveyed) who
show interest in the paranormal knows someone who has seen a UFO. 2/3rds of the general population (surveyed) believe that UFO’s and aliens exist, even though only 10% of them have seen one. This number of “believers” has risen significantly over the last few decades. ½ of the general population (surveyed)
believe that aliens could indeed abduct people. This is the majority of those who
believe that UFO’s and aliens exist. Alleged alien abductees are very likely
(84%) to know other alleged alien abductees, whereas non-alien abductees tend to not know
anyone (0%) who has been abducted. Birds of a feather flock together? Up to 2/3rds of those who
experience paranormal events think they have, or may have been abducted by aliens. 28% more people who have had paranormal
events, compared to the general population (surveyed), has experienced, or just knows
someone who has experienced demons or “evil entities.” Paranormal experiencers are 48% more likely
to have seen/sensed/heard an angel than the general public (surveyed). Paranormal experiencers are 32% more likely
to believe that angels are transdimensional/inter-dimensional beings, rather than
just spiritual beings. Paranormal experiencers are 29% more likely
to have had an NDE (near death experience). Paranormal experiencers are 36% more likely
to know someone who has had an NDE. Paranormal experiencers are 13% more likely
to believe in the afterlife (100% of those surveyed). Paranormal experiencers are 33% more likely
to believe that when someone comes back from the dead their “spiritual gifts”
are enhanced. Paranormal experiencers are 15% more likely
to have seen/sensed/heard a ghost. Paranormal experiencers are 8% more likely
to believe in ghosts. No one who is a paranormal experiencer used
the words “New Age” or “Wicca” for their belief-system; not that they
aren’t, just that they did not claim to be such, with over half of them denying to
belong to any particular religious denomination at all (while still maintaining a very
definite “spirituality” in their lives, most often distinguishing it from
religion/religiosity). Only 10% of the general population (surveyed) claim to be
“nondenominational,” pointing to a definite increase (44%) in that status if one
is inclined toward paranormal/spiritual experiences. Evidently, the more one
experiences the paranormal, the more likely they are to leave their religion and adhere to
a more spiritual (nondenominational) belief-system. The factor of age was not
calculated into this particular variable. 63% of paranormal experiencers have changed their religion/belief system. 5-10% of the general public changes their religion/belief system, meaning that 90-95% of them stick with the religion/belief system that they were taught, exposed to, or brought up with. Over 2/3rds of paranormal
experiencers leave Christian-based organized religion (although most still believe in God,
and keep some of the Christian faith-based beliefs) and adopt a broadened spiritual faith
that is less formal and/or restrictive. Of both groups, church/religion is only
about 13.5% likely to be a leading factor in their religious/spiritual beliefs. Paranormal experiencers are only 11% more likely than the general public (surveyed) to have knowledge, or topics/subjects in which they’ve read about, to be a leading factor in their religious/spiritual beliefs and growth over their lifetime. Paranormal experiencers are only 11% more likely than the general public (surveyed) to have actually had paranormal/spiritual experiences, to be a leading factor in their religious/spiritual beliefs and growth over their lifetime. Evidently reading and learning about
the paranormal, and experiencing it through paranormal events/occurrences, are NOT
the main causes for people to altering or growing in their religious/spiritual belief
systems. Life experiences appear to be the #1 reason
(about 1/4th) why people are altering their faith, in both groups. Family
has a way of influencing that process (42%) for the general public (surveyed); however,
paranormal experiencers tend to stand on their own rather than be stick to a particular
religion just because their family members practice it. Paranormal experiencers have no (0%) interest in seeing/experiencing ghosts, perhaps because 63% of them already have). Why seek what you already know? The same is not true of the general
population (surveyed), where 1/5th of them do have interest in
seeing/experiencing ghosts, even though nearly half of them already have. 24% more of paranormal experiencers would
like to see a UFO/alien compared with the general population (surveyed). Paranormal experiencers are 16% more
confident (less fearful) concerning demons than the general public (surveyed). Over double the amount of paranormal
experiencers, compared to the general public (surveyed), did NOT want to see or experience
alien abduction, perhaps due to the fact that up to 2/3rds of them claim they
already had. Paranormal experiencers are more likely to be extroverted, and the general public more likely to be introverted. Paranormal experiencers are more likely to
be left-handed and ambidextrous than is the general public; while the general public is
more likely to be right-handed compared to paranormal experiencers. 5% more of paranormal experiencers are right-brained compared to the general population. 5% more of paranormal experiencers are balanced-brained compared to the general population. Both groups are equally left-brained (11%). Of all the statistical data that was collected and analyzed there are two things that stand out as major differences between the two groups – racial backgrounds (biology), and religion/spiritual beliefs (cultural), especially concerning alleged alien abductees. The fact that there were none in the Oral/Class group who claimed to have been part of that particular scenario was intriguing by itself. Concerning the cultural aspects of religion/spiritual beliefs: It has become obvious that having paranormal experiences is not nearly as influential in the propagation of people dropping their previous religion, and adopting new faith/beliefs, as previously thought. My original thoughts were that paranormal experiences themselves, and perhaps knowledge/awareness of such (cultural factors), may have been the leading factors in drawing people away from organized religion into a "more spiritual," and less restrictive path. This is not the case at all, at least not for the majority of cases covered here in this survey (not in either group). In fact, almost equally between the two groups, it is peoples’ daily life experiences that is the leading factor for people altering their faith. The trend for the control group is that many start out as Christian (including Catholic) and wind up becoming nondenominational/spiritual in practice and beliefs. Not agnostic, nor atheist, but more spiritual in nature, with an almost ill-feeling toward man-made organized religions in general. Many of the participants gave very strong remarks against the system of religion (take your pick), and the fallacies they believe fill them. They consider this opinion a by-product of their personal spiritual growth, which they’ve experienced internally, as well as through education. There appears to be a strong link in the Oral/Class group for not changing their religion or faith, with many in this group being Catholic and having strong family influences and ties. Concerning the biological aspects of racial backgrounds: The limitations of this study include some of the following factors. When I began this survey, comparing the general public (Oral/class group) with the paranormal experiencers (AOP Control group), I did not know how much of the biological/ethnic background information would actually come out. I set up the questionnaire to find out as much as I could, but I still focused more on the questions regarding beliefs, actual sightings and experiences, religious implications, and other data than I did genetic (racial) background information. Most of the Oral/Class group (the "general public") wound up having Hispanic backgrounds, but then it must be taken into account that this survey was done in El Paso, TX, right on the border of Mexico, with El Paso having a 75% Hispanic-American population to begin with, so this was in line with comparable demographics for this area and time. However, the paranormal aspects within this group - on all accounts - were lower than that of the Control group, but then the ages of the Oral/Class group were also lower (younger) as well, indicating a possible lack of experience (yet) with the paranormal. A much larger study nationwide (and perhaps internationally) would be necessary in order to compensate for and balance out these factors.
Because the class surveys were very high in younger (below age 30) participants I chose to combine the data from that group with the oral survey group to ensure that the data was not too skewed, or off-balance regarding the general public. I wanted it to be as representative as possible, even though I had to take into account that 75% of El Paso is Hispanic, and that the majority of students would, in turn, be Hispanic.
Lastly, below, I am including the statistics (comparison chart) for all three groups. The sub-group of alleged alien abductees (pulled out from the AOP group), the AOP Control group, and the Oral/class group. You can see the numbers for yourself!
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA ON UFO/ALIEN EXPERIENCERS: There are some questions that readers may be asking regarding UFO and alleged alien abductee experiencers. I've included this section to highlight some of that information, and to apply my own thoughts toward it based on my own observations in the field, as well as the direct data from this survey. As an independent Researcher/Investigator in ufology, and as a past Saber "Dream Team" member (out of Houston, TX: CEO, Derrel Sims, a.k.a. the "Alien Hunter") I had come across some statistical data, based on over 1,000 alleged abductee questionnaires, and on the internet (Eve Lorgen alienlovebite.com – although I do not totally rely on the statistics there as I know nothing of how these surveys were performed) that showed biological/racial evidences pointing to particular genetic mixes being prone to – or "selected" by(?) alleged ET/aliens for – abduction scenarios. The data I found was nothing less than amazing, and so pulling data from the 2000 Census I compared some of the numbers on genetic backgrounds of the general United States population and compared it with the same genetic information for alleged abductees. According to the questionnaires up to 45% of alleged abductees were of a particular genetic combination of Irish/Celtic/Native American mix. According to the 2000 Census only 2% of the entire U.S. population was mixed with Native American blood, and for the specific Irish/Celtic/Native American mix this would constitute a mere 1% of the entire U.S. population at most! That nearly half of the supposed abductees would be of this mix was staggering. But I needed more data, more information, more comparisons to support or falsify this claim. I did have a curiosity stashed in the back of my head, and that was, specifically, about Germanic background (one of the Celtic peoples) in alleged abductees, since this is one detail/name that was never published on much regarding racial/ethnic backgrounds of those who had filled out Sims' 1,000+ questionnaires. English and French backgrounds were also in the back of my mind. I was mostly curious about the German side because although I hadn't heard much (if anything) about Germanic blood being a "popular" theme in alleged abductees, my personal observation and experience with self-claimed abductees was that German history was indeed in the family lines of many of these folks. This is one factor that did come out in this survey, following right behind the Scots-Irish and English genetic backgrounds. This is realizing that the Scottish people branched off from the Irish, and are "brothers" genetically speaking, so the separation of the two is allowable, but understood that Scots-Irish is also acceptable when counting such backgrounds. Without analyzing similar data from a specifically-designed international paranormal survey to cover the biological vs. cultural aspects of alleged alien abduction, there is no way to know for sure how much is actually biologically based (DNA-selected) or is simply cultural values, beliefs, and behaviors based on that biological (or ethnic) background. Regarding the cultural/spiritual aspect the survey results show that there is definitely something affecting people, and paranormal experiences are but part of it. UFO/alien involvement does appear to be the one factor that stands out (percentage-wise) above the rest (e.g. ghosts, demons, angels, or the afterlife/NDE’s) based on the results of this survey. Also, the participants’ awareness of these entities being inter-dimensional, rather than just physical, and so-called “angels” (which the Biblical interpretation means “messenger”) also being inter-dimensional rather than just spiritual (based on survey data) – demons are still considered to be purely spiritual in nature, able to inhabit a body, but not have one of their own – many paranormal experiencers are left to conclude that these otherworldly/inter-dimensional beings called “aliens” or “ET” or even “angels/messengers” may be related, or one and the same, although that is a question I left out of the survey. How paranormal experiencers believe, or not, concerning this common feature of inter-dimensional entities is yet to be revealed. The messages claimed to have been given to abductees, screen memories (false, implanted memories) or not, are often comparative in nature – that is when sticking with the facts, and disposing of (variating) beliefs in the process. The different classifications of alleged alien abductees in ufology are these: Abductees Experiencers Contactees Some background on alleged alien abductions and the meaning of each classificiation: The “abductees” often feel that abductions are unwarranted, hurtful, and an imposition upon their personal choice to live a free life. Then there are “experiencers” who are a little more welcoming to the abduction experience and feel that they have somehow given their consent and that it is for their own good/growth, ultimately, even if it hurts sometimes to go through it. Lastly, there are “contactees” who purposefully contact alien entities, or allow psychic type of connections with these inter-dimensional entities and feel that they are mostly good.
I will include the summary of the UFO/aliens data (interpreted) below to show the trends verified in this survey (admitting these trends hold true in my own observation/experience in the field): Almost 4/5ths of those (Control group surveyed) who show outward interest in the paranormal think they may have, or have definitely seen a UFO, whereas only 1/10th of the general population (Oral/class group surveyed) has seen a UFO. We do not know if UFO sightings precede or come after such interests in the paranormal, but that they are involved, in some way, is more than obvious and statistically abrupt. The difference between groups is about 70%! Nearly 1/3rd of the general population (surveyed) knows someone who has seen a UFO, but ALL (100%) of those (surveyed) who show interest in the paranormal knows someone who has seen a UFO. Again, this shows a difference between the two groups at about 66%! 2/3rds of the general population (surveyed) believe that UFO’s and aliens exist, even though only 10% of them have seen one. This number of “believers” has risen significantly over the last few decades. ½ of the general population (surveyed) believe that aliens could indeed abduct people. This is the majority of those who believe that UFO’s and aliens exist. Put another way, 75% of people (the general public) who believe in UFO’s/aliens also believe that aliens could abduct people. Has it been the populat culture of television and movies that has brought this awareness to the public? More studies would need to be done locally and in foreign countries with comparative analysis to know for sure. Paranormal experiencers are very likely (84%) to know other alleged alien abductees, whereas non-alien abductees tend to not know anyone (0%) who has been abducted. Birds of a feather flock together, it seems, but there could be other factors involved, which I will cover in the “biology/racial” section below. Up to 2/3rds of those who experience paranormal events think they have, or may have been abducted by aliens. This is significant… again, about 66% difference between groups!
Here are the numbers for the AOP paranormal control group: People who claim to have seen a UFO, or think they may have seen a UFO, have the common ancestry of Irish (61%), English (50%), Scottish and/or German (44%), Native American/Cherokee (22%), French or Russian (17%), Dutch, Mexican, or Polish (11%), and any these: Spanish, Icelandic, Jewish, Italian, Czech, Finnish, Lithuanian, Chinese, Indian, and Welsh (5.5%)
Singled out of the AOP control group – ALLEGED ALIEN ABDUCTEES sub-group: People who claim to have been abducted by aliens, or think they may have been abducted, have the common ancestry of Irish (63%), English (63%), Scottish (63%), and Native American/Cherokee (25%), and other Caucasian (25% of German, French, Russian; and any of these combinations: Mexican (Hispanic), Italian, Jewish, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Lithuanian, Chinese, Indian, Welsh – 13% each). NOTE: There were a few of the people in the AOP control group whom I highly suspected (based on abduction profiling criteria) were abductees/experiencers as well, although they didn’t claim such (yet), so they were not included in this sub- group that was within the AOP control group (per their choice). This realization, for most abductees/experiencers, is a self-awakening that occurs when they are ready, and not before. It is very personal, and not an easy thing to accept for many, if not most. Many fight internally with these concepts for years before they come to a place of acceptance. This is one of the reasons why so many alien abductee/experiencer support groups are in existence across the world now. 1/5 of the Caucasians who are mixed (in the Control group) also have Native American blood in them. According to this survey, approximately 25% of alleged abductees have Native American blood, which is very close to the total survey results (at 20%) for the control group. This is a far cry from the claimed “up to 45% of alleged abductees have Irish/Celtic/Native American” in them, but only by about 20%. Still, that these same trends are holding true, so far, for the majority of alleged abductees having this particular genetic mix is nothing less than amazing. This brings us to the German factor, which I’ve personally witnessed, and wondered about for many years. According to this survey 44% of those people (in the Control group) who have seen a UFO have Germanic blood (in part), and 25% for alleged abductees. Is quite high, and in fact, higher than the Native American percentage. This data, although a small fraction of what is available nationwide, confirms my own findings of alleged abductees telling me (both formally and informally) so often that they have German blood in them. This is also true for the English genetic background within alleged abductees that was not mentioned in the original “45% - Irish/Celtic/Native American” claims. The other biological/racial aspect, which is more elusive, is what I mentioned earlier about “birds of a feather flock together”… Alleged alien abductees are very likely (100% - even more than the 84% from the Control group) to know other alleged alien abductees, whereas non-alien abductees tend to not know anyone (0%) who has been abducted. This is a 100% difference between groups (Oral/class group compared to sub-group of alleged alien abductees). Is this huge gap because someone who thinks they are having abduction experiences find the local UFO meetings and start looking for people of like-mind to speak with? I’m sure that is a factor, but I am not sure to what extent. It begs the question… How come those who are not alien abductees don’t know ANYONE (within this survey) who has been abducted? Many of them watch TV, and even sometimes, more rarely, might go to paranormal or UFO meetings, etc. Is there something we are missing? I think so, and to do a study on this would be even more eye opening I’m sure. Does biology/race have something to do with this? Perhaps. Is it spiritual, or something having to do with the increased awareness that comes with these paranormal experiences? Perhaps. Let me explain what I mean by this by inserting some qualitative information (from informal ethnographic interviewing). With abductees/experiencers there is an awareness that comes with knowing you are part of that rare group of people. Not just an awareness of self, spiritual matters, etc. but also about other people you come into contact with. As an example (and I will use myself here), how many people can I look at and tell what genetic backgrounds they have in them? Most of the ones mentioned in this survey were surprising to me, especially the people whom I’ve known for years and I discovered they had Icelandic, or Russian, Spanish, or even German blood in them. I really had no idea just by looking at them! I expected, due to my own experience, to see the Scots-Irish, English, German, and Native American show up, but not any of the rest. I rarely know that someone has Native American blood in them, either, if they have a lot of Caucasian features (which is true most of the time), and yet, when I’m speaking with outright strangers something often hits me, and I just KNOW that they are of this particular genetic mix that is so popular among alleged abductees/experiencers. So I ask them, sometimes receiving strange looks for inquiring such things of perfect strangers! But about 90% of the time I find that my gut feeling, or inner urging/intuition is true, not on them being abductees necessarily (but it could be so, I don’t usually ask as that’s far too personal and sometimes many abductees don’t yet know that they are such!), but on being that particular genetic mix. This "knowing" is a highly intuitive process, obviously. How did I know if it was not simply intuition? Questions may be asked, such as: Is there some kind of yet unknown biological connection (energy), especially between people who have multiple ancestries mixed up within them? Is it a spiritual knowing? Is it a cultural influence? Does it have to do with UFO’s and aliens? I really don’t know, but I do know that it’s quite a phenomenon to experience and see continually laid out before you…. dare I say synchronistically? Many I know who experience this same thing consider it beyond mere chance. And to make it even more interesting is the fact of the U.S. Census data… with ¼ or more alleged abductees being of English/Scots-Irish/German/Celtic/Native American background (mixed) and their total numbers equaling less than 1% of the entire U.S. population, it is statistically improbable that a person of this mix should just “coincidentally” meet up (i.e. not seeking out other abductees via UFO meetings, conferences, etc.) with others of this same genetic blend… and yet, I myself, as an alleged experiencer, and having English/Scots-Irish/German-Celtic/Native American-Cherokee blood in me wind up meeting these people continually (even when in public settings with strangers). I cannot explain it; it just IS. It happens. It doesn’t make sense (from a left-brained logical view), and I don’t know what part genetics alone plays, or what this awareness aspect plays into it, but the data still remains as it stands, with this particular genetic mix showing up in much greater numbers than statistically probable. Hypotheses that deal with meaningful coincidence, manifesting, and other synchronicities would likely have to be questioned as well. [INSERT: Update! Just today 1-20-2006 I had lunch with a woman (name witheld) who was not into UFO's, although she was telling me that her little boy was claiming to have had contact with aliens and go on their ship. I smiled and asked her what her and her husband's genetic backgrounds were. Her response for herself was Irish, Mexican, Native American, while her husband was German, and Scottish. The boy then, would have had all of the above within him, genetically. Was I surprised? Not at all. The mother, however, did not want to discuss that subject any deeper as it made her uncomfortable in regards to her son, which I respected. We moved on to other topics.] Another interesting item came out via this survey that I had wondered about, and that is concerning whether people are left-brained, right-brained, or balanced-brained. Here are the percentages for each group:
What is fascinating about the above (which may or may not hold true on a national survey) is the lack of left-brained-ness (as a dominance) within the alleged abductee sub-group. Also, on the one right-brained individual in that category, please note that he is a rare case of an extreme-right-brained person, not commonly found in males, abductee or not. This contrasted to cases of autism, which is a form of extreme left-brained-ness, found in the majority of males compared to females (source: New York Times http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/08/08/opinion/edbaron.php) One note on race. I personally do not adhere to a racial "providence" view of certain mixtures being necessarily "selected" or "preferred" over others, as there may be cultural influences, or an open-mindedness due to upbringing, that may play a key role here. From a more biological view it can also be suggested that with the split in genes, and races (physical attributes), over time, that certain groups of people(s) have become like branches on a tree, splitting apart and going their own direction (divergence), and that the "coming together" or remixing of these racial strains may have also brought with it a particular "mark" or "feature" or combination of "whatever" that is inclined towards, or is an advantage/disadvantage towards these kinds of paranormal experiences. It begs the question now... are these alleged alien abduction experiences, and the rest of the heightened paranormal experiences really prone to occur to people due to their biology, or their culture? Certainly, there is a lot more to be done in this kind of research, and this simple survey is but one step toward a much deeper search for the answers to meet that end and discover the mysteries that lay behind this phenomenon.
All participants identities are being kept anonymous. Many THANKS to all who participated in this study! © Sharon Cornet 2005-2007
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(c) Sharon (Eby) Cornet 2011