Elliptic
11-20-2005, 07:50 PM
There is at this point no doubt that psionics is linked to a variety of genes. Demonstration of physical characteristics typical to certain 'types' of born-ons demonstrates conclusively that psi is not tied to any one single gene, and that there are numerous configurations of psi orientation; as numerous, perhaps, as any other trait.
However, science has taught us a need to cluster and identify groups and categories. This is typically done in one of two ways: a bottom-up or a top-down statistical approach. In a bottom-up statistical approach, data is gathered and then compared in a meta-analysis which determines exactly what traits are truly significant in typology as well as what traits are unique to certain 'types' of individuals. These types are then identified based on the cluster and subsequently named.
In top-down statistical analysis, the names are created beforehand, and the data-set is then analyzed to determine what cluster given individuals fall into. This technique is more commonly applied in follow up experimentation, as a new meta-analysis would rarely yield new results given a purely random sampling and properly identified statistical clusters.
It is my feeling, at this point, that to further the research of the Guild's on the genetics of psi function, a top-down approach needs to be adopted. I recommend and would be willing to volunteer my time to do so in this manner: specialties should be decided upon as representative for their group. Following, a very in depth battery profiling not only physical characteristics but the full spectrum of psionic characteristics (the traits demonstrated in every single aspect, area, mode, etc.) needs to be performed on each of these individuals.
Following this, a group of individuals familiar with the type will determine what information in consistent with the typology. Information not considered representative would not be used in identification of that type.
What purpose does this serve? Several. First, it provides a much greater amount of insight into individuals about whom we have very little information (anonymously, of course). It also streamlines identification of these types. By using the new categorization as a diagnostic manual, we could effectively sieve any applicant through the diagnostic system, see what, if any, specialty they match, and then test afterwards. Finally, it allows information regarding various specialties to be provided in a uniform, standardized way, thereby cutting down on confusion and allowing for much more accurate further study.
Because these statistics and such can be time consuming and complicated, I would be willing to offer my assistance in performing them. I would also be very willing to aid in the identification of significant traits in various types. Regardless of whether or not I am involved, however, I believe it is imperative to use this particular model in order to use the data we currently have most effectively. The poll information being gathered at present on the research page is a good framework, but that information is subjective as best, and largely insignificant. Much more precise data regarding every identifying psychic characteristic is necessary to gain a true and thorough understanding of psionic typology.
However, science has taught us a need to cluster and identify groups and categories. This is typically done in one of two ways: a bottom-up or a top-down statistical approach. In a bottom-up statistical approach, data is gathered and then compared in a meta-analysis which determines exactly what traits are truly significant in typology as well as what traits are unique to certain 'types' of individuals. These types are then identified based on the cluster and subsequently named.
In top-down statistical analysis, the names are created beforehand, and the data-set is then analyzed to determine what cluster given individuals fall into. This technique is more commonly applied in follow up experimentation, as a new meta-analysis would rarely yield new results given a purely random sampling and properly identified statistical clusters.
It is my feeling, at this point, that to further the research of the Guild's on the genetics of psi function, a top-down approach needs to be adopted. I recommend and would be willing to volunteer my time to do so in this manner: specialties should be decided upon as representative for their group. Following, a very in depth battery profiling not only physical characteristics but the full spectrum of psionic characteristics (the traits demonstrated in every single aspect, area, mode, etc.) needs to be performed on each of these individuals.
Following this, a group of individuals familiar with the type will determine what information in consistent with the typology. Information not considered representative would not be used in identification of that type.
What purpose does this serve? Several. First, it provides a much greater amount of insight into individuals about whom we have very little information (anonymously, of course). It also streamlines identification of these types. By using the new categorization as a diagnostic manual, we could effectively sieve any applicant through the diagnostic system, see what, if any, specialty they match, and then test afterwards. Finally, it allows information regarding various specialties to be provided in a uniform, standardized way, thereby cutting down on confusion and allowing for much more accurate further study.
Because these statistics and such can be time consuming and complicated, I would be willing to offer my assistance in performing them. I would also be very willing to aid in the identification of significant traits in various types. Regardless of whether or not I am involved, however, I believe it is imperative to use this particular model in order to use the data we currently have most effectively. The poll information being gathered at present on the research page is a good framework, but that information is subjective as best, and largely insignificant. Much more precise data regarding every identifying psychic characteristic is necessary to gain a true and thorough understanding of psionic typology.