In my first article in the Image Streaming series, I presented external evidence from Charles P. Reinert, which, though non-peer reviewed and never reproduced, suggested that image streaming could possibly increase your intelligence. So, how does a person go about image streaming?
The process is described on other pages found throughout the internet, but in case you stumble here, this is my version:
1) Sit in a chair, or lie down. Relax.
2) Make sure that you have a tape recorder, or another person present in the room.
3) Attempt to clear your mind of the normal background chatter -that little voice which is constantly characterizing, judging, relating to the future and the past - which seems to play continuously (Buddhists' refer to this as the monkey mind) and focus on your breathing.
4) Optional: Ask yourself a question.
5) Focus on your consciousness. When an image, not a thought, enters your mind, describe it in great detail out loud to the tape recorder, or to your partner. DO NOT self edit; DO NOT speak softly, but at a normal volume for conversation. It is quite common to be speaking continuously at this point -for words to be flowing from your mouth like water flows from a tap. Do your best to focus and describe the image.
6) Descriptions using all of the senses are better. Ex: The frog's texture is slimy, it smells like cut grass, I can see its eyes rotating in its head.
7) The images probably will not be clear at first (or even after a while), but feel free to embellish the images with your own details. If you can't perfectly "see" the spots on the image of the frog which enters your mind, imagine visually that they're there, and describe them out loud.
8) As other images enter your mind, follow the same process of verbally describing the images out loud. Use as much detail as possible (this is supposed to make the images become clearer), and describe using all of your senses.
That's it! Following this method should allow anyone to access their "image stream" in no time at all.
The greater problem will be for those people who cannot access their image stream. Don't worry though, there are resources available which will help you start observing images in your mind. Try checking out Win Wenger's image streaming backup procedures to begin; I'll be posting various methods to aid in catalyzing your image stream in the upcoming months.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Image Streaming Part 1: A Possible Way to Increase Your Intelligence
Win Wenger, who runs an organization called Project Renaissance, has for a long time promoted a method of intelligence improvement called Image Streaming. He claims that by practicing image streaming, considerable gains in intelligence may be achieved.
Before discussing the mechanics of Image Streaming -what it is, the underlying theory, how to do it, etc. -I thought that presenting the evidence behind image streaming would be beneficial. Accordingly, I searched the internet, and a number of academic databases, to discover the data supporting Image Streaming.
The result? I was able to discover only one study, which was non peer reviewed, written by Charles P. Reinert, and presented at the 1990 Annual Meeting Of the Society For Accelerative Learning, entitled: A Preliminary Study of the Effect of Verbally Described Imagery In the Development of Intellectual Skills At the University Level.
The entirety of the paper may be found in the third part of my image streaming series, and I would recommend reading my other posts on the topic, and also checking out Project Renaissance, but I present the relevant data below:
(From Section II, Part A. of A Preliminary Study of the Effect of Verbally Described Imagery In the Development of Intellectual Skills At the University Level, C P Reinert, Annual Meeting of the Society for Accelerative Learning and Teaching, Chicago, Il, April 27-30, 1990 )
Average Results:
There we have it! Evidence supporting the image streaming theory! But, remember, it's not peer reviewed, and it's never been reproduced (for more on this, see part 4 of my image streaming series).
Before discussing the mechanics of Image Streaming -what it is, the underlying theory, how to do it, etc. -I thought that presenting the evidence behind image streaming would be beneficial. Accordingly, I searched the internet, and a number of academic databases, to discover the data supporting Image Streaming.
The result? I was able to discover only one study, which was non peer reviewed, written by Charles P. Reinert, and presented at the 1990 Annual Meeting Of the Society For Accelerative Learning, entitled: A Preliminary Study of the Effect of Verbally Described Imagery In the Development of Intellectual Skills At the University Level.
The entirety of the paper may be found in the third part of my image streaming series, and I would recommend reading my other posts on the topic, and also checking out Project Renaissance, but I present the relevant data below:
(From Section II, Part A. of A Preliminary Study of the Effect of Verbally Described Imagery In the Development of Intellectual Skills At the University Level, C P Reinert, Annual Meeting of the Society for Accelerative Learning and Teaching, Chicago, Il, April 27-30, 1990 )
Average Results:
1. Number of students assessed: 24
2. Average time in image streaming: 20.5 hours
3. Average attendance, percent: 70%
4. Average entry level I.Q.: 94
5. Average exit level I.Q.: 103
6. Average I.Q. gain rate: 0.44 IQ pt/hour
7. Entry level creativity scares:
Guilford "Decorations" 38.9
Guilford Expressional Fluency: 4.2
8. Exit level creativity scores:
Guilford "Decorations" 49.6
Guilford Expressional Fluency: 3.6
9. Entry level Kolb coordinates:
Active Experience - Reflective Observation: -1.2
Abstract Conceptualization - Concrete Experience: 0.8
10. Exit level Kolb coordinates:
Active Experience - Reflective Observation: 1.0
Abstract Conceptualization - Concrete Experience: -0.2
There we have it! Evidence supporting the image streaming theory! But, remember, it's not peer reviewed, and it's never been reproduced (for more on this, see part 4 of my image streaming series).
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Brain Improvement Manifesto
The brain plays an important role in shaping every aspect of a person's life. It affects a person's ability to solve problems, by dictating which types of problems a person is inherently better or weaker at solving, and by dictating how successful a person is at solving different problems. For instance, Joe might possess a brain which makes him inclined to solve mathematical problems, but he might be mediocre at solving those problems, whereas Jennifer might have an inclination towards tactile problems, but be excellent at solving all problems. The ability to solve problems effectively, and solve different types of problems, plays an essential role in a person's life, determining a person's interests, career, career success, friendships, and virtually every other aspect of life.
Am I writing anything novel? No. Everyone's life experiences will align with what I have written: those with brains that have the capacity to solve a more diverse set of problems, and the capacity to solve more complex problems, generally end up wealthier than the next person.
The brain is also the center of consciousness, giving people the capacity to understand that they exist, and allowing the formation of an individual identity. It plays a role in perceiving sensations, allows living organisms to move, and is the center of emotion. A person is essentially their brain -which is why in science fiction movies, human brains, not hearts or kidneys, are shown being stored away in some god awful saline solution.
For decades, the scientific dogma stated that our brains and corresponding mental abilities and capacities could not be changed other than through surgical techniques or pharmaceutical intervention. Sure, a lobotomy could transform a severely manic depressive person into a comatose vegetable, or caffeine could allow a person to sustain their attention longer, but people couldn't improve their memories on demand, improve their emotional make up, improve their concentration, or improve their ability to solve problems. Our intelligence quotient was fixed, our personalities were fixed, and that was that!
Recent research has suggested this view is inaccurate. The brain can change itself, and thus a person can change various aspects of their mental or emotional makeup. Finally, the old dogma was overthrown, and people rejoiced!
This blog seeks to discuss all aspects of brain improvement, from the practical to the theoretical. As a trained scientist, I will do my utmost to debunk theories and practices which are not proven, and which will ultimately waste people's time, and shed light upon theories and practices which are valuable. From product reviews, to news regarding techniques for brain improvement, I intend to canvas the vast field of brain remodelling which has just opened up!
I hope that you enjoy what I have to write. Please stop by regularly!
To the success of the impossible,
OS
Am I writing anything novel? No. Everyone's life experiences will align with what I have written: those with brains that have the capacity to solve a more diverse set of problems, and the capacity to solve more complex problems, generally end up wealthier than the next person.
The brain is also the center of consciousness, giving people the capacity to understand that they exist, and allowing the formation of an individual identity. It plays a role in perceiving sensations, allows living organisms to move, and is the center of emotion. A person is essentially their brain -which is why in science fiction movies, human brains, not hearts or kidneys, are shown being stored away in some god awful saline solution.
For decades, the scientific dogma stated that our brains and corresponding mental abilities and capacities could not be changed other than through surgical techniques or pharmaceutical intervention. Sure, a lobotomy could transform a severely manic depressive person into a comatose vegetable, or caffeine could allow a person to sustain their attention longer, but people couldn't improve their memories on demand, improve their emotional make up, improve their concentration, or improve their ability to solve problems. Our intelligence quotient was fixed, our personalities were fixed, and that was that!
Recent research has suggested this view is inaccurate. The brain can change itself, and thus a person can change various aspects of their mental or emotional makeup. Finally, the old dogma was overthrown, and people rejoiced!
This blog seeks to discuss all aspects of brain improvement, from the practical to the theoretical. As a trained scientist, I will do my utmost to debunk theories and practices which are not proven, and which will ultimately waste people's time, and shed light upon theories and practices which are valuable. From product reviews, to news regarding techniques for brain improvement, I intend to canvas the vast field of brain remodelling which has just opened up!
I hope that you enjoy what I have to write. Please stop by regularly!
To the success of the impossible,
OS
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