SPI News.
As many of you may now know, I have moved down to London and have started up a sister branch to SPI entitled, SPI ENGLAND. This will complement our main society (SPI SCOTLAND). Both societies together, will advance the information that can be generated to the public, into informing them that matters pertaining to UFOs and the Paranormal are credible and sincere subjects which demand Investigation. The following information concerns some recent activities that I have been up to during my early weeks down here in London.
U UFOlogists throughout the world are no nearer now to solving the UFO mystery than they were 4O years ago. I say this in the understanding that even though we have many reliable reports of 'objects' which are visually sighted as well as being tracked by radar, we are at the end of the day, basically studying the UFO report and not the UFO itself as we do not have a UFO to study. The witness as an individual, has many character traits which may have a bearing on the UFO experience. We have sound reliable honest people reporting UFOs, but we must also remember that we have not so reliable people reporting UFOs as well. It's fair to say that a good percentage of UFO reports are made by people who are misled into thinking that what they are observing is indeed a UFO, be it under unusual atmospheric conditions, or by the various other means which can give rise to a false report.
Whilst only a percentage of the British public are trained observers, ie, Military personnel, Air traffic Controllers and so on, the man and woman in the street, may, from time to time, see something in the sky which they find very strange and unaccountable. If the observation is pertaining to an aerial object of unknown design, it may conjure up the fanciful and well used 'Flying Saucer' phrase. The Investigator of such reports has a duty to uncover what was witnessed and why the sighting, (if identifiable as a conventional object, made such an impression on the witness for them to have imagined it as something other than it was not).
For their benefit, Investigators have the added bonus, (in most cases) of using a UFO sighting account form. This helps to clarify to an extent what the witness saw. In 9 out of 1O cases the observed object can be identified as having a natural and mundane explanation, but it is still this one remaining sighting which as yet, we as UFO researchers, are still trying to quantify and come to terms with. Could this be due to insufficient evidence to eliminate even this one report therefore leading to the acceptance that there is no UFO problem only clear mundane solutions ? While this may sound feasible to some, it is nevertheless not exactly true. However hard we try to eliminate this remaining sighting, we are, at present, no nearer (in my book) to solving the complete UFO mystery.
What are we dealing with here ? Are UFOs machines from other worlds, or are they all secret Military aircraft being developed for the upcoming new century ? Or can we believe what the UFO sceptics state that UFOs are all in the minds of the observing witnesses ? In this age of modern technology science is ever progressing, the media bombard us every day with films and stories of invading aliens from space. Does this stimulus cause certain individuals to report UFO sightings ? It certainly didn't centuries ago when T.V. was not around, for as we know, UFO sightings have been reported throughout recorded history.
It has now come to the point where UFOlogists must take a new look at their appraisal of the evidence. They must look more closely at the report given by the witness. They must study 'the witness' more closely than ever before, not just the report, but also the witness as an individual. To some, this may seem to be going a bit far and one may feel oversteps and infringes on one's civil liberties. However, this 'must' be done if we are to ever get a clearer picture as to what the UFO phenomenon is all about.
Are we as UFOlogists asking the correct questions ? What are we leaving out ? Should we not seek to establish without any doubt the reliability of the report and the witness ? This must be done if we are to get any nearer to solving this age old mystery.
It was in 198O that seasoned UFOlogist Ken Phillips (sadly now no longer with us,) and Dr Alexander Keul from Salzburg University devised a questionnaire form entitled, The Anamnesis Form. This form was to be used by Investigators in the study not only of the UFO sighting, but of the UFO witness themselves !!!! Dr Keul stated,
"We are not too interested in labels for the witness, ie, neurotic, psychotic, but rather in the clues to the subconscious inner reality of the witness. His life situation, his wishes, frustrations and beliefs. Emotional structures that move the witness in his daily life routine could also move his observations and the following experiences".
The Anamnesis form has been with us now for 19 years, and to my knowledge hardly any UFO Investigator has used it. I personally only advocate it's use in regards to high strangeness cases, cases of which appear to defy explanation. A psychological profile of the witness may seem to be going a bit to far, but it must be pointed out that the witness must be made aware of the type of questions that are about to be asked of him. He must be made aware that these are not your ordinary questions relating to just his UFO sighting, but are of a more personal nature. Indeed, he should have the option whether to answer these questions at all.
So, what about the form itself ? The data will be evaluated by a psychologist and used for the better understanding of what really goes on in the mind of an eye witness, an area of research almost overlooked for fifty years. The data gathered would be kept strictly confidential. It should also be made clear to the witness that his/her psychological state is not being questioned. The Anamnesis is meant as an additional tool of case research to record the psychological dimensions of the phenomena.
Will UFOlogy benefit from such an approach ? I think we should not refrain from trying. As UFOlogists we are seeking answers, we must look for those answers in every department, (be it even in the mind of the witness). Progression must never suffer through lack of approach and involvement. Truth must be sought, answers must be found. The Anamnesis form may not have really taken off as an Investigative tool over the past 19 years, I say that it is time for the UFO research groups of this country to once more take this form on board, and use it as a valuable tool in the study of the UFO witness. We have nothing to lose by using this form and everything to gain from it.
I have decided to re-print the Anamnesis form in order to show the reader exactly what type of questions should be asked of the witness to the high strangeness UFO case.
Then data you are recording will be evaluated by a psychologist and used for a better understanding of what really goes on in the mind of an eye witness.
All personal data gathered by application of the Anamnesis should be kept strictly confidential. The results are not to be published in journals, not to be passed onto third parties, (especially the press) so as to make sure that they do not leak out to irresponsible persons who might abuse the record. It must be made clear to the witness from the start, that his/her psychological state is not being questioned. The Anamnesis form is meant as an additional tool of case research to record the psychosocial dimensions of the phenomenon. If the answer of the witness gives so many important details that it exceeds the available space, please use a separate sheet of paper.
CODE.................OBSERVATION DATE.......................................INTERVIEW DATE.............
1. YOUR FULL NAME
2. YOUR DATE AND LOCATION OF BIRTH
3. CAN YOU GIVE A SHORT ACCOUNT OF YOUR PARENTS
4. WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT ADDRESS
5. HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU MOVED
6. HAVE YOU ANY SIBLINGS, IF SO, WHAT AGES AND SEX
7. WHAT FORMAL EDUCATION DO YOU HAVE
8. HOW DID YOU FINISH YOUR EDUCATION
9. WHAT JOBS HAVE YOU HAD
1O WHERE DO YOU WORK, WHAT IS YOUR DUTY
11 ARE YOU A REGULAR SHIFT WORKER
12 ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH YOUR HOUSING CONDITIONS
13 ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH YOUR CAREER/WORK/STUDIES
14 WHAT IS YOUR MARITAL STATUS
15 WHEN DID YOUR MARITAL STATUS CHANGE
16 WHAT IS THE AGE AND PROFESSION OF YOUR PARTNER
17 HAVE YOU ANY CHILDREN, IF SO, WHAT AGES
18 WHO LIVED WITH YOU AT THE TIME OF YOUR OBSERVATION
19 DO YOU FEEL SATISFIED WITH YOUR FAMILY & SOCIAL LIFE
2O WHOM CAN YOU CONFIDE IN WHEN YOU HAVE PROBLEMS
21 HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS DO YOU HAVE
22 ARE YOU A MEMBER OF A CLUB OR SOCIAL GROUP
23 ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION
24 DO YOU HAVE A SERIOUS ILLNESS OR HANDICAP, IF YES PLEASE EXPLAIN
25 DO YOU OR HAVE YOU SUFFERED FROM INSOMNIA
26 IF YES, WAS IT NOT FALLING ASLEEP OR WERE YOU WAKING UP AT NIGHT
27 DID YOU HAVE SLEEPING DIFFICULTIES JUST BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR OBSERVATION?
TO WHAT EXTENT
28 DO YOU RECALL YOUR DREAMS
29 HAVE YOU DREAMED ABOUT UFOS AND FLYING? IF SO WHEN?
3O DO YOU OR DID YOU HAVE NIGHTMARES IF SO WHEN AND WHAT KIND
31 WHEN DO YOU FEEL MORE ALERT, MORNING OR EVENING
32 WAS THERE SOMETHING YOU DID, OR DID NOT DO DURING THE DAY OF THE
OBSERVATION THAT YOU CONSIDER UNUSUAL IN YOUR NATURE. IF YES
PLEASE DESCRIBE
33 DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF ACCIDENT PRONE, IF YES, PLEASE DESCRIBE
34 DID SOMETHING UPSETTING HAPPEN WITHIN THE FAMILY/ENVIRONMENT
ABOUT, OR AT SOME TIME BEFORE/AFTER THE TIME OF THE OBSERVATION
IF YES, WHAT
35 HAVE YOU EVER HAD A RELIGIOUS OR MYSTICAL EXPERIENCE, IF YES,
WHAT KIND AND WHEN
36 IS THERE A MEANING IN LIFE FOR YOU
37 HAVE YOU EVER UNDERGONE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR A SEVERE
REASON, IF YES, WHAT.
38 ARE YOU TAKING DRUGS FOR ANY ILLNESS, IF YES, WHAT KIND
39 ARE YOU LEFT OR RIGHT HANDED OR AMBIDEXTROUS
4O DO/DID YOU EVER WEAR GLASSES, IF YES, SINCE WHEN AND FOR WHAT
41 ARE, OR DID YOU SUFFER FROM THE FOLLOWING. DEPRESSION
NERVOUSNESS,DIZZINESS,FAINTING,FITS
HIGH/LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
42 DID YOU NOTICE ANY BODILY/PSYCHIC AFTER EFFECTS CONCERNING
YOUR OBSERVATION, IF YES, PLEASE DESCRIBE
43 DO/DID YOU EVER TAKE NARCOTICS
44 HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR SPARE TIME
45 HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED E.S.P. IF YES, WHEN, PLEASE DESCRIBE
46 DO YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE SPECIALLY GIFTED
47 WHERE DO YOU THINK E.S.P. COMES FROM
48 DID ANY ONE OF YOUR RELATIVES OR ACQUAINTANCES EVER SEE A UFO
OR EXPERIENCE E.S.P. IF YES, PLEASE DESCRIBE
49 ARE YOU A MEMBER OF A CHURCH OR RELIGIOUS GROUP, IF YES WHAT KIND
5O IS YOUR RELIGION BY MERE CONVENTION OR INNER CONVICTION
51 WHAT ABOUT YOUR PARENTS RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
52 DO YOU ATTEND CHURCH/MEETINGS REGULARLY
53 DO YOU CONSIDER THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF LIFE IMPORTANT
54 HAVE YOU EVER READ ANY UFO LITERATURE
55 HAVE YOU EVER READ ANY SCIENCE FICTION
56 DID YOUR OBSERVATION STIMULATE YOUR INTEREST
57 HOW DID YOUR FAMILY REACT WHEN YOU TOLD THEM OF YOUR EXPERIENCE
58 HOW DID YOUR FRIENDS AND THE COMMUNITY REACT
59 WHO SUGGESTED YOU SHOULD REPORT YOUR SIGHTING
6O DID SOMETHING CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE AFTER YOUR SIGHTING, IF YES, WHAT AND WHEN
61 HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE, IF YES, WHAT AND WHEN
62 WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS;
DID YOUR OBSERVATION INFLUENCE YOUR OPINION.
PARAPSYCHOLOGY YES/NO
ASTROLOGY YES/NO
SPIRITISM YES/NO
THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE YES/NO
ERICH VON DANIKEN YES/NO
63 DO YOU TAKE AN INTEREST IN OLD EGYPT, ATLANTIS OR SIMILAR SUBJECTS, IF YES, SINCE WHEN
64 WHAT DO YOU THINK OF SUPERSTITIOUS PERSONS
65 WHAT IS YOUR GENERAL FEELING ABOUT THE STATE OF OUR SOCIETY
66 HAVE YOU EVER, WHEN AWAKE, THOUGHT YOU HEARD OR FELT OR SAW
SOMETHING THAT WAS NOT ACTUALLY THERE, IF YES, WHAT AND WHEN
67 HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ABOUT UFOS BEFORE YOUR EXPERIENCE
68 WHERE DO UFOS COME FROM
69 DO YOU BELIEVE THERE IS LIFE IN OUTER SPACE
7O DO YOU BELIEVE IN LIFE AFTER DEATH
And there you have it. No doubt you will have your own opinions about this form and whether it 'has' a role to play in the evaluation of not only the UFO incident, but more importantly, the witness themselves. When I first saw this form myself, I felt that it had no place in the UFO Investigators tool kit, but now I'm of the opinion that it does have a role to play. Sadly Ken Philips who in part devised this form is no longer hear to lend his 1998 approval to this form, but I'm sure that he would appreciate UFO researchers the world over adopting this for their study
At the end of the day, we are dealing primarily with the UFO witness, if we learn more about the witness, then perhaps that might go a long way into showing us, not only the type of person that reports UFOs and high strangeness cases, but might lead the way to a better understanding of what this phenomenon is all about.
SPI would like to hear your comments on this form, what do you think ? Should it be used, or are we asking too much of the witness to accept submitting to this type of research. Let us know what you think. Please drop us a line at either the SPI SCOTLAND or SPI ENGLAND address, or Hot Mail us through our SPI Internet site. Alternatively you may E-mail Malcolm Robinson with your views.
A nyone who receives the SPI magazine, Strange Phenomena Scotland, may be puzzled by the comments of it's new Editor and friend of mine, Billy Devlin. Billy was most upset to learn that I was leaving Scotland and also my wife and family to set up home with English UFOlogist Judith Jaafar, and gave me quite a hard time of it in his Editorial front page comments. Of course anyone who visits the SPI web site, will also know that the Scottish Sunday Mail newspaper did an expose on me leaving Scotland which I felt was in bad taste, (especially as they had a photograph of my wife taken unbeknown to her by a photographer who was hiding down the street.) Anyway, it seems that even UFOlogists are high profile, but I honestly thought that my private life was my own business and not the business of others, well apparently this is not so. Everyone seems to want to have a go at me.
I realise that I am not the first, nor will I be the last, and although I was surprised that Billy Devlin should want to write about me in such defamatory tones (as if I totally belonged to SPI and Scotland,) I do not, I have my own private life, the deed is done. The point of the matter is, I still deeply respect Billy Devlin, and have handed over the reigns of the society that I founded (SPI) to Billy. Billy is now the editor of our magazine, of which I previously Edited (which was called ENIGMAS) from 1989 to 1997. Billy, will run SPI his own way and I am more than happy for him to do so. The comments then in the magazine have been made, and I have no more to say on the matter. Both SPI ENGLAND and SPI SCOTLAND, will operate to Investigate phenomenon on both sides of the border, and both Billy and I will ensure, that both societies will prove to be an asset in the continuing study of this strange and supernatural world of ours.
To receive a copy of the SPI magazine, write to Billy Devlin at the address given on our Scottish home page.
I
have a number of lectures lined up for the remaining part of 1998
and two so far for 1999.
The following is a run down of these as well as a contact source for those
who would like to attend.
FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 1998.
Lecture to Roy Lake's London UFO Society on Friday the 6th of November in London.
For more details contact Roy Lake on O181 27O 9919.
SUNDAY 8th NOVEMBER 1998.
Southampton for Steve Gerrard's Southampton UFO Society. For more details phone
Steve Gerrard on O17O3 448 194.
FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 1998.
Lecture to Lanholm Community Centre (Scottish Borders) on Friday the 13th (Oh No).
Contact Barbara Jameson on O13873 81289.
FRIDAY 15TH JANUARY 1999.
Lecture to Michael Joyce's Colchester UFO Society on Friday the 15th of January 1999.
Contact Michael for more info at 22 James Gardens, St Osyth, Essex, England, CO16 8QD.
WEDNESDAY 1OTH FEBRUARY 1999.
Lecture to the lower and upper sixth formers at Brighton College Brighton on
Wednesday the 1Oth February 1999. Contact Mary Anne Brightwell on O1273 7O4 2OO.
P lease keep visiting our SPI web site as it is regularly updated each month with all the latest news, views, and reviews. If you have experienced anything strange and unusual of a UFO or paranormal variety, and would like to share these experiences, then please mail either Billy Devlin or myself through our mail system on the SPI home page. All communications will be treated in confidence. Tell your friends about the SPI web site.
SPI news for October 1998 compiled by founder Malcolm Robinson and ammended by Judith Jaafar. Web site placements by Dean Ladds.
© Malcolm Robinson, SPI ENGLAND 1998. Contact Malcolm at,
Mail Malcolm at SPI England.
Go back to SPI Home Page