Whittlesey, John R. B. (1927-)
Whittlesey, John R. B. (1927-)
Data processing analyst who experimented in areas of parapsychology. He was born on July 21, 1927, in Los Angeles, California. He studied at the California Institute of Technology (B.S. physics, 1948; M.S. astronomy, 1950), the University of North Carolina (1951-54), and the Graduate School of Religion, University of Southern California (1960-61). He served with the United States Army (1954-56) and then joined the faculty at the University of California at Los Angeles as a data analyst in 1957.
Whittlesey has taken a special interest in computer statistics and probability as related to ESP and ESP in its relationship to religion and mystical experience. He designed an experiment in the use of the chemical LSD and analyzed data in its relation to extrasensory perception, working with several psychiatrists. He also designed and built an electronic device for experimental testing of precognition, using non-verbal responses from subjects influenced by drugs. He is coauthor of various papers on LSD experiences read before the American Psychiatric Association and the California State Psychological Association.
Sources:
Pleasants, Helene, ed. Biographical Dictionary of Parapsychology. New York: Helix Press, 1964.
Whittlesey, John R. B. "Further Comments on Causality." Journal of Parapsychology 17 (September 1953).
——. "Some Comments Apropos of Pooling." Journal of Parapsychology 23 (June 1959).
——. "Some Curious ESP Results in Terms of Variance." Journal of Parapsychology 24 (September 1960).