David Vernon

My three main research interests are:

1. Anomalous cognition and consciousness

I am especially interested in identifying how/why anomalous cognitive effects such as precall, precognition, psychokinesis, effects of staring etc. occur. In addition, I am interested in what the implications are of such effects for models/theories of consciousness.

2. Enhancing human performance

Here the focus of my research has been to examine the various techniques that have been used over time to aid or enhance some aspect of human performance. I have a special interest in the use of electroencephalographic biofeedback and cortical entrainment techniques to enhance cognition.

3. Creative problem solving

I am currently exploring issues related to creative problem solving and the various techniques and tools used to enhance creative problem solving. More specifically I am interested in exploring the various ways in which creativity, and creative problem solving in particular, can be improved.

Undergraduate teaching

MPSMD1BMB Brain, Mind & Behaviour
MPSMD2BCP Biological & Cognitive Psychology
MPSMD3R20 Psychology Research Project (Convenor)
MPSMD3PRR Psychology Research Project (Convenor)
MPSMD3ACC Anomalous Cognition (Convenor)

Postgraduate teaching

MPSTH4CBP Brain and Cognition
MPSTH4CAC Creativity and Cognition
MPSTH4RSP Research Project

PhD supervision

C. Connelly: Executive functioning of Medums.
S. Reeves: Effects of subliminal priming on mood and cognition.
T. Dempster: Exploring the methodology of alpha neurofeedback.

Affiliations

Professional member of the Parapsychology Association
Professional member of the Society for Psychical Research
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

My current research interests are focused on the field of psi and consciousness. These tend to be lab-based research projects but I am also very interested in the 'lived experience' of those that report unusual or anomalous experiences. I tend to take a quantitative approach but I would be happy to adopt both quantitative and qualitative methods. Current research project areas include the following:

Telepathy

Using immersive virtual reality to explore telepathy

Precognition

Exploring precognitive priming using various cognitive tasks

Fields of consciousness

Testing morphic resonance theory using Chinese characters

Energy healing

The effect of energy healing techniques on cultured cell samples
Comparing different energy healing techniques

Scopaesthesia

Comparing different aspects of intention when staring at someone
Using immersive virtual reality to explore the feeling of being stared at

ORCID ID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5748-7660

Research Projects

Exploring the potential difference in executive cognitive functions of individuals with alleged mediumistic and extra-sensory perception abilities.. Researcher(s): Mr Chris Connelly. Supervisor(s): Dr James Cane, Dr Dennis Nigbur, Dr David Vernon. [Postgraduate Research Project]
Eyes on the screen: Exploring the watching-eyes effect on altruistic behaviour in online and field environments.. Researcher(s): Dr Kelly Jenner. Supervisor(s): Dr Wendy Iredale, Dr David Vernon. [Postgraduate Research Project]
Low-level disruption: Investigating links with parenting style and technology use in the home.. Researcher(s): Dr Suzanne Bartholomew. Supervisor(s): Dr Amanda Carr, Dr David Vernon. [Postgraduate Research Project (past)]
Walk and Talk Therapy – an in-depth study of client and therapist perspectives and an attempt towards identifying a theory of practice.. Researcher(s): Ms Stephanie Revell. Supervisor(s): Dr David Vernon, Professor Jan Burns. [Postgraduate Research Project (past)]

Conference presentations

Vernon, D. (2019). Measuring precognitive effects using a fast implicit and fast explicit task. 43^rd International SPR Annual Conference, 20^th – 22^nd Sept, Leicester, UK.
Vernon, D., Sandford, T., & Moyo, E. (2019). A test of telepathy using immersive virtual reality. Paper presented at the 62nd Annual Convention of the Parapsychological Association, Paris, France.
Vernon, D., & Ivencevic, L. (2018). Testing precognition usng a novel computer driving game. 42nd International SPR Annual Conference, Sept 21st -23rd, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
Vernon, D. (2018). Precognitive priming of compound remote associates: Using an implicit creative insight task to elicit precognition. Parapsychological Association 61^st Annual Convention, August 2^nd – 5^th, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Petaluma, California, USA.
Vernon, D. (2017). Testing precall using emotive images and participants with high levels of belief. 41^st Society for Psychical Research International Annual Conference, Horsely Estate, UK, Sept 2-4^th.
Vernon, D. (2017). Exploring the effect of a contingent cash based reward on the precall of arousing images. Parapsychological Association 60^th Annual Convention, July 20^th – 23^rd, Athens, Greece.
Dempster, T., Hocking, I. M., Vernon, D., & Snyder, H. (2017). Enhancing creative problem solving and creative self-efficacy: A preliminary study. Psychology of Creativity: Building Impact, Skills, and Collaborations, 17^th May 2017, Edinburgh, UK.
Hocking, I. M., & Vernon, D. (2017). The golden path: First steps in establishing order for two creative problem solving techniques. Psychology of Creativity: Building Impact, Skills, and Collaborations, 17^th May 2017, Edinburgh, UK.
Hocking, I., & Vernon, D. (2016). A matter of perspective: The impact of near and far conceptual distance on creative problem solving. BPS Cognitive Psychology Section conference, 31^st Aug – 2^nd Sept. 2016, Barcelona, Spain.
Hocking, I., Vernon, D., Rehal, N., & Valkova, M. (2016). Which cues work best? An examination of the components of two structured thinking tools using eye tracking analysis. BPS Cognitive Psychology Section conference, 31^st Aug – 2^nd Sept. 2016, Barcelona, Spain.
Vernon, D. (2016). Exploring precall using arousing images and utilising a memory recall practise task on-line. 40^th Society for Psychical Research International Annual Conference, Leeds, UK, Sept 2-4^th.
Vernon, D., & Hocking, I. (2016). Either here or there: Exploring conceptual distance using a novel clock-face paradigm in a creative problem solving task. American Psychological Association, DIV10, Denver, COL, USA, August 4-7^th.

Sensory processing sensitivity, transliminality, and boundary-thinness as predictors of anomalous experiences, beliefs, and abilities Roxburgh, E. C., Vernon, D., Schofield, M. B., (04 Sep 2024): Springer. [Journal article]
Testing home dream precognition and exploring links to psychological factors Vernon, D., Roxburgh, E. C., Schofield, M. B.: Heidelberg University. [Journal article]
An online survey investigating sensory processing sensitivity, transliminality, and boundary-thinness as predictors of anomalous experience and belief Roxburgh, E. C., Vernon, D., Schofield, M. B., 65th Annual Convention of the Parapsychological Association. [Conference paper]
Exploring cognitive processes used by mediums during alleged communication with the deceased Connelly, C., Vernon, D., Cane, J., (29 Aug 2023): Lunds Universitet. [Journal article]
Exploring the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and dream precognition. Vernon, D., Roxburgh, E., Schofield, M. B., 65th Annual Convention of the Parapsychological Association. [Conference paper]
An implicit and explicit assessment of morphic resonance theory using Chinese characters Vernon, D., Hitchman, G., Roe, C., (01 Jun 2021): Society for Psychical Research. [Journal article]
Dark cognition: Evidence of psi and its implications for consciousness Vernon, D., (02 Oct 2020). London: Taylor & Francis. [Book]
Using virtual reality to test for telepathy: A proof-of-concept study Vernon, D., (15 Dec 2020): Society for Scientific Exploration. [Journal article]
A test of telepathy using immersive virtual reality Vernon, D., Sandford, T., Moyo, E., 62nd Annual Convention of the Parapsychological Association. [Conference paper]
Measuring precognitive effects using a fast implicit and fast explicit task Vernon, D., (20 Sep 2019), 43rd International SPR Annual Conference. [Conference paper]
Precognitive priming of compound remote associates: using an implicit creative insight task to elicit precognition Vernon, D., 61st Annual Convention of the Parapsychological Association. [Conference paper]
Test of reward contingent precall Vernon, D., (Mar 2018). [Journal article]
Testing precognition using a novel computer driving game Vernon, D., Ivencevic, L., (21 Sep 2018), 42nd International SPR Annual Conference. [Conference paper]
A bridge too far: conceptual distance and creative ideation Hocking, I., Vernon, D., (29 Dec 2017): De Gruyter. [Journal article]
Attempting to elicit a precall effect using emotive images and participants with high levels of belief in psi Vernon, D., (01 Jan 2017): Imprint Academic. [Journal article]
Enhancing creative problem solving and creative self-efficacy: a preliminary study Dempster, T., Hocking, I., Vernon, D., Snyder, H., UK Creativity. Edinburgh Napier University. [Conference poster]
Exploring precall using arousing images and utilising a memory recall practise task on-line Vernon, D., (Apr 2017): Society for Psychical Research. [Journal article]
Exploring the effect of a contingent cash based reward on the precall of arousing images Vernon, D., 60th Annual Convention of the Parapsychological Association. [Speech]
Further explorations of enhancing creative problem solving via structured thinking techniques Hocking, I., Vernon, D., Development and Utilization of Human Resources (DUHR) Series. [Lecture]
How to win the lottery: Can using precall help in radomized prize draws? Vernon, D., (30 May 2017): Society for Psychical Research. [Journal article]
Testing to see whether participants with high levels of belief in psi can precall highly emotive images Vernon, D., (03 Sep 2017), 41st SPR International Annual Conference. [Conference paper]
The golden path: first steps in establishing order for two creative problem solving techniques Hocking, I., Vernon, D., UK Creativity. Edinburgh Napier University. [Conference poster]
The right tool for the right task: structured techniques prove less effective on an ill-defined problem finding task Hocking, I., Vernon, D., (01 Sep 2017): Elsevier. [Journal article]
A matter of perspective: the impact of near and far conceptual distance on creative problem solving Hocking, I., Vernon, D., (31 Aug 2016), BPS Cognitive Psychology Section Conference. [Conference paper]
An evidence-based review of creative problem solving tools: a practitioner’s resource Vernon, D., Hocking, I., Tyler, T., (12 Apr 2016): SAGE. [Journal article]
Beyond belief: structured techniques prove more effective than a placebo intervention in a problem construction task Vernon, D., Hocking, I., (Mar 2016): Elsevier. [Journal article]
Either here or there: exploring conceptual distance using a novel clock face paradigm in a creative problem solving task Vernon, D., Hocking, I., APA Annual Convention. [Conference poster]
Exploring precall using arousing images and utilising a memory recall practice task on-line Vernon, D., 40th Society for Psychical Research International Annual Conference.. [Conference paper]
Six Thinking Hats vs. Six Good Men: does the order of the elements matter? Vernon, D., Hocking, I., American Psychological Association Annual Convention. [Speech]
Which cues work best? An examination of two structured thinking tools using eye-tracking analysis Hocking, I., Vernon, D., Rehal, N., Valkova, M., (31 Aug 2016), BPS Cognitive Psychology Section Conference. [Conference paper]
Applying structured techniques in a problem construction task Hocking, I., Vernon, D., American Psychological Association Annual Convention. University of Toronto. [Conference paper]
Comparing structured thinking tools on a problem construction task using an ill-defined problem Vernon, D., Hocking, I., BPS Cognitive Psychology Section Conference. University of Kent. [Conference poster]
Exploring precognition using a repetition priming paradigm Vernon, D., (Apr 2015): Society for Psychical Research. [Journal article]
Have you tried 'brain breathing'? Structured thinking and problem construction Hocking, I., Vernon, D., BPS Cognitive Psychology Section Conference. University of Kent. [Conference paper]
Asymmetric activation of the anterior cerebral cortex in recipients of IRECA: preliminary evidence for the energetic effects of an intention-based treatment modality on human neurophysiology. Pike, C., Vernon, D., Hald, L., (09 Oct 2014). [Journal article]
Comparing the effectiveness of subliminal single-word, and multi-word primes on working memory performance Reeves, S., Vernon, D., Psychology Postgraduate Affairs Group Conference 2014. [Conference paper]
Interpreting EEG alpha activity Bazanova, O., Vernon, D., (Jul 2014): Elsevier. [Journal article]
Neurofeedback: reviewing the methodology Bazanova, O., Vernon, D., The Society of Applied Neuroscience. [Conference paper]
The influence of self-regulation technique on the efficiency of voluntary increasing alpha power training Bazanova, O., Lazareva, O., Vernon, D., The Society of Applied Neuroscience Conference. [Conference paper]
Thinking hats and good men: structured techniques in a problem construction task Vernon, D., Hocking, I., (Dec 2014): Elsevier. [Journal article]
Thinking hats and good men: structured techniques in a problem finding task Hocking, I., Vernon, D., BPS Cognitive Psychology Section Conference. University of Nottingham. [Conference paper]
Tracking EEG changes to alpha and beta binaural beats Vernon, D., Peryer, G., Louch, J., Shaw, M.: Elsevier. [Journal article]
Exploring modality switching effects in negated sentences: further evidence for grounded representations Hald, L., Hocking, I., Vernon, D., Marshall, J., Garnham, A., (28 Feb 2013). [Journal article]
A novel self-guided approach to alpha activity training using water based electrodes Van Boxtel, G., Denissen, A., Jager, M., Vernon, D., Dekker, M., Mihajlovic, V., Sitskoorn, M., (Mar 2012): Elsevier. [Journal article]
Neurofeedback: refining the methodology of brain-computer interface training. Vernon, D., Dempster, T., Complexity Science, Living Systems and Reflexing Interfaces: New Models and Perspectives. Hershey, PA, USA.: Idea Group Inc. [Book chapter]
Modality switching and negation: ERP evidence for modality-specific simulations during negation processing Hald, L., Hocking, I., Marshall, J., Vernon, D., Garnham, A., Embodied and Situated Language Processing. [Conference paper]
EEG biofeedback and optimal performance Vernon, D., (Mar 2010), Philips High Tech Campus. [Conference paper]
EEG biofeedback as a mechanism to enhance performance Vernon, D., (Oct 2010), Conference. [Conference paper]
Refining the methodology of alpha NFT and exploring its effect on cognition and mood Vernon, D., (Jul 2010), Wales Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience. [Conference paper]
Refining the methodology of EEG biofeedback Vernon, D., (Jul 2010), Wales Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience. [Conference paper]
Alpha neurofeedback training for performance enhancement: reviewing the methodology Vernon, D., Dempster, T., Bazanova, O., Rutterford, N., Pasqualini, M., Andersen, S., (Oct 2009): Routledge. [Journal article]
Human potential: exploring techniques used to enhance human performance Vernon, D.. London: Routledge. [Book]
Identifying indices of learning for alpha neurofeedback training Dempster, T., Vernon, D.. [Journal article]
Neurofeedback as a mechanism to enhance the performance of healthy participants Vernon, D., Neurofeedback as a mechanism to enhance the performance of healthy participants. [Lecture]
Electroencephalographic biofeedback as a mechanism to alter mood, creativity and artistic performance Vernon, D., Gruzelier, J., (2008), Mind-Body and Relaxation Research Focus. New York, USA: Nova Science Publishers. [Book chapter]
Neurofeedback: using computer technology to alter brain functioning Vernon, D., (2008), Reflexing Interfaces: The Complex Coevolution of Information Technology Ecosystems. Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA: IGI Global. [Book chapter]
The effects of distinct training schedules on participants’ ability to alter alpha activity via neurofeedback: a preliminary study Vernon, D., Dempster, T., Annual Meeting of the Society of Applied Neuroscience. [Conference paper]
Effects of delay on color priming for natural objects Vernon, D., Lloyd-Jones, T.. [Journal article]
Validating the efficacy of neurofeedback for optimising performance Gruzelier, J., Egner, T., Vernon, D., (2006), Event-Related Dynamics of Brain Oscillations: Elsevier. [Journal article]
Can neurofeedback training enhance performance? An evaluation of the evidence with implications for future research Vernon, D., (2005): Springer. [Journal article]
Event-related brain potential correlates of human auditory sensory memory-trace formation Haenschel, C., Vernon, D., Dwivedi, P., Gruzelier, J., Baldewig, T., (09 Nov 2005): Society of Neuroscience. [Journal article]
Slow habituation of induced gamma and beta oscillations in association with unreality experiences in schizotypy Vernon, D., Haenschel, C., Dwivedi, P., Gruzelier, J., (Apr 2005): Elsevier. [Journal article]
Neurofeedback as a treatment for ADHD: a methodological review with implications for future research Vernon, D., Frick, A., Gruzelier, J., (2004). [Journal article]
The effect of distinct neurofeedback training protocols on working memory, mental rotation and attention Vernon, D., Egner, T., Cooper, N., Compton, T., Neilands, C., Sheri, A., Gruzelier, J., (2004). [Journal article]
Dynamics of metacognitive judgments: Pre- and postretrieval mechanisms. Vernon, D., Usher, M., (May 2003). [Journal article]
Semantic interference from visual object recognition on visual imagery Lloyd-Jones, T., Vernon, D., (Jul 2003). [Journal article]
The effect of training distinct neurofeedback protocols on aspects of cognitive performance Vernon, D., Egner, T., Cooper, N., Compton, T., Neilands, C., Sheri, A., Gruzelier, J., (Jan 2003). [Journal article]
The role of colour in implicit and explicit memory performance Vernon, D., Lloyd-Jones, T., (2003). [Journal article]
Cortical habituation of schizotypal individuals: a differential pattern for unreality subtypes Gruzelier, J., Vernon, D., Haenschel, C., Dwivedi, P., (Jul 2002). [Journal article]

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Contact me

david.vernon@canterbury.ac.uk

01227922501

Dr David Vernon