Any idea why this particular test was chosen?

Question

I've been searching really hard..trying to find something fun & entertaining..especially for the skeptics.

For parts 2&3..look below for the red shirt.

What do you think of this test? I'd really like your opinions.

http://www.randi.org/joom/content/view/125/1/

Answer 1

I don't understand what you mean by the red shirts. My understanding is that people claim THEY HAVE PARANORMAL SKILLS. they GO TO THESE GUYS AND GET TESTED IN ORDER TO WIN A MILLION DOLLARS.Oops sorry I hit the caps button. Any way they posted it on their web site a- because it was a test with a stranger and b- probably to have witnesses that she couldn't make him pee so they didn't have to pay her. If you meant something else- let me know, LOL

Answer 2

THATS PRETTY LAME AND YOUD THINK THEY WOULD COME OUT WITH SOMETHING BETTER THAN THAT.

Answer 3

Hi Deenie ! I love what you've done with your hair !! ( Avatar)

The test did sound a little ridiculous, I didn't expect it to work. The guy could have just as easily chosen not to give in,even if he had to go.

Answer 4

Yeah, that claim was pretty stupid.  But if you read over the challenge forum and blog, you'll see that this was one of the very few that even made it as far as a test - one of the few that could actually state a claim for an ability and agree to the test.  She claimed that weird ability; the JREF didn't propose it.  They will test whatever you claim to be able to do, no matter how stupid it seems.

And yeah, that's the best they could get to actually take test recently - funny how there are apparently so many psychics around, and no one is up for it.

Answer 5

Deenie, my understanding of the Randi Challenge is that all challengers are welcome to participate and be tested as long as they meet the minimal needs -- e.g., they propose their own unique ability to be tested, they have to come up with an experimental test protocol they agree to, they have to get signed affidavits of their ability from other people, etc.  If this person met the requirements to go into preliminary testing, then they would accept her and do the test.

I agree that this particular challenger's "psychic ability" does seem pretty silly (making people urinate is a power from God?) and kind of funny, which perhaps is why it is on Youtube. However there are other challengers who have made it to preliminary testing as well but with somewhat less absurd claimed abilities :)