effectively as possible to the stage at which he should be working.
It should be pointed out, however, that for the most part it is only
the advanced investigator himself who is likely to be especially
concerned with verification at its most rigorous level. If our inter-
pretation of the need for this volume is correct, it is probable that
most of those concerned with actual methods, those who will un-
dertake psi testing in one interest or another, will deal mainly with
what in this chapter have been ranked as exploratory procedures.
Let it be made clear, then, that there is no ranking of these
methodological stages such that one can say the more rigorously
controlled the test method the better. It may, in fact, be the
worse if the situation calls for a free-moving, more exploratory
approach. For example, in the wide range of what might be
called clinical applications of psi tests, ready adaptability in
method is so important that the more elaborate procedures and
precautions of a crucial experiment should not even be considered.

Fortunately for parapsychology, however, some of those whose
interest in psi begins as an incidental one may make first-rate
discoveries that would call for further pursuit under the most
advanced research design. Such an outcome is devoutly to be
wished for and encouraged. If this general outline of the ways of
investigating psi has been well enough presented to give an intro-
ductory picture, the inquirer, on whatever front, will be able to
find or develop the plan of procedure best suited to his purpose.

The various adaptations of methods to particular uses such as
clinical applications will doubtless develop many alterations; cer-
tainly as the interest in psi expands into adjacent fields, the
methods will have to be adapted to fit the specialized needs. It
will be advantageous, however, to maintain the same basic stand-
ards throughout and thus allow for easy comparison and interpre-
tation of results across the boundary lines. The methods now in
use will be found to adapt readily and widely without changing
the basic structure.

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