Excess Correlation and Consciousness Research
What Is Excess Correlation?
“Excess correlation” refers to a set of phenomena observed by Dr. Michael Persinger and his research team at Laurentian University, suggesting that human brains may display synchronized activity patterns across physical distances under specific electromagnetic (EM) conditions.
The concept proposes that shared EM field configurations can facilitate information exchange or mutual influence between two spatially separated nervous systems — without conventional sensory communication.
In Persinger’s framework, excess correlation represents a form of non-local brain coupling, grounded in neurophysical field coherence (Persinger, p. 3–5).
Theoretical Background
Persinger’s model builds on the premise that the brain’s electromagnetic field can act as a carrier of information, enabling phase-locked relationships between neuronal assemblies.
According to data reported in his Neuropsychological Correlation Studies (Persinger,
p. 6–8), when two subjects were simultaneously exposed to rotating magnetic fields patterned after the brain’s micro-temporal structure, subtle EEG correlations emerged beyond statistical chance.
These results were interpreted as indicators of field-mediated coherence, where shared EM parameters might temporarily align neural oscillations between participants.
Experimental Observations
In a controlled series of double-blind trials, pairs of participants were placed in magnetically shielded chambers located tens of meters apart.
Both environments received identical patterned magnetic field sequences—low-intensity (<1 µT) rotating configurations matching temporal features of cortical activity.
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EEG cross-correlations showed brief synchronization spikes (30–50 ms range).
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Subjective reports occasionally described simultaneous imagery or emotional states (Persinger, p. 10–11).
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Control trials using uncorrelated fields did not reproduce these effects.
While Persinger emphasized that these results did not confirm mind-to-mind communication, they did suggest field-level coupling between nervous systems under precise EM parameters.
The "Mind to Mind" Interface
The Mind to Mind system was later developed as a replication platform for Persinger’s experimental conditions.
It applies weak rotating magnetic fields to each hemisphere using paired solenoids, synchronized via computer control to replicate phase-matched conditions described in his laboratory studies.
This interface allows modern researchers and educators to replicate non-local EEG coupling experiments safely and consistently for educational study (Persinger, p. 14–16).
Further technical detail is available in the Mind to Mind Interface page.
Scientific Interpretation
Excess correlation remains a controversial but scientifically framed hypothesis.
Persinger proposed that the effect may arise from shared space-time geometries modulated by weak EM fields, a perspective influenced by quantum field theory and biophysical resonance models (Persinger, p. 18–20).
Subsequent discussions have considered whether these correlations reflect:
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Statistical coincidences due to common EM exposure
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Classical field interference between overlapping waveforms
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Or a more profound phase-space coherence mechanism within neural systems
Ongoing replication efforts aim to clarify which of these explanations best fits observed data.
Continuing Research
Persinger described them as neurophysical correlations consistent with known EM field properties (Persinger, p. 22–23).
Modern analyses are exploring whether ultra-low-frequency coherence in biological systems could explain similar synchrony effects reported in EEG, fMRI, and magnetoencephalography (MEG) studies.
The Museum of Tarot’s Consciousness Correlation Knowledge Hub preserves and expands this body of work for open scientific inquiry.
References
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Persinger, M. A. Excess Correlation: Experimental and Theoretical Notes, Laurentian University Laboratory Manuscript (pp. 3–23).
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Persinger, M. A., et al. Non-Local Field Effects Between Pairs of Human Brains, unpublished notes (p. 10–12).
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Persinger, M. A. (2010). The Electromagnetic Basis of Consciousness Correlation. Laurentian University.