Comparison of the SoulPhone Project and Instrumental Transcommunication

by Mark Pitstick MA, DC and Gary E. Schwartz PhD

Note: If you already know the following information scroll down to the article title in maroon below the seven asterisks.  However, I strongly recommend reading this introduction until you really ‘own’ it.  In addition, post The Great News where you’ll see it every day.  

Over the last 15 years, and especially during 2019 – 2024, data from a series of experiments at the University of Arizona have definitively demonstrated scientifically that life continues after physical death.  This research was conducted by Gary E. Schwartz PhD, former professor at Harvard and Yale, and pioneer in the fields of behavioral medicine and energy healing.  

Dr. Schwartz is assisted in this work by a team of electrical engineers, software developers, research assistants, evidential mediums, and postmaterial luminaries at the Laboratory for Advances in Consciousness and Health.  (To learn more about the SoulPhone Project and lab, visit LACH.Arizona.edu.  To learn about postmaterial luminaries, see article #31 at SoulProof.com) 

The Demo SoulSwitch is a binary (Yes / No) SoulSwitch device that postmaterial persons (the so-called ‘deceased’) can use to answer questions, verify their identity, and begin providing information to help many people and our planet.  This device should be ready for beta testing by the summer of 2024.  After sessions with project volunteers and larger donors, we will share data that scientifically demonstrates life continues after bodily death.  However, this ‘reveal’ will initially occur as an ‘incremental trickle’ versus a ‘sudden splash’.   Over time and under optimal conditions, we will gradually amplify how widely this news is shared. 

Likewise, demonstrations of this technology will occur in a stepwise fashion.  We anticipate, but cannot guarantee, that full announcements and demonstrations will occur by spring 2025.  These decisions were made in April 2024 after many strategic planning discussions with core project team members.  The many factors involved are much more complex than you might imagine. 

See articles #1, 60, and 115 for an overview of the scientific, clinical, and experiential evidence that indicates – with 99.9% certainty – that consciousness survives bodily death.  This collective evidence also shows – with very high degrees of certainty – The Great News that you and everyone else:

1. continue to live after your earthly body dies.
2. can interact with ‘departed’ loved ones now and after you pass on.
3. are integral, infinite, eternal, and beloved parts of Source Energy now and always.
4. receive guidance and support from angels, guides, master teachers, etc.
5. are sacredly interconnected with all people, animals, and nature.
6. have special purposes for having this earthly experience now.
7. may manifest in other simultaneous time / space realities now and after bodily death.
8. have everything you need to enjoy an optimal earthly experience – no matter what your past or current circumstances.
9. can find meaning, as well as opportunities for growth and service, amidst your toughest changes and challenges.
10. co-create how heavenly your life feels – whether living on earth or elsewhere – by your predominant thoughts, words and actions.
11. can likely use SoulPhone technology in the future to communicate with postmaterial loved ones and access wisdom from luminaries who can help us heal our world.  

Statements #1, 2, and 11 are based on definitive scientific research.  The other statements are based on: (a) clinical research: near-death experiences, past life memories and regressions, perinatal experiences, life between lives sessions, shared crossings, terminal lucidity cases, and deathbed visions; and (b) evidencefrom firsthand experiences: after-death communications, out-of-body experiences, spiritually transformative experiences, electronic voice projection / instrumental transcommunication, and other ways of knowing.

This is, obviously, a new and exciting era for humanity.  When understood and internalized – even just a bit – The Great News can help you make the shift:         

• FROM thinking, believing, and acting as if your time on earth is unfair, meaningless, cruel, and ends with cessation of consciousness or the possibility of endless suffering.
• TO thinking, believing, and acting as if this earthly experience is a totally meaningful, safe, and magnificent adventure amidst forever.

Conscious language can help you adopt a greater reality perspective and live based on the second bulleted worldview.  And that, in turn, can help you create the greatest life YOU have envisioned, fulfill your purposes for being on earth, serve others, and enjoy a magnificent journey.  In the pursuit of using more conscious / accurate terms, l:   

1. Will use the term ‘YOU’ to describe the totality of your energy / being. Your real self may manifest in different spacetime ways simultaneously since only approximately 50% of your consciousness is needed to have an earthly experience. The term ‘YOU’ recognizes both of these possibilities.
2. Won’t use the terms ‘die, departed, deceased, or dead’ without single quotation marks since those have strongly entrenched and erroneous meanings indicating an end of life.
3. Will use the terms ‘bodily death’ and ‘death of the earthly form’ to remind you that only the earth-suit dies. The rest – all the intelligence, love, personality, memories, preferences, sense of humor, and much more – continues living in other parts of the field of all possibilities.
4. Will use the terms changed worlds, passed on, transitioned and others that aptly describe a continuation of consciousness after bodily death.
5. Will primarily refer to those who have passed on as postmaterial persons. That term recognizes the points in #3. I also will use soul, consciousness, essence, and awareness.
6. Will primarily refer to ‘physical humans living on earth’ as material persons. Why? Because those terms within single quotation marks may apply to postmaterial persons.  That is, they can have physicality, visit earth, and are still human in meaningful ways.
   
7. Will use the terms lower versus higher energies, emotions, and ways of being. These descriptors are not critical, judgmental, or subjective; rather, they are based on objective measures by, for example, David Hawkins PhD, MD author of Power Versus Force. He and other researchers found that higher-energy emotions of peace, joy, and love calibrate at 600, 540, and 500 respectively.  Conversely, lower-energy emotions of anger, fear, and guilt calibrate at 150, 100, and 30.  To be clear, energy / consciousness is who and what you really are, not just how you are feeling.  Your predominant energies create the quality of your life and the nature of your earthly or other time-space experience.
8. Will use single quotations marks with words such as ‘lose and fail’.  The Great News and collective afterlife evidence can expand your worldview about what seem to be losses and failures.  We can’t accurately judge the big picture of life – what is lost or how we failed – with our limited human senses.   

Note: To recognize and respect different genders and sexual identifications, I will alternate using ‘he’ or ‘she’ and related pronouns.  Depending on a person’s orientation, one, both, or neither of those may apply.

The free articles and radio shows mentioned are available at SoulProof.com.  To learn more about the collective afterlife evidence and The Great News, read Soul Proof, The Afterlife Evidence, Greater Reality Living (co-authored with Dr. Schwartz) and The Big Picture of Life (for ages 10 – 16 written with Schwartz and Katta Mapes MA, MEd).  To experience expanded states of consciousness to optimally heal and transform your life, use audio sessions under Shop at SoulProof.com. 

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Comparison of the SoulPhone Project and Instrumental Transcommunication

Introduction

SoulPhone^TM Project technology findings will be announced in late 2021.  Thus, it timely and important to compare this method of postmaterial communication with other approaches.  (Note: postmaterial persons is our preferred term for ‘the deceased’ whose earthly bodies have perished but continue living in another form. Our acronym for this term is PMP.)

In this article, we will discuss differences between the SoulPhone Project (SPP) and Instrumental Transcommunication (ITC).  To be clear, we are not criticizing investigators of ITC or their findings.  Some of them have worked tirelessly over decades with little or no outside funding.  None of them have benefited from conducting research at a major university laboratory.

ITC researchers admit the limitations in their research methods, technology, and theoretical and experimental design.  These will hopefully be addressed in the future with the aid of scientific research.  However, those methods may not be needed if the SPP devices are available as we anticipate.

Finally, we acknowledge that we are comparing the SPP – a specific and contemporary project that we know very well – to ITC that includes a broad range of approaches over many decades.  As such, this is not a true ‘apples to apples’ comparison.

The table below highlights comparisons between the SPP and ITC.  Following the chart is a brief explanation of each factor.

Table 1: Factors that are YES for the SoulPhone and NO for Instrumental Transcommunication[1] 

Table 2: Factors that are NO for the SoulPhone and YES for Instrumental Transcommunication

Discussion

Below is a short explanation of each factor listed above.

Factors that are YES for the SoulPhone and NO for Instrumental Transcommunication

1. Experiments done at accredited university
   SPP experiments have been conducted at the Laboratory for Advances in Consciousness and Health at the University of Arizona. Dr. Schwartz and a team of electrical engineers, software specialists, optical physicists, and other experts have conducted this research for 15 years.  Our literature review indicated that no ITC research has been conducted at an accredited university.  (Again, this is not a criticism but, rather, an accurate statement about the differences between SPP and ITC.)
2. Proper controls used during research
   Valid scientific research requires ‘controls’ to show the difference between ‘participant’ and ‘nonparticipant’ conditions. For the SoulPhone experiments, participant sessions were run when a postmaterial person (PMP) was asked to interact with the sensing device involved. During nonparticipant control sessions, the PMP collaborator was asked to not touch the laboratory sensing device.In some SPP sessions, controls were run when the PMP was not present in the laboratory.  This was verified by one or more highly evidential mediums and, most importantly, by the consistent differences in control versus participant sessions.  Having stringent controls increases the statistical probability that observed effects were indeed created by PMPs. As noted in footnote ¹ above, only two ITC experiments have involved controls.  Those found no significant difference in participant versus nonparticipant (control) sessions.
3. Experimental methods shared with others
   To date, the precise methods for SPP experiments have been shared in journal papers. See a list of these under References. (Note: in the future, the SPP will not be able to share specific details about potentially commercializable devices because of intellectual property and pending patents.  This is to ensure optimal devices for maximum benefits to all people and our planet.  Security measures will also protect people from misuse of the technology by nefarious persons.)  Some ITC investigators share their methods whereas others – despite being asked publicly – have not.
4. Controlled for experimenter effects
   Conscious and/or unconscious intentions and the ‘mental energy’ of an experimenter may impact experimental findings. SPP has specifically addressed this concern is several ways. Some experiments were run when no one was in the lab and the timing of computerized instructions were set by a random time generator.  In other experiments, the primary experimenter was ‘blinded’ regarding which lab was involved, whether it was a control / nonparticipant or participant session, what time sessions began, and what PMP collaborators were involved.  Upcoming multicenter studies at six or more universities will involve a ‘three experimenter model’ to further minimize any unconscious experimenter psi effects.No ITC investigations have involved this degree of sophisticated methods to ensure that ‘the mind’ of the experimenter doesn’t affect the results.  To the contrary, as discussed in #16 below, some ITC researchers consider that their energy is a crucial part of their results.
5. Replicated results obtained by persons besides primary investigator
   Most of the SoulPhone experiments were run in more than one lab and involved different the principle investigator as well as research assistants.  We saw no evidence of independent replication for ITC studies.
6. Results published in peer-reviewed scientific journals
   Strict scientific research requirements must be met for papers published in scientific journals. Dr. Schwartz has published three such papers in Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing. As of August 2021, an advanced methodology and validation paper is currently under review by a mainstream scientific journal.  Understandably, this has not been done for any ITC research.
7. Significant findings obtained from the research
   In SPP, all experiments showed highly statistically significant results. That means there was less than 1 in 1000 chance that experimental differences were due to chance. In most studies, that level of significance was 1 in 100,000 or more.  This very high degree of certainty that findings were not random is unusual in scientific research.  This factor doesn’t apply to ITC since there has been no university research involving controls and statistical analysis.
8. Consistent findings observed
   In SPP, six experiments with over 1500 sessions yielded over 1 trillion bits of data from tests with PMPs. The data left no doubt that our postmaterial participants consistently understood directions, arrived when and where requested, and completed the tasks in an ideal manner. Again, no ITC experiments have been conducted at this level of advanced methodology so no statement about consistent findings can be made.
9. Experimenter has PhD or other scientific research degrees from reputable university
   Dr. Schwartz received his PhD in psychophysiology from Harvard University. He was trained to conduct the highest standards of scientific research and has done so for fifty years.  In the field of ITC, only Julie Beischel PhD has such training, but she is not an ITC researcher per se.  Her pilot study in 2011 showed no difference between active and control sessions.  We found no other ITC researcher with this level of training for scientific research.
10. Based on contemporary electro-magnetic field theory
    Dr. Schwartz’s opinion is the SoulPhone Project is while ITC is not.

Factors that are NO for the SoulPhone and YES for Instrumental Transcommunication

11. Results may involve mediumship
    In the field of ITC, some investigators credit their results to their mediumistic or ‘sensitive’ abilities. That is, an emotional bonding with PMPs is considered to enhance the results. With SPP, no mediums were involved in data collection and analysis. In some SoulPhone experiments, a highly evidential research medium assisted in only the following ways: (1) pre-session meetings with PMP ‘test pilots’ to explain the upcoming experiments; (2) invitation and reminder to PMP collaborators to ‘show up’ on the right day and time.  However, in other experiments, a non-medium research assistant invited and reminded PMP participants; the highly statistically significant results were the same as when a medium was involved.
12. Used in ghost hunting effects
    Ghost hunting with purported ITC devices is featured in television and other media. These programs are very interesting and sometimes highly sensational. However, the devices and methods of alleged ghost hunters usually do not meet minimal standards for real research.  The SoulPhone experiments and early PMP-sensing devices have not been used for ghost hunting.  In our opinion, a focus on non-evidence based entertainment detracts from serious research on postmaterial communication.  There are many suffering people and uninformed skeptics who deserve evidence-based answers and reputable technology.
13. Special conditions – e.g., dim lights, same time of day, an emotional bond, and meditating before sessions – can help
    These factors are often considered to be very helpful for ITC research.  SPP technology, however, does not require any of these.  Our goal is to provide a highly accurate, reliable, and safe device that consistently enables clear communication regardless of the above or other conditions.  For example, meditating isn’t needed before using a contemporary cell phone.  The goal of SPP is to have a similar level of consistent performance.
14. The PMPs involved are more important for ITC success than the device used
    Some of the best results in ITC were obtained with postmaterial persons who were involved in the ITC field before passing on.  As mentioned in (13.), SPP is quite different in this regard.
15. Device works better with background noise from random generator
    This observation has been made by top ITC investigators. Some believe that PMPs can use the background noise to form their words in electronic voice projection.  As with existing communication devices, SPP devices will not require this.
16. May require ‘psychic’ or emotional energy of the human operator
    Many, if not all, ITC approaches are ‘operator dependent’. That is, the personal energy / mediumship abilities of the investigator are a prime factor in obtaining good results.  As discussed in #4 above, results with SPP experiments have not shown this requirement.  For example, all indications are that SPP technology should work equally well whether the user is a devout believer or complete disbeliever in the afterlife.  Likewise, SPP devices should operate flawlessly with people spanning all sensitive / insensitive and loving / hating levels.

Summary
Communication with persons who have passed on has been reported via different ITC methods for centuries.  However, results have often been inconsistent, subjective, and/or unintelligible.
These other approaches have certainly not been researched and demonstrated scientifically.

SoulPhone technology, on the other hand, should provide 99%+ accurate responses in real time.  The first practical device, the SoulKeyboard^TM, will allow texting and typing with postmaterial loved ones.  It will ‘give spirit a voice’ on earth.  In addition, this technology should allow communication from postmaterial luminaries who want to help us heal ourselves and our world.  These include scientists, educators, spiritual leaders, inventors, and others.  Our goal is to enable webinars with these venerable persons who were geniuses while on earth, have continued their studies in the afterlife, and enjoy a less obstructed view of the greater reality.

The SoulKeyboard technology will first be a service, not a take-home device.  This will ensure that safety and security issues are thoroughly investigated and addressed.  Information gained from postmaterial scientists and inventors will be used by a full-time team of electrical engineers, software specialists, and other experts.

Funding from visionary donors, or collaboration with an optimal investor(s) / business will enable research and development on the next two SoulPhone devices: (1) SoulAudio^TM to allow talking with persons living in other dimensions, and (2) SoulVideo^TM that – like Skype, Zoom, and Facetime – allows seeing and hearing those who are no longer living on earth.

To learn more about the SPP, visit www.SoulPhone.com and see Dr. Schwartz’s papers listed below.  For more information about ITC, see related reference; we found Drasin’s ‘Calling Earth’ documentary to be especially informative.

References

Baruss, E. (2001) ‘Failure to Replicate Electronic Voice Phenomenon’. Journal of Scientific Exploration, Vol. 15, No. 3, pp. 355–367.

Baruss, E. (2007) ‘An Experimental Test of Instrumental Trans-communication’. Journal of Scientific Exploration, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 89-98.

Bieschel, J. and Boccuzzi, M.  Objective Analyses of Reported Real-Time Audio Instrumental Transcommunication and Matched Control Sessions: A Pilot Study June 2011 Journal of Scientific Exploration 25(2):215-235

Butler, T. and Butler, L. (2004) ‘There is No Death and There Are No Dead’. Nevada. AA-EVP Publishing.

Butler, L. Electronic Voice Phenomena As Evidence for Life After Death.  Journal of Spirituality & Paranormal Studies . Jul2007 Proceedings Supplement, Vol. 30, p129-134. 6p.

Butler, T.  What We Know About Life After Death Via EVP / ITC.  Journal of Spirituality & Paranormal Studies. Jul2007 Proceedings Supplement, Vol. 30, p135-147. 13p.

Cardoso, A. (2010) ‘Electronic Voices: Contact with Another Dimension?’ O Books.

Cardoso, A. (2012) ‘A Two-Year Investigation of the Allegedly Anomalous Electronic Voices or EVP. NeuroQuantology. Volume 10, Issue 3 Pages 492-514.

Drasin, D. “Calling Earth” documentary (2017)  https://vimeo.com/101171248

Fontana, D. (2003) ‘Annabella Cardoso and EVP’. A paper by David Fontana. ITC Journal. Issue 30. Pp.16 – 20.

Keen, M. Ellison, A. and Fontana, D. (1999). The Scole Report. Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research. 58, 222.

Macey, M. (2001) ‘Miracles in the Storm. Talking to the other side with the new technology of spiritual contact’. New American Library.

MacRae, A., (2005), ‘Report of an Electronic Voice Phenomena Experiment inside a Double Screened Room’, Journal of the Society for Psychical Research, October, 2005.

Raudive, K. Morton, J. Coxhead, E. Fowler, N. (1971) Breakthrough: An Amazing Experiment in Electronic Communication with the Dead. Colin Smythe LTD.

Richards, S. (2016) ‘Shocking Observations on the state of Psychical Research’. https://independent.academia.edu/SeanRichards2

Richards, S. (2016: b) ‘Contemporary Research into EVP and Instrumental Trans-communication Paper 1 – Emants Baruss.’ https://independent.academia.edu/SeanRichards2

Schwartz G.E. (2010). Possible application of silicon photomultiplier technology to detect the presence of spirit and intention: three proof-of-concept experiments. EXPLORE: The Journal of Science and Healing 6, pages 166-171.

Schwartz, GE. (2011) Photonic Measurement of Apparent Presence of Spirit Using a Computer Automated System. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing (2011) 7(2) 100-109 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2010.12.002

Schwartz, Gary E., Woollacott Marjorie H., eds. (2019) Is Consciousness Primary?  Perspectives from the Founding Members of the Academy for the Advancement of Postmaterialist Sciences (Advances in … the Advancement of Postmaterialist Sciences). Copyright 2019 ©️by the Academy for the Advancement of the Postmaterialist Sciences www.aapsglobal.com 

Schwartz, GE. (2021) A computer-automated, multi-center, multi-blinded, randomized control trial evaluating hypothesized spirit presence and communication.  Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing Volume 17, Issue 4, July–August 2021, Pages 351-359

Schwartz, GE (2021) Validation of a computer-automated, multi-center, multi-blinded, randomized control trial evaluating hypothesized discarnate presence and communication. Frontiers – Methodology Journal (pending)

Senkowski, E.  Statement on ITC / EVP.  http://www.itcjournal.org/?p=557

[1] Our summary conclusions are based on the vast majority of findings reported in located sources published in books, articles, and websites.  Only two formal ITC experiments have been conducted and published to date; both papers reported negative findings.