Within Protocol
Can a Target Number Leak the Answer?
A neutral target number only works when the image pool is random, hidden and protected from accidental clues.
On this page
- Why neutral numbers are used instead of cues
- How to build a small hidden image pool
- Common ways file names and habits leak clues
Page outline Jump by section
Introduction
A beginner remote viewing exercise depends on one simple principle: the target should be identifiable only after the session is complete. That is why many protocols use a neutral target number linked to a hidden image rather than giving the viewer a descriptive prompt. The number itself is intended to carry no meaning. Its purpose is to identify the target for record-keeping while preventing the viewer from inferring the answer from wording, categories or routine.[CIA]cia.govSTANDARD REMOTE VIEWING (RV) PROCEDURESThe target pool consists of more than 50 target locations chosen from a target-rich environment…
Whether remote viewing itself reflects a genuine phenomenon remains disputed. Supporters argue that careful blinding is essential to give the process a fair test, while critics contend that many apparent successes can be explained by subtle information leakage, unconscious cueing or generous interpretation. Both sides therefore agree on one practical point: if a protocol allows clues to creep into the target selection process, the results become much harder to interpret.[Richard Wiseman]richardwiseman.comRichard WisemanExperiment One of the SAIC Remote Viewing Programby R Wiseman · Cited by 11 — In our original paper (Wiseman & Milton, 199…
Why Neutral Numbers Are Used Instead of Cues
In many remote viewing traditions, particularly those influenced by Coordinate Remote Viewing (CRV), the viewer receives only a reference number before beginning a session. The number is not supposed to encode information about the image, location or object. It simply acts as a label that links the completed session to the correct target after feedback is given.[CIA]cia.govSTANDARD REMOTE VIEWING (RV) PROCEDURESThe target pool consists of more than 50 target locations chosen from a target-rich environment…
This approach attempts to eliminate several common sources of bias:
- No descriptive hints. A prompt such as “bridge”, “animal” or “famous building” immediately narrows the possibilities.
- No category expectations. Even telling participants that every target is a landscape or every image is man-made changes how they interpret vague impressions.
- Consistent documentation. Random identifiers allow sessions to be stored, compared and judged without repeatedly exposing the actual target.
The specific digits themselves are generally arbitrary. Some systems use long numerical strings, while others use shorter random identifiers. From a protocol standpoint, the important property is not the format but that the identifier is assigned independently of the target’s content and cannot reasonably be interpreted as a clue.[CIA]cia.govSTANDARD REMOTE VIEWING (RV) PROCEDURESThe target pool consists of more than 50 target locations chosen from a target-rich environment…
How to Build a Small Hidden Image Pool
For beginners, a modest image pool is usually sufficient, provided that it remains genuinely hidden from the viewer throughout the session.
A practical pool might contain several dozen distinctive photographs with obvious visual characteristics, such as waterfalls, aircraft, deserts, city skylines, castles or ships. Images should be easy to distinguish from one another rather than differing only in minor details.
A straightforward procedure is:
- Gather a collection of visually distinct photographs.
- Assign each image a randomly generated identifier.
- Store the list separately from the viewing sessions.
- Select targets using a random process rather than personal preference.
- Reveal the matching image only after the session notes are complete.
Historically, controlled experiments often relied on considerably larger target pools. Some government-sponsored protocols described pools containing dozens or even hundreds of potential targets, with computer-assisted random selection used to reduce experimenter influence over which image would be viewed in a particular session.[CIA]cia.govSTANDARD REMOTE VIEWING (RV) PROCEDURESThe target pool consists of more than 50 target locations chosen from a target-rich environment…
The objective is not simply randomness for its own sake. A hidden pool reduces the possibility that viewers learn recurring targets through familiarity or infer likely answers because certain images appear more often than others.
Can a Target Number Leak the Answer?
Ideally, no. In practice, however, the number is only one part of a wider information system. Many accidental clues can reveal more than the identifier itself.
Common examples include:
- Descriptive file names, such as
eiffel_tower.jpgormountain_lake.png. - Folders grouped by theme, allowing someone to notice that today’s target comes from a folder labelled “Animals”.
- Sequential numbering, where recently used targets become predictable.
- Visible thumbnails in image browsers.
- Notebook habits, such as writing “Target 12 (bridge)” before the session is complete.
- Repeated favourite targets, making future selections easier to anticipate.
Even seemingly trivial habits can influence expectations. If every tenth target happens to be an architectural scene because of the organiser’s filing system, participants may unconsciously learn that pattern over repeated sessions.
For this reason, careful protocols treat administrative information as part of the experimental design rather than an afterthought.
Why Hidden Pools Matter More Than Complex Numbering
Beginners sometimes assume that longer or more complicated target numbers create a better protocol. In reality, protecting the target pool is generally more important than increasing numerical complexity.
A random eight-digit identifier offers little advantage over a random four-digit identifier if:
- the organiser knows the answer and unintentionally provides hints;
- the target list is visible on the same computer;
- previous targets are reused frequently; or
- viewers become familiar with the available images.
Conversely, a simple random identifier linked to a genuinely concealed, well-managed target pool removes many ordinary opportunities for cueing. This reflects a broader principle in experimental design: blinding depends more on controlling information flow than on making identifiers look sophisticated.[Richard Wiseman]richardwiseman.comRichard WisemanExperiment One of the SAIC Remote Viewing Programby R Wiseman · Cited by 11 — In our original paper (Wiseman & Milton, 199…
What Research on Information Leakage Has Shown
Discussion of remote viewing methodology has repeatedly returned to the problem of information leakage. Critics reviewing influential experiments have identified occasions where judges or participants could potentially obtain unintended clues from transcripts, target handling or experimental procedures. Some early studies contained dates, references to previous sessions or other contextual details that allowed targets to be matched without relying solely on the viewing descriptions.[Richard Wiseman]richardwiseman.comRichard WisemanExperiment One of the SAIC Remote Viewing Programby R Wiseman · Cited by 11 — In our original paper (Wiseman & Milton, 199…
Supporters of remote viewing generally accept that these criticisms led to tighter protocols. Later methodological descriptions increasingly emphasised blind judging, independent target selection, concealed target pools and delayed feedback as standard features of better-controlled experiments.[CIA]cia.govSTANDARD REMOTE VIEWING (RV) PROCEDURESThe target pool consists of more than 50 target locations chosen from a target-rich environment…
For beginners, the practical lesson does not depend on taking a position about remote viewing itself. If the aim is to evaluate a session fairly, every ordinary source of information—file names, conversation, predictable routines, visible image folders and non-random target selection—should be removed before interpreting the results. A neutral target number only serves its purpose when it points to an image that has been selected randomly, kept hidden and protected from accidental clues until the session is complete.
Amazon book picks
Further Reading
Books and field guides related to Can a Target Number Leak the Answer?. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.
The seventh sense
First published 2003. Subjects: Military intelligence, American Espionage, Military aspects of Parapsychology, Remote viewing (Parapsycho...
Remote viewing secrets
First published 2000. Subjects: Remote viewing (Parapsychology), Parapsychology, Prophecies (occultism), Astral projection.
Mind-Reach
First published 2005. Subjects: Consciousness, Parapsychology, Case studies.
eBay marketplace picks
Marketplace Samples
Live-tested eBay searches with available results related to this page.
Endnotes
1.
Source: cia.gov
Link:https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP96-00788R002000240029-4.pdf
Source snippet
STANDARD REMOTE VIEWING (RV) PROCEDURESThe target pool consists of more than 50 target locations chosen from a target-rich environment...
2.
Source: cia.gov
Link:https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP96-00789R002200070001-0.pdf
Source snippet
00 using a computer pseudorandom number generator (PRNG).Read more...
3.
Source: richardwiseman.com
Link:https://www.richardwiseman.com/resources/SAICreply.pdf
Source snippet
Richard WisemanExperiment One of the SAIC Remote Viewing Programby R Wiseman · Cited by 11 — In our original paper (Wiseman & Milton, 199...
4.
Source: Wikipedia
Title: Remote viewing
Link:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_viewing
Additional References
5.
Source: amazon.de
Link:https://www.amazon.de/REMOTE-VIEWING-TARGET-TARGETS-BEGINNERS/dp/B0C4NDHSYK?tag=searcht-20
Source snippet
THE REMOTE VIEWING TARGET BOOKIf you are a beginner in remote viewing, this book is a catch. Practise with 72 targets which increase slow...
6.
Source: rv-practice.rf.gd
Link:https://rv-practice.rf.gd/
Source snippet
Viewing PracticeWelcome to yet another remote viewing practice site. Here you can find information to get started in remote viewing and a...
7.
Source: researchgate.net
Title: 374881423 Remote Viewing A 1974 2022 Systematic Review and [Meta Analysis]({{ ‘meta-analysis/’ | relative_url }})
Link:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374881423_Remote_Viewing_A_1974-2022_Systematic_Review_and_Meta-Analysis
Source snippet
(PDF) Remote Viewing: A 1974-2022 Systematic Review...26 Oct 2023 — This is the first meta-analysis of all studies related to remote-vie...
8.
Source: reddit.com
Link:https://www.reddit.com/r/remoteviewing/comments/1phppu9/i_built_a_free_web_app_to_practice_remote_viewing/
Source snippet
ing, and I wanted to share it with the community to get your thoughts.Read more...
9.
Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Link:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30291000/
Source snippet
Viewing of Concealed Target Pictures Under Light...by S Krippner · 2019 · Cited by 15 — This study explored the differential effect of d...
10.
Source: youtube.com
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnK6289Eau0
11.
Source: youtube.com
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjVKnQ6ZiWw
12.
Source: youtube.com
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRJpWBIDUOs
13.
Source: youtube.com
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l24e0uOoJdE
14.
Source: youtube.com
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTZsCX7FoQs
Topic Tree