jeffma (03/11/83)
The test that Randi performed with four dowsers in Australia resulted in
utter and embarrassing failure for the stick-dippers (for a description
of the test, see my article on dowsing evidence). In the summer 1981
issue of the Skeptical Inquirer, however, Randi describes the rationali-
zations these dowsers used afterwards to explain their failure (remember
that the dowsers agreed beforehand, in writing, that the conditions of
the test were fair, and that they felt fully capable of performing at
that time):
a. Interference from the walkie-talkies being used.
b. Concealed magnets nearby.
c. Static charges on the plastic pipes.
d. The effect of money being offered.
e. A mysterious "unknown" (at least to everyone before the test)
and un-named force.
Randi points out that these diabolical interferences didn't seem to have
any effect when the dowsers KNEW where the objects being sought were.
The dowsers' responses are fairly typical, and should give you some
clues as to how unwarranted beliefs can prevail in spite of devastating
evidence to the contrary.