1984 volume 13(3) pages 229 – 236
doi:10.1068/p130229

Cite as:
Fildes B N, O'Loughlin B J, Bradshaw J L, Ewens W J, 1984, "Human orientation with restricted sensory information: no evidence for magnetic sensitivity" Perception 13(3) 229 – 236
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Human orientation with restricted sensory information: no evidence for magnetic sensitivity

Brian N Fildes, Bernard J O'Loughlin, John L Bradshaw, Warren J Ewens

Received 25 October 1983

Abstract. Baker claimed that people are able to orientate themselves to particular geographical locations as a result of sensitivity to the Earth's magnetic field. These claims were disputed by Gould and Able. A study involving a greater number of subjects (n = 103) and more stringent control over environmental sensory cues was carried out to resolve this disagreement. Subjects responded, both with a direct pointing response and with a verbal judgement in terms of an imagined clock face, to the targets of north, home, and the City of Melbourne. In statistical terms, subjects were not able to orientate towards any target by use of either response. No evidence was found for a magnetic sense in humans as claimed by Baker.

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