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- Foundations of Paraliminal Technology
Foundations of Paraliminal Technology
- By Learning Strategies
- Published 08/20/2008
- Mental health & fitness , Change, growth, coaching
Learning Strategies
Paul Scheele is the co-founder and creative program designer for Learning Strategies Corporation. Numerous peak performance experts such as Jack Canfield, Tony Robbins, Ken Blanchard, T. Harv Eker, and Brian Tracy have used and endorsed Paul's programs. He has advanced degrees in Biology and Learning and Human Development plus a background in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), accelerated learning, and transformational leadership.
This article explains the Paraliminal Technology that is used with many of our programs. It will examine the literature on the supporting technologies of Suggestive-Accelerative Learning and Teaching Methods, Whole Brain Learning, Imagery, Suggestion, Relaxation and Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
The amount of literature on each of the above mentioned subjects is quite large. The intent of this paper is to survey the literature and provide a framework for further understanding. It is not intended to be exhaustive in detail.
Researchers requiring more details on the actual design of specific CDs can contact the author at Learning Strategies Corporation.
Overall Design
Paraliminal defined
Paraliminal learning sessions are audio CDs. Each one presents creative new ideas to help individuals overcome internal obstacles and achieve personal and professional goals. They are unique in their application of the latest educational technologies.
"Para" is the Latin prefix meaning "beyond". "Liminal" refers to the "limen" or "threshold" of conscious awareness. The term literally means, "beyond the threshold of conscious awareness".
The term was coined, in part, to distinguish it from "subliminal" which means, "below the threshold". In psychological literature, subliminal refers to information that cannot be consciously perceived.
With the Paraliminal learning sessions, the listener can hear separate messages coming into each ear, but it is beyond the conscious mind’s ability to process both messages simultaneously for more than a few moments.
The result is an interesting multi-level communication to different hemispheres of the brain. The listener can choose which ear’s information to attend to, and one’s attention tends to switch from time to time.
Consequently, the conscious mind’s experience of the CD is different with each listening session. Yet, the other-than-conscious [referred to as "paraconscious" by Lozanov (1978)] receives the entire message each time.
Principle Educational and Therapeutic Technologies Involved
Accelerative Learning
The Paraliminal technology can be most readily identified as an application of Accelerative Learning and Teaching methodologies. The essence of this set of instructional methods uses an unusual combination of physical relaxation exercises, mental concentration and suggestive principles.
These are intended to expand a person's mental capabilities while material to be learned is presented dynamically with relaxing music (Schuster & Gritton, 1986).
The basic theory behind AL is that as humans we operate with unity of our conscious and paraconscious mind.
Theory also states that suggestion is the key to using our mental reserves to accelerate learning.
The use of SALT techniques according to Dr. Caskey (1980), "permits information to be absorbed more readily by the individual by bypassing emotional barriers which accompany most learning activities and it results in a larger percentage of learned material being retained in the long-term memory area of the brain."
With AL techniques the resulting learning has been found to be faster, more enjoyable, with high retention rates, while the self-concept of the learner is enhanced (Caskey, 1980).
Paraliminal learning sessions have been designed using the theories and methods of SALT, and Dr. Georgi Lozanov’s original works in Suggestopedia—which will be described later. The result is a collection of unique learning experiences which accelerate the listener past their blocks and into new ways of dealing with their personal and professional issues.
NLP
The second most significant foundation in the development of the Paraliminal technology is Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Known as "The study of the structure of subjective experience" (Dilts, et al., 1980), NLP is an extension of several sciences. Developed by Dr. John Grinder and Richard Bandler (Grinder & Bandler, 1975, 1976), it has its roots in linguistics, neurology, and psychology.
NLP is a model for understanding the basic processes used by all human beings to encode, transfer, guide, and modify behavior. "Neuro" stands for the idea that neurological processes cause all behavior.
"Linguistic" refers to the way that neural processes are represented, ordered and sequenced into models and strategies through language and communication systems.
"Programming" refers to the way internal sensory systems are organized for the achievement of specific outcomes. In sum, NLP is "The New Science of Achievement" (Robbins, 1986).
Paraliminal learning sessions employ the NLP technology in several ways.
First, in the development of special linguistic structures to ensure ideal suggestions are presented.
Second, in the creation of specific therapeutic patterns to enhance the process of learning and change.
Third, in the actual delivery of messages on the CDs. This includes the choice of voice qualities, music phrasing and tonal marking, as well as the selection of sensory specific language.
Summary
SALT and NLP technologies share the common goal of using communication to accelerate the process of human learning and change. Both are equally concerned with the medium and the message. Both stress the importance of process rather than content. And central to both models is the use of therapeutic and educational suggestion.
The Paraliminal technology is an application of these two technologies, combined with sophisticated digital audio imaging effects and production techniques. Testimonial accounts of the benefits are plentiful. To give credence to client results, the various components of each technology will be examined in the pages that follow.
The next section will present the elements of SAL then the elements of NLP employed in Paraliminal learning sessions will be examined.
Suggestive-Accelerative Learning and Teaching
Professor William James in his essay, "The Energies of Men," said that very few people live up to their full potential. "As a rule," he wrote, "they habitually use only a small part of the powers which they actually possess and which they might use under appropriate conditions."
It wasn’t until much later that a systematic effort in the field of human memory and learning bore out what Dr. James had realized.
In the 1960’s the extensive research of Dr. Georgi Lozanov, a Bulgarian psychiatrist, developed a new approach to accelerate learning and use the superpowers of mind.
He applied elements of suggestion techniques and relaxation to classroom learning and termed the methods Suggestopedia (Lozanov, 1971).
In America these methods have become known as suggestive-accelerative approaches to learning (Schuster, et al., 1976).
These techniques have been shown to be, "successful in increasing the amount of material learned in a given time or reducing the amount of time necessary to learn new material in a wide variety of subject matter areas at almost all educational levels" (Caskey, 1980).
Elements of SALT
There are several elements to SALT methods that we will examine in relation to the Paraliminal technology. They are:
10 Principles
Whole Brain Education
Imagery
Music
Suggestion
Relaxation
• 10 Principles
Ten interdependent principles support SALT methods as described in depth by Dr. Owen Caskey (1980). They are:
1) "A comfortable, attractive learning setting increases acquisition and retention." Paraliminal learning sessions make use of this by encouraging the listener to create just such an environment prior to listening.
2) "A relaxed state (physically and mentally) enhances learning and retention." Paraliminal learning sessions induce such states prior to the learning session.
3) "Bilateral hemisphere input into the brain (whole-brain learning) increases acquisition of new material." Paraliminal learning sessions are recorded in stereophonic 3-D sound, giving independent messages to each ear. (See more on this in the next section on whole brain learning.)
4) "Simultaneous use of the conscious and unconscious learning (double-planeness) makes learning easier and more productive." Paraliminal learning sessions have linguistically structured, indirectly suggestive messages to engage the paraconscious mind, while delivering direct suggestion to the conscious mind.
5) "An organized methodology (components and sequence) overcomes the anti-suggestive barriers which reject or inhibit new learning." Paraliminal learning sessions deliver specific step-by-step instructions to lead the listener through the learning process.
6) "Methodology emphasizing didactic, psychological, multisensory, and artistic elements increases learning and retention." Paraliminal learning sessions make specific requests of the listener. In addition, valid psychological principles are used for content along with 3-D special effects, environmental sounds and original score music used to create a unique internal sensory environment.
7) "Enhancing of psychohygenic conditions focuses concentration, while a musical background relaxes, resulting in increased recall and long-term memory." Special attention is given to offer strong self-esteem building messages on all Paraliminal learning sessions. The music is especially written and arranged to create optimal mental concentration.
8) "Retention is increased if information is viewed as being creditable and from an authoritative source." Information disseminated on Paraliminal learning CDs uses testimonials from satisfied users and stresses the legitimacy of the underlying technologies. Also promoted is the credibility of Learning Strategies Corporation and the academic credentials of the CD’s author.
9) "A positive and encouraging learning atmosphere increases learning and retention." Paraliminal learning sessions have been carefully scripted, to the subtlest detail, to ensure positive wording and goal orientation.
10) "Success in learning heightens self-concepts and promotes personal adjustment and self-confidence." The increments of progress in learning are kept reasonable to ensure success with each listening.
• Whole Brain Education
In the last decade, an enormous amount of literature has been written on the subjects of Left Brain, Right Brain and Whole Brain Education.
Based on the research on hemispheric specialization, (Benson, 1985), (Watzlawick, 1978), (Williams, 1983), (Segalowitz, 1983), (Springer, 1981), (Clark, 1986), (Blakeslee, 1980), (Porac, 1981), (Corballis & Beale, 1983), (Fadely & Hosler, 1983), Paraliminal learning sessions have been designed to offer independent messages to each hemisphere. This is accomplished through the selection of hemispherically relevant content, hemispherically compatible linguistic structures and vocally modulated delivery of the messages.
According to research, the left hemisphere’s main function is translation of perceptions into logical, semantic and phonetic representations of reality. It also serves to communicate with the outside world on the basis of logical analytical coding.
Paraliminal learning sessions deliver into the right ear, the message for the left hemisphere since the ears are neurologically cross wired (Corballis & Beale, 1983). These messages include specific descriptions of linear, sequential processes like the step-by-step procedures of particular NLP change processes, and detailed and logical explanations of various concepts and concrete experiences.
The right hemisphere is highly specialized in the holistic grasping of complex relationships, patterns configurations and structures. Its associations are non linear (via, free associations).
On the Paraliminal learning sessions, the messages given to this hemisphere, through the left ear, follow right hemisphere language patterns. According to Dr. Paul Watzlawick (1978), and Linda Williams (1983), these include: condensations, figurative language, giving bits of the whole, ambiguities, puns, allusions, visual imagery, fantasy, evocative language, metaphor, and multisensory language.
• Imagery
Imagery is perhaps the most potent tool in the process of accelerating learning in humans. Largely underestimated by most educators and learners, imagery holds phenomenal potential for revolutionizing education. More importantly it is an awesome force in directing the process of change.
As Dr. Eric Klinger (1981) puts it, "Clinical evidence indicates strongly...that modifying imagery modified the models or schemata that underlie subsequent behavior." He goes on to say, "...working on a person’s imagery gives us direct access to the processes necessary for change. It would make imagery techniques among our most powerful techniques for intervening in people’s lives." (p. 10)
Each Paraliminal CD makes full use of imagery in many ways. They employ sophisticated refinements on the instruction of guided imagery. For example, the Paraliminal technology encourages full-sensory imagery, distinguishing associated imagery from disassociated imagery when appropriate (Bandler, 1987).
• Music
Music is processed primarily in the right hemisphere (Gordon, 1970). Studies have found that the type of musical background can play a significant role in various learning tasks (Lozanov, 1971), (Bordon & Schuster, 1976), (Schuster & Mouzon, 1982).
Paraliminal learning sessions are produced with all originally scored music, arranged following the specifications outlined by Lozanov teacher-trainer Peter Kline.
• Suggestion
The proper creation of suggestion is well outlined in the literature of SALT (Schuster & Gritton, 1986), in the NLP works of Bandler and Grinder (1975, 1977), (Grinder & Bandler 1981), and in the hypnosis literature on Dr. Milton Erickson (Haley, 1967).
Among the considerations used in the development of Paraliminal CD scripts, one of the most significant was to distinguish between direct and indirect verbal suggestion. In most cases, indirect suggestion is used.
Types of indirect suggestion used in Paraliminal learning sessions include: truisms, implied causatives, simple binds, focusing questions, double binds, yes sets, compounding suggestions and complex contingent suggestions.
The importance of employing these techniques of suggestion is that the paraconscious mind follows the instruction without arousing resistance from the conscious mind (Erickson, et al., 1976).
• Relaxation
Relaxed states of alertness are critical to the suggestive-accelerative learning experience. Evidence of this is found in much educational research. As Schuster and Gritton (1986) concluded, "Students generally learn better when they are relaxed thoroughly and consistently...than when they are anxious and nervous." (p. 83)
Consistent with these findings in education (Clark, 1986), as well as with findings in therapy (Grinder & Bandler, 1982), Paraliminal learning sessions rely on creating relaxed states of mind. This is accomplished primarily through therapeutic suggestion and the use of progressive relaxation (Jacobson, 1957).
Summary
Suggestive-Accelerative Learning and Teaching methods are at the cutting edge of human development technology. Paraliminal compact disc learning technology is a direct application of the principles set forth by SALT researchers.
~~~~
Note - this is part of a longer article, with references. Click any of the Paraliminal CD images to go to the site to read more.
The amount of literature on each of the above mentioned subjects is quite large. The intent of this paper is to survey the literature and provide a framework for further understanding. It is not intended to be exhaustive in detail.
Researchers requiring more details on the actual design of specific CDs can contact the author at Learning Strategies Corporation.
Overall Design
Paraliminal defined
Paraliminal learning sessions are audio CDs. Each one presents creative new ideas to help individuals overcome internal obstacles and achieve personal and professional goals. They are unique in their application of the latest educational technologies.
"Para" is the Latin prefix meaning "beyond". "Liminal" refers to the "limen" or "threshold" of conscious awareness. The term literally means, "beyond the threshold of conscious awareness".
The term was coined, in part, to distinguish it from "subliminal" which means, "below the threshold". In psychological literature, subliminal refers to information that cannot be consciously perceived.
With the Paraliminal learning sessions, the listener can hear separate messages coming into each ear, but it is beyond the conscious mind’s ability to process both messages simultaneously for more than a few moments.
The result is an interesting multi-level communication to different hemispheres of the brain. The listener can choose which ear’s information to attend to, and one’s attention tends to switch from time to time.
Consequently, the conscious mind’s experience of the CD is different with each listening session. Yet, the other-than-conscious [referred to as "paraconscious" by Lozanov (1978)] receives the entire message each time.
Principle Educational and Therapeutic Technologies Involved
Accelerative Learning
The Paraliminal technology can be most readily identified as an application of Accelerative Learning and Teaching methodologies. The essence of this set of instructional methods uses an unusual combination of physical relaxation exercises, mental concentration and suggestive principles.
These are intended to expand a person's mental capabilities while material to be learned is presented dynamically with relaxing music (Schuster & Gritton, 1986).
The basic theory behind AL is that as humans we operate with unity of our conscious and paraconscious mind. Theory also states that suggestion is the key to using our mental reserves to accelerate learning.
The use of SALT techniques according to Dr. Caskey (1980), "permits information to be absorbed more readily by the individual by bypassing emotional barriers which accompany most learning activities and it results in a larger percentage of learned material being retained in the long-term memory area of the brain."
With AL techniques the resulting learning has been found to be faster, more enjoyable, with high retention rates, while the self-concept of the learner is enhanced (Caskey, 1980).
Paraliminal learning sessions have been designed using the theories and methods of SALT, and Dr. Georgi Lozanov’s original works in Suggestopedia—which will be described later. The result is a collection of unique learning experiences which accelerate the listener past their blocks and into new ways of dealing with their personal and professional issues.
NLP
The second most significant foundation in the development of the Paraliminal technology is Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Known as "The study of the structure of subjective experience" (Dilts, et al., 1980), NLP is an extension of several sciences. Developed by Dr. John Grinder and Richard Bandler (Grinder & Bandler, 1975, 1976), it has its roots in linguistics, neurology, and psychology.
NLP is a model for understanding the basic processes used by all human beings to encode, transfer, guide, and modify behavior. "Neuro" stands for the idea that neurological processes cause all behavior.
"Linguistic" refers to the way that neural processes are represented, ordered and sequenced into models and strategies through language and communication systems.
"Programming" refers to the way internal sensory systems are organized for the achievement of specific outcomes. In sum, NLP is "The New Science of Achievement" (Robbins, 1986).
Paraliminal learning sessions employ the NLP technology in several ways.
First, in the development of special linguistic structures to ensure ideal suggestions are presented.
Second, in the creation of specific therapeutic patterns to enhance the process of learning and change.
Third, in the actual delivery of messages on the CDs. This includes the choice of voice qualities, music phrasing and tonal marking, as well as the selection of sensory specific language.
Summary
SALT and NLP technologies share the common goal of using communication to accelerate the process of human learning and change. Both are equally concerned with the medium and the message. Both stress the importance of process rather than content. And central to both models is the use of therapeutic and educational suggestion.
The Paraliminal technology is an application of these two technologies, combined with sophisticated digital audio imaging effects and production techniques. Testimonial accounts of the benefits are plentiful. To give credence to client results, the various components of each technology will be examined in the pages that follow.
The next section will present the elements of SAL then the elements of NLP employed in Paraliminal learning sessions will be examined.
Suggestive-Accelerative Learning and Teaching
Professor William James in his essay, "The Energies of Men," said that very few people live up to their full potential. "As a rule," he wrote, "they habitually use only a small part of the powers which they actually possess and which they might use under appropriate conditions."
It wasn’t until much later that a systematic effort in the field of human memory and learning bore out what Dr. James had realized. In the 1960’s the extensive research of Dr. Georgi Lozanov, a Bulgarian psychiatrist, developed a new approach to accelerate learning and use the superpowers of mind.
He applied elements of suggestion techniques and relaxation to classroom learning and termed the methods Suggestopedia (Lozanov, 1971).
In America these methods have become known as suggestive-accelerative approaches to learning (Schuster, et al., 1976).
These techniques have been shown to be, "successful in increasing the amount of material learned in a given time or reducing the amount of time necessary to learn new material in a wide variety of subject matter areas at almost all educational levels" (Caskey, 1980).
Elements of SALT
There are several elements to SALT methods that we will examine in relation to the Paraliminal technology. They are:
10 Principles
Whole Brain Education
Imagery
Music
Suggestion
Relaxation
• 10 Principles
Ten interdependent principles support SALT methods as described in depth by Dr. Owen Caskey (1980). They are:
1) "A comfortable, attractive learning setting increases acquisition and retention." Paraliminal learning sessions make use of this by encouraging the listener to create just such an environment prior to listening.
2) "A relaxed state (physically and mentally) enhances learning and retention." Paraliminal learning sessions induce such states prior to the learning session.
3) "Bilateral hemisphere input into the brain (whole-brain learning) increases acquisition of new material." Paraliminal learning sessions are recorded in stereophonic 3-D sound, giving independent messages to each ear. (See more on this in the next section on whole brain learning.)
4) "Simultaneous use of the conscious and unconscious learning (double-planeness) makes learning easier and more productive." Paraliminal learning sessions have linguistically structured, indirectly suggestive messages to engage the paraconscious mind, while delivering direct suggestion to the conscious mind.
5) "An organized methodology (components and sequence) overcomes the anti-suggestive barriers which reject or inhibit new learning." Paraliminal learning sessions deliver specific step-by-step instructions to lead the listener through the learning process.
6) "Methodology emphasizing didactic, psychological, multisensory, and artistic elements increases learning and retention." Paraliminal learning sessions make specific requests of the listener. In addition, valid psychological principles are used for content along with 3-D special effects, environmental sounds and original score music used to create a unique internal sensory environment.
7) "Enhancing of psychohygenic conditions focuses concentration, while a musical background relaxes, resulting in increased recall and long-term memory." Special attention is given to offer strong self-esteem building messages on all Paraliminal learning sessions. The music is especially written and arranged to create optimal mental concentration.
8) "Retention is increased if information is viewed as being creditable and from an authoritative source." Information disseminated on Paraliminal learning CDs uses testimonials from satisfied users and stresses the legitimacy of the underlying technologies. Also promoted is the credibility of Learning Strategies Corporation and the academic credentials of the CD’s author.
9) "A positive and encouraging learning atmosphere increases learning and retention." Paraliminal learning sessions have been carefully scripted, to the subtlest detail, to ensure positive wording and goal orientation.
10) "Success in learning heightens self-concepts and promotes personal adjustment and self-confidence." The increments of progress in learning are kept reasonable to ensure success with each listening.
• Whole Brain Education
In the last decade, an enormous amount of literature has been written on the subjects of Left Brain, Right Brain and Whole Brain Education.
Based on the research on hemispheric specialization, (Benson, 1985), (Watzlawick, 1978), (Williams, 1983), (Segalowitz, 1983), (Springer, 1981), (Clark, 1986), (Blakeslee, 1980), (Porac, 1981), (Corballis & Beale, 1983), (Fadely & Hosler, 1983), Paraliminal learning sessions have been designed to offer independent messages to each hemisphere. This is accomplished through the selection of hemispherically relevant content, hemispherically compatible linguistic structures and vocally modulated delivery of the messages.
According to research, the left hemisphere’s main function is translation of perceptions into logical, semantic and phonetic representations of reality. It also serves to communicate with the outside world on the basis of logical analytical coding.
Paraliminal learning sessions deliver into the right ear, the message for the left hemisphere since the ears are neurologically cross wired (Corballis & Beale, 1983). These messages include specific descriptions of linear, sequential processes like the step-by-step procedures of particular NLP change processes, and detailed and logical explanations of various concepts and concrete experiences.
The right hemisphere is highly specialized in the holistic grasping of complex relationships, patterns configurations and structures. Its associations are non linear (via, free associations).
On the Paraliminal learning sessions, the messages given to this hemisphere, through the left ear, follow right hemisphere language patterns. According to Dr. Paul Watzlawick (1978), and Linda Williams (1983), these include: condensations, figurative language, giving bits of the whole, ambiguities, puns, allusions, visual imagery, fantasy, evocative language, metaphor, and multisensory language.
• Imagery
Imagery is perhaps the most potent tool in the process of accelerating learning in humans. Largely underestimated by most educators and learners, imagery holds phenomenal potential for revolutionizing education. More importantly it is an awesome force in directing the process of change.
As Dr. Eric Klinger (1981) puts it, "Clinical evidence indicates strongly...that modifying imagery modified the models or schemata that underlie subsequent behavior." He goes on to say, "...working on a person’s imagery gives us direct access to the processes necessary for change. It would make imagery techniques among our most powerful techniques for intervening in people’s lives." (p. 10)
Each Paraliminal CD makes full use of imagery in many ways. They employ sophisticated refinements on the instruction of guided imagery. For example, the Paraliminal technology encourages full-sensory imagery, distinguishing associated imagery from disassociated imagery when appropriate (Bandler, 1987).
• Music
Music is processed primarily in the right hemisphere (Gordon, 1970). Studies have found that the type of musical background can play a significant role in various learning tasks (Lozanov, 1971), (Bordon & Schuster, 1976), (Schuster & Mouzon, 1982).
Paraliminal learning sessions are produced with all originally scored music, arranged following the specifications outlined by Lozanov teacher-trainer Peter Kline.
• SuggestionThe proper creation of suggestion is well outlined in the literature of SALT (Schuster & Gritton, 1986), in the NLP works of Bandler and Grinder (1975, 1977), (Grinder & Bandler 1981), and in the hypnosis literature on Dr. Milton Erickson (Haley, 1967).
Among the considerations used in the development of Paraliminal CD scripts, one of the most significant was to distinguish between direct and indirect verbal suggestion. In most cases, indirect suggestion is used.
Types of indirect suggestion used in Paraliminal learning sessions include: truisms, implied causatives, simple binds, focusing questions, double binds, yes sets, compounding suggestions and complex contingent suggestions.
The importance of employing these techniques of suggestion is that the paraconscious mind follows the instruction without arousing resistance from the conscious mind (Erickson, et al., 1976).
• Relaxation
Relaxed states of alertness are critical to the suggestive-accelerative learning experience. Evidence of this is found in much educational research. As Schuster and Gritton (1986) concluded, "Students generally learn better when they are relaxed thoroughly and consistently...than when they are anxious and nervous." (p. 83)
Consistent with these findings in education (Clark, 1986), as well as with findings in therapy (Grinder & Bandler, 1982), Paraliminal learning sessions rely on creating relaxed states of mind. This is accomplished primarily through therapeutic suggestion and the use of progressive relaxation (Jacobson, 1957).
Summary
Suggestive-Accelerative Learning and Teaching methods are at the cutting edge of human development technology. Paraliminal compact disc learning technology is a direct application of the principles set forth by SALT researchers.
~~~~
Note - this is part of a longer article, with references. Click any of the Paraliminal CD images to go to the site to read more.