SCAR Infomorph Psychology Research Proposal (Draft)

Provided by the Arek'Jaalan: Sleeper Technology Division (Theoretical)

Sleep, Continuity and Re-cloning (SCaR) Research Proposal

R.Khalida

Introduction

While the acquisition and study of Sleeper material is essential to a greater understanding of their technologies, it is also true that through certain unprecedented studies of ourselves, we can also hope to acquire deeper insights into these same areas.

Psychological research into sleep and cloning technology offers a chance to better understand various issues in informorph theories, such as the uncertainty surrounding psychological continuity over extended periods. As an initial exploratory step, an experiment is proposed to gauge subjective reactions to sleep extension experiments well in excess of normal human testing. These tests will make use of capsuleer cloning technology.

By building a better understanding of infomorph psychology and technology, we can provide a more informed foundation upon which other members of the scientific community can build theories about Sleepers.

Particularly, we seek to provide context and more information in regards to the theory that the Sleepers existed (and may still) as a type of infomorph society. First however, we must acquire what basic facts we can by studying our own trans-human selves. Already we can devise tests that will offer insight into the basic concepts, and so with one foot already in the realm of the infomorph, it seems wasteful perhaps, not to learn what we can from such a privileged position.

SCAR Experiment Overview

Experiment Outline

Investigate the physical and psychological effects of prolonged consciousness in a capsuleer who has remained awake for 80 hours by re-cloning at 10-hour periods.

Hypothesis: The continuation of consciousness over an extended period can result in mental and physical fatigue, despite re-cloning into a physically “fresh” clone. This effect may not extend across all individuals, but should present in at least some (>5%)

Research Aims

• To investigate the extent to which psychological continuation (“staying awake”) causes fatigue and / or impairs cognitive functions.
• To investigate the possibility of any “adjustment” or “degradation” effect, wherein any identified fatigue or impairment varies (increases or decreases, respectively) over time.

Literature Review

• Haakkainen Musings, Kaito Haakkainen. (Neural Interfacing, pg 17)

• References: Fullerene Intercalated Sheets, Zainou (NPC corporation)

• Other references are being sought before submission of a final draft. Suggested reading material is welcome.

Methodology

• Exact experiment parameters TBD.
• Self-examination via questionnaire.

Data Assessment

• Analysis of results at SCAR central laboratories.
• Methodology and focus areas TBD.

Timeframe

• Compile final version of research proposal.
• Funding approval of proposal
• 1-2 months of experimentation and experimental data gathering.
• 2-4 weeks of analysis
• Publication of results (ETA: Early/Mid November)

Budget

ISK

• 50m ISK will be provided to incentivize participation in the experiment, which will include completing various surveys.
• Distributed across 30 capsuleers, the estimated initial test group number, that totals 1.5b ISK. 1B funding can be raised personally by R.Khalida, another 500m in funding is sought from the Arek’Jaalan collective. Direct payment to experiment subjects from a trusted Arek’Jaalan acquisition officer – assuming funds are granted – is suitable.
• All other necessary funding will be provided for personally by R.Khalida.

Personnel

• Research assistance will be greatly appreciated. Capsuleer staff cannot be offered any paid positions, but will be listed as a co-researcher in the published results.
• Twelve freelance statisticians (baseliners) will be hired for a period of 2-4 weeks to assist with analysis of experimental data.