Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP)
Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP)
British organization founded June 10, 1981, to obtain, store, process, and disseminate information concerning areas of human experience and observed phenomena for which no generally acceptable explanation is as yet forthcoming; to encourage and aid investigation and research into these phenomena by investigative groups; and to provide a multidisciplinary forum for the exchange of views and information concerning these phenomena. "Anomaly" is defined as "irregularity, deviation from the common or natural order, exception condition or circumstance," and anomalous phenomena cover a wide field of the paranormal as well as Fortean phenomena, including altered states of consciousness, apparitions, electronic voice phenomenon, extrasensory perception, falls, firewalking, healing, hypnosis, levitation, ley lines, metal bending, out-of-the-body experiences, poltergeists, telepathy, UFOs, etc.
ASSAP, an integrating body with no corporate views, discouraged dogmatism while it adopted a scientific approach at all times. It did not wish to replace existing organizations in the field but rather support and encourage them. It published ASSAP Newsletter. Its quarterly journal, Common Ground, ceased publication in 1984. Last known address: 30 South Row, London SE3 ORY, England.