Behavioral Studies with Electromagnetic Fields: Implications for Psychobiology

Abstract

Research In the behavioral effects of non-ionizing radiation has progressed very slowly over the past twenty years. Of the little that has been done, much of it has been in imitation of Soviet work using archaic, insensitive behavioral techniques. Much of this work has been done by scientists not qualified in experimental psychology and they seem to be unaware of the elegance and sensitivity of behavioral techniques that have been developed in the United States. A critical review of the literature available, though, reveals that (1) effects are most clearly and reliably discerned when time-based schedules of reinforced behavior are used; (2) pulsed or modulated fields have more impact than CW fields, something that can be observed only if the behavioral measure is reliable and sensitive; and (3) magnetic fields may be especially potent for some species, if not all. Directions for future research are suggested.