This report describes the activities, findings, and conclusions of a committee that examined the potential value of techniques proposed to enhance human performance. Chapter 1 provides the context for the study and the Army’s interest in enhancing performance, characterizes particular techniques, and introduces general issues in evaluating them. Chapter 2 presents findings about the techniques examined and conclusions about appropriate evaluation procedures. Chapter 3 treats the relevant evaluation issues more systematically and presents the committee’s philosophy of evaluation.
Chapters 4-8 deal with particular techniques but are organized in terms of more general psychological processes. Each chapter attempts to draw on a broader literature concerning the processes being influenced learning, motor skills, mental states, stress, and social interactions. Chapter 9 considers parapsychological techniques. The report concludes with six appendixes. They (1) briefly summarize the key elements of each enhancement technique, (2) list the 10 papers commissioned by the committee and their authors, (3) list members and activities of the subcommittees and activities of the committee as a whole, (4) list key terms used in the research on particular techniques, (5) discuss application of scientific research by the military, and (6) contain biographical sketches of committee members.

Enhancing Human Performance