When studying the phenomenon of detecting being stared at, there are many factors to consider. Like all other paranormal phenomenon, there has been excruciating research done on this subject, both to prove and to disprove its existence. Rupert Sheldrake, a well known believer in paranormal activity, has demonstrated in a series of experiments positive conclusions that could lead to the conclusion that it is not a mere artifact of pseudo randomization. Robert Baker and David Marks & John Colwell are skeptics, who have conducted similar experiments, who have claimed their results conclude in pseudo randomization.
Does the relative position of the starer make a difference in the ability to detect being stared at? In every experiment conducted by Sheldrake or the others, the starer was always positioned behind the staree. As long as the staree was preoccupied, such as in Robert Baker's experiment, the position of the starer shouldn't effectiveness of the staree's ability to "sense" stares. While maintaining a respectful distance to the subject, would they be able to sense being stared at without seeing that they're being stared at? We've all heard the stories of people locking eyes from across the room, love a first sight. Did one of the "lovers" sense the other from across the room? From personal experience, it seems more likely to get someone to look at you ? to feel stared at ? if you aren't placed directly being them.
In Baker's experiment, nine of thirty eight subjects could have been distracted or permitted to focus too much on the experiment ? am I being stared at, am I not. (Baker, 5) With activities such as eating, drinking, eating, watching television, or working at the computer, subjects can easily become distracted. Meaning, if the sensation of ...