Online Reference For Body, Mind & Spirit

Term: Random Number Tables

DEFINITION:

A method of coming up with a selection of random numbers that combines computers or random number generators with human interaction. Random number tables generally consist of a printed table of random numbers. These are usually made up of multiple rows and columns of computer-generated numbers similar to a spreadsheet. A tester would begin by making a random selection of two numbers. This could be accomplished by throwing dice or making selections from a shuffled deck of cards. The tester would then work though the table—moving vertically, horizontally, diagonally, skipping numbers, skipping several numbers, etc.—according to a previously chosen or selected set of systematic rules. A person being tested for psychic ability might be directly tested by guessing the numbers thus selected.