»EXTRNL: “Trouble”

[Proselyte]

---

From: "Freeport 14" - Dr. Aspen Harlow

Subject: Methodology

Encryption Strength: Impossible

---

Hey Imogen,

So here's what I'm thinking: let me put my research methods hat on. Been a minute since I wore that one, sheesh!

Alright, If we were to divide the upcoming experiment into five stages (Observation, Theory, Hypothesis, Research, Outcome), the present info really nails down the Observation and Theory components. You've seen and closely experienced the relevant phenomena at play. As have I. From these observations, informed by your historical understanding of prior research into these phenomena, comes the theory you've presented.

My suggestion now is straightforwardly formalizing the Hypothesis component regarding the mirror. What are our variables? The differences between our control and experimental groups? What effect do we expect to see, and how will we measure it? The structural stuff before we get things rolling.

I know you've got most of that well in hand, so when it comes to measurement, I'm personally intrigued by holo-tainment bands' capability to simulate human perception via the component BNPs' organic "fuzzy" nature and their ease of electrical interface with the brain's neurochemistry. Mentioned this briefly in Cortez.

Rather than imposing a simulated reality (as fun as holo-novels can be), having the process work in reverse to "save" a participants' perception of their experience within the mirror to a processor, which then might be computerized and examined digitally with the appropriate equipment, could be an extremely valuable means of data collection here. It's not the most common use for them, though - something to do with the BNPs' organic nature and short shelf life, if I remember right? Plus, we'd need to make sure such a device being present in the mirror doesn't confound its effectiveness and threaten the internal validity of the experiment. The same goes for standard EEG cables and neuromonitoring equipment.

And with that, research methods hat is off now.

Now, about Hawkins... coax her into helping? How so? She certainly has a persistent interest here, but I'm not sure of her motives yet.

--Dr. Aspen Harlow
Exploration, SLRC

---

...standby. Checking packet...
...packet successfully sent.