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==reframing==
|action2date=19:38, 17 May 2006
So, here is another blatant example of POV pushing against NLP. The article contains a section that says "Behind every behavior is a positive intention". I added an explanation that this is sometimes called reframing. . This gets blanked reverted by DaveRight simply saying "You are erroneous" and reverting multiple edits.
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Case in point, DaveRight is in fact erroneous. According to Dilts, the "Behind every behavior is a positive intention" concept is called "reframing". You can verify this by going to an article written by Dilts titled "The NLP Pattern of the Month: '''''Reframing'''''" subtitle '''''The Principle of Positive Intention''''' .
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THere is no excuse for this blanket reversion approach by DaveRight. There is no justification for deleting this parenthetical that is it sometimes called "reframing", given that a notable NLP source specifically associates the "positive intention" thing with the term "reframing". And yet, the anti-NLP editors are deleting accurate reporting of a pro-NLP source. ] 04:12, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
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I believe your reframing addition was incorrect Fuelwagon. But I changed it to fit in for the sake of compromise. Your other edits were definitely incorrect..] 04:28, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
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:Many NLP items fall under multiple headings. Thus its core principles are also, functionally, presuppositions, and may be used as reframes since they put existing information into a new frame (viewpoint). This is a bit like saying "See, its not a Catholic, its an African". In other words, pointless to argue, both are right, it is a concept that is a principle, and also a reframe, and also a presupposition. ] 05:25, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
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Fine FT2. But I did change the line to be more correct..] 06:18, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
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== Shortened Citation Notes ==
In view of the fact that
# Users ] and ] (and others) have consistently shown little idea of, and minimal respect for, Wiki policy and have shown this for some time now
# There has been ongoing aggressive POV warring by these two (and possibly others) in the NLP article. and and possibly also (by DaveRight; although it is citations, it seems a very slanted group of citations)
# At least one editor has called the results of their work ''"some of the most biased editing I've read... If you're a POV warrior using Misplaced Pages to advocate against something, you need to find a different encyclopedia to edit"''
# Valid and significant information based on original material are deleted by them on a frequent basis or replaced with POV wording. Established fact such as what NLP itself has identified as its goal, or direct textual based information, is described as "NLP claims.." and "supposedly...", ie ]. Example reversion:
#:Example - this text, comprising major corrections and explanations of what exactly NLP says, and including some citations and references, is based on citable source material, and this was noted on the Talk page. Despite this, it was reverted to a less complete and moderately inaccurate once , then again and yet again by HeadleyDown, despite at least two requests on the Talk page to identify any specific statements that were inaccurate or not common knowledge, which request was also ignored multiple times.
# Concerns over NPOV are met with personal attack or repeatedly treated with contempt. and
# Questions to ascertain extent of knowledge were ignored many times. Example: and
# Ignorance of fundamental subject material, as demonstrated by lack of knowledge of full research, and edits to material changing it from material represented in NLP texts, to material of non-standard (but pseudoscience style) authors, which is then used as evidence it is pseudoscience. ''''
# Requests to discuss reverts on the talk page first, or to state exactly which facts were disputed, were ignored or dismissed
# On several occasions, facts (or the significance of some material) appear to have been invented, exaggerated, selectively chosen, or not checked at all, and equally valid facts not desired by the above-named to be suppressed, attacked or reverted. Example: (Deletion of commonly ignored source model despite citation) and (claim that critic is "world renowned" and performed "research" when he is a comparative nobody and wrote basically just an article)
# The article does not actually even describe NLP as it stands (!)
# Mediation was attempted and seems to have failed before I got here
#I have attempted to make a start to sort out basic issues both on a separate page, and via a section explicitly described as''"Not for flames but for better understanding of the issues"'', and again on HeadleyDown's talk page (with thanks and courtesy), all flamed in reply, typical response to label it "evangelism" and accuse of bias (again)
# When I eventually got HeadleyDown's (somewhat grudging) agreement to mediation, within hours of thanking him and giving factual private explanations for discussion, intended to help bridge the gap, HeadleyDown's response was personal attack and POV warring against even that.
# I have given several warnings, as have other editors that if this continues, Arbitration will result, possibly including an article ban, and asked for collaboration and a cooling down to avoid that. But nothing has improved. and and
# As a result of the above aggressive POV warring and other persistent breaches of wikipedia policy, progress on the article has been and is being unacceptably stalled by the inability of these people to grasp basic concepts such as "NPOV", "courtesy" and "writing for the enemy", despite many requests by multiple editors, and courteous reminders that it will not be acceptable if it continues.


The article currently uses a mix of referencing styles and there are missing page numbers for quotes or what may or may not be paraphrased text but we don't know because there are missing page numbers. See ] for a guide how add page numbers and quotes. --] (]) 01:34, 6 May 2024 (UTC)
I am inclined to take the matter of these two editors, and possibly others, to the Arbitration Committee. If so, it will not be on the broad "he said/she said", or "Group A/Group B" basis that the request for Mediation was based upon. It will be directly undertaken myself, and specifically for aggressive POV warring, personal attacks, and persistent irreconcilable non-compliance with wikipedia policies by ], ] and possibly others (to be decided).


* '''Oppose''', it's disruptive. See ], which requires a ] from the regular editors of the page before you may do so: "'''Editors should not attempt to change an article's established citation style, merely on the grounds of personal preference or to make it match other articles, without first seeking consensus for the change.'''" ] (]) 23:25, 6 May 2024 (UTC)
Please vote below if you would be supportive, against, or have other opinions on this matter at this time. Note that ArbCom does not in fact require a consensus to accept a matter, so this is more a "straw poll" of feeling. (Sock puppets and suspected sock puppets, including unknown anon IPs, may be ignored) But I would want to think very carefully about such a step if mediation may yet succeed, or if I am in fact alone in thinking this is appropriate.
*:I would contend that it was not "merely on the grounds of personal preference". I was looking at the best practises in other Good and Featured Article candidates. I'm personally most comfortable with the APA format but done research papers using Harvard referencing style with footnotes. I was thinking that style was the best for this article. Given that the article covers critiques from counseling psychology, coaching psychology, communications theorists, sociology and linguistics, its not simple. Do you have examples of article with similar content and multidisciplinary critiques? What referencing style worked best? --] (]) 06:18, 7 May 2024 (UTC)


:I also notice that {{ping|Newimpartial}} reverted you on just after you broke a bunch of citations by trying the same thing back on 5 May, a day or so before I noticed what you were doing. So that's 2 opposed. ] (]) 23:41, 6 May 2024 (UTC)
* '''Support''' ] 07:55, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
::I’ve already explained this and it is also in the edit comments. I fixed that citation errors. I didn’t know about the display error setting which was off by default. Again, I did appreciate your help. When I get more time, I’ll go back and justify each change. —] (]) 03:30, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
* '''Support''' ] 09:54, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
:::'''• Oppose,''' as ] explained to you, you can't just change citation style without ]. If you want to do changes '''you have to clearly justify them''' in order to show other editors your reasons or concerns about it, and if these go according to the ]. ] (]) 04:52, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
* '''Support''' ] 10:35, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
::::You're absolutely right about needing consensus. My first step should have been proposing these referencing changes here on the talk page. Would you be willing to join a discussion about how to best improve the consistency and verifiability of the article's references? --] (]) 06:01, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
* '''Support''' ] 18:02, 3 November 2005 (UTC) I believe my first edit to this article was about a week ago, on 22:04, 26 October 2005, in which the very first sentence of the article opened like this: ''Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a ] development proposed for programming the mind,'' I removed the POV declaration that NLP is factually declared to be pseudoscientific. . Things have not improved much in the week or so since then. And it seems clear that NPOV policy is either grossly misunderstood by a number of editors or simply being flagrantly ignored. Numerous attempts to explain NPOV have been ignored. I don't have experience with the whole history of this article and all 16 points, but I support the notion that NPOV policy is not being followed here. ANd I'd be willing to submit evidence to arbitration regarding my experience on the NLP article.
:::::As the ] sustains. Citations are key for ]. Looking at the changes you , im concerned that these could compromise the access of common editors and readers to those sources. Which is '''very''' crucial for this article.
* '''Support ''' ] ] 11:42, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
:::::Editors with their own personal bias can incur in practices (like meat-puppetry) that violate ],],].
:I'm sorry, ]. But you have only the one contribution under this address, and traditionally people with few edits are notrmally asked not to vote on matters like this, to avoid suspicion that they are accounts created by one "side" or the other just for the purpose. If you have an account, or have regularly watched this debate, and are not just a ], please feel free to edit your post adding more information why your vote should be included even though you have never made other contributions to the encyclopedia under this IP. It's not personal, I'm sure you are bona fide, but I'm sure you understand that even the appearance of bias would be best avoided, in the interest of scrupulous fairness, especially as there have been sock puppet accusations between other editors in the past. Please reply if you feel there are facts to consider that will change this, or indeed, contribute to the discussion. ] 12:55, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
:::::The controversies sorrounding NLP obligate us as editors to make sure we are not doing ]. Which, for surprise of no one, has to be verified by others. For that reason, i think is naive to compare it to other articles just because different citation styles were used, or due to their extensivity in other disciplines. ] (]) 06:29, 9 May 2024 (UTC)
:Sorry FT2. Yes I've posted plenty here I think you'll agree. Any probs let me know - sorry about the IP address. ] 05:20, 4 November 2005 (UTC)
*'''Oppose''' There are several ways to add pagenumbers in/with reftag-refs (not surprisingly), including ]. ] (]) 05:46, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
; Comments
*:The inconsistent styles and missing page numbers make ] and editing difficult. Have you come across similarly complex articles that successfully used <nowiki>{{Rp}}</nowiki> or other templates to maintain readability while ensuring accurate citation information? Especially ones covering multiple disciplines, as this article does? The immediate issue is that there are paraphrasing of sources without clear page numbers which makes ] difficult. Another issue is that are duplicates of the same sources across the article. That was an advantage of using <nowiki>{{efn}}</nowiki> and <nowiki>{{sfn}}</nowiki>. We are already using <nowiki>{{r}}</nowiki> in the article. <nowiki><ref></nowiki> is also often combined with <nowiki>{{sfn}}</nowiki>. Also some of the quotes in the current article are inside the cite element when they would be better handled as an <nowiki>{{efn}}</nowiki>. We have critiques from linguistics, counseling psychology, anthropology and sociology. --] (]) 06:12, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
*::I have nothing against sfn etc as a style, though ref-tag is always my choice when ''I'' start articles, with rp if necessary. IMO reftag is generally more understandable for general and new users, and both VE and source editors benefits from named refs if used. But an article should be consistent, and if consensus here is to use sfn or whatever, that's fine. ] (]) 06:21, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
*::Fwiw, my knee-jerk reaction when scrolling through the ref section, is that "traditional reftag" seems to be the majority use, so if I was to start working on consistency, I would change the "Jeremiah 1995." style ones and get rid of the "Works cited" sections. But if the primary/secondary division is considered valuable, that might not work. I think some Wikipedians consider the more academic look of sfn-style a mark of quality. ] (]) 06:31, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
*:I'm told that <nowiki>{{cite Q}}</nowiki> would solve one of the issues I had with existing use of <nowiki><ref name="Joe-1995">{{cite journal|...}}</ref></nowiki>. <nowiki>{{cite Q}}</nowiki> enables you to pull the reference data from wikidata by using its Q ID. It was too verbose and made it difficult to maintain especially in source mode. My proposal is for any citations that are current citations that are defined inline such as <nowiki>"<ref name="Joe-1995">{{cite journal..."</nowiki> that if that citation is on wikidata then we is replace it with <nowiki>"<ref name="Joe-1995">{{cite Q|..."</nowiki>. That will reduce some of the clutter and retain existing r and rp template use. Then we can use r and rp. Then if there is consensus to use sfn then we can adopt that together with efn which is already in use in the current article. --] (]) 08:32, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
*::No, you should revert to the previous citation style per consensus and ], full stop. ]] 09:20, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
*:::Do you know what I mean by <nowiki><ref name="...">{{Cite Q|...}}</nowiki>? It just moves the clutter of the reference out of the content. That is one of the biggest issues with the article in its current state. Its still using the same citation style. It is a wrapper for <nowiki>{{Citation}}</nowiki> that returns formatted citation from statements stored on a Wikidata item (referred to by its Q identifier or QID) for citable source. It would be a good interim solution while consensus is sought for sfn which is my preference as it would be far more professional. efn has been used in the article for years. --] (]) 10:19, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
*::::Yes, I know what it means, I've used it myself. It is a different method of referencing, even if the output looks the same. The words "method" and "style" are used interchangeably on the guideline page, but the reason underlying changes in both is {{em|the changes are disruptive to others}}, hence why the guideline is to defer to the first format used in a dispute: other editors who want to edit this page don't want to suddenly swap to having to look up Wikidata codes. You seem increasingly unwilling to understand that. ]] 10:33, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
*:::::Do you understand that we are currently using <nowiki><ref>{{Cite Journal |...}}</ref></nowiki> in the article and post people use tools already like to populate the details of that from the DOI, ISBN, etc. So using <nowiki><ref>{{Cite Q |...}}</ref></nowiki> might actually be less work, and they'd be familiar anyway. The editors who don't undertstand wiki syntax usually use a visual editor or they just rely on other wikipedians to clean up after them. I guess we'll need to wait for others to chime in with their preferences. --] (]) 13:13, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
*::::::Do you understand that whether you think they'd like it better doesn't matter? ]] 13:17, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
*:::::::some like the simplicity of ref even thought sfn is technically better. There are featured articles that use ref only but the longer ones with notes and many references prefer sfn. —] (]) 04:45, 8 May 2024 (UTC)
*::::::::Again, as pointed out just above, that is irrelevant here. The only relevant thing is whether you have consensus or not. Clearly, you don't. ] (]) 11:26, 8 May 2024 (UTC)
*:::::::::I’d like to hear the arguments for and against sfn v ref, with examples. Besides none of the regular contributors to this specific article have raised objections so there is no evidence of clear consensus from regular editors. I have enabled errors so I can correct the errors you complained about. I think now consensus can be sought through editing and discussion. —-] (]) 21:11, 8 May 2024 (UTC)
*::::::::::No, the burden to demonstrate a change is preferable is on you. If no one agrees, then you may not make the change. (You have; no one has; you may not.) People are entitled to establish consensus regardless of contributions; frequent editors do not ] the articles in question. ]] 06:43, 9 May 2024 (UTC)
*:::::::::::I must have misunderstood what you were saying on AN/I. I thought your earlier point was that changing from ref to sfn referencing format would be unwelcome because of the learning curve for the existing or previous editors of this article, or that existing editors might not like it. You said, "the changes are disruptive to others" (above). I assumed you were referring to previous editors of this article. How could it possibly be disruptive to edits who have never edited this article? I assumed you meant you needed to obtain consensus from them (previous editors of this article). None of them have commented yet. However, the silence from the previous contributors could be interpreted in different ways. It could mean that they are indifferent to the change, that they are unaware of the discussion (most likely scenario), or that they are still forming opinions. Anyway, I'm going to help out at ] not to recruit or canvas support but to learn more about the interaction between sfn, efn and ref formats - as well as learning more about ] --] (]) 16:30, 9 May 2024 (UTC)
*::::::I'd note that converting references to Cite Q en masse would be contentious even without CITEVAR. -- <small>LCU</small> ''']''' <small>''«]» °]°''</small> 15:54, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
*:::::::my intention for suggesting sfn was to enhance readability and maintainability. With sfn, you define the reference using cite templating in the bibliography. Assuming ref is inadequate too, do you know of an alternative solution that meets that need given the huge number of citations on this article? —] (]) 02:10, 8 May 2024 (UTC)
*::::::::120 inline citations is simply not a particularly high number, and is adequately accommodated by any common means of citation. ]] 06:48, 9 May 2024 (UTC)
*::::::::I'm well aware of how {{tl|sfn}} templates work, but your supposition that ref tags are inadequate is simply your own personal opinion. You won't find any concensus that one form of referencing is better than another, the editing community is deeply split on the matter. This is why CITEVAR warns against changing style types, as it causes unnecessary drama that wastes editors time. -- <small>LCU</small> ''']''' <small>''«]» °]°''</small> 10:55, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
*:::::::::Afaik, neither VE or ] has any "format ref as sfn/harvn" option, is that correct? Also, no ref-tag, no named ref. ] (]) 12:15, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
*::::::::::Kind of, VE supports adding templates so it supports {{tl|sfn}} (as long as you know what they are), the same would be true of {{tl|r}}, {{tl|ref}}, {{tl|efn}}, etc. I don't think the REFTOOLBAR point is relevant, if you already using source editing then using the toolbar to format sfn/harv would take longer than typing it.<br>I don't think REFTOOLBAR has any ability to re-use a refname, but again it would be quicker to type it, VE certainly can though. -- <small>LCU</small> ''']''' <small>''«]» °]°''</small> 10:46, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
*:::::::::::Reftoolbar absolutely has the ability to re-use a refname, "Named references", to the right of the ref-template drop-down. ]. In VE it's Cite > Re-use. In source, you name them with the "Ref name" field in the template window. ] (]) 10:56, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
*::::::::::::Your right, I had missed that in REFTOOLBAR. -- <small>LCU</small> ''']''' <small>''«]» °]°''</small> 12:05, 11 May 2024 (UTC)


* '''Neutral'''. I'm not super educated on the nuances of citation styles, but I feel like the citation style used on this article in particular is not super important. I think the bigger issue is that when Notgain tried to convert it all to {{tl|sfn}} without gaining consensus, they did so ''incorrectly'', and broke citations in the process. I've used {{tl|sfn}} and tend to prefer it with more complicated articles such as this one, but if other editors are opposed, I'm prepared to respect that; I'm not convinced Notgain is, which is another issue. (Also, the ] on this issue ended without clear consensus and without admin closure; I'm not sure what to make of it, but it feels relevant.) '''〜''' <span style="font-family:Big Caslon;border-radius:9em;padding:0 7px;background:#437a4b">]</span> ] 16:41, 13 May 2024 (UTC)
Hello FT2. Considering your recent additions of your own views to the article, I suggest that you need to go back to the reality check stage. We are in the constructive process of mediation, and if you hadn't noticed, the mediator is working well. He has even been moving or deleting criticisms from sections that your promoter team demanded to have supplied by neutral editors but then decided not to like. VoiceOfAll is working well for now. In future arbitration is always an option. I think it would be silly to pass up such a tolerant mediator as the present one. Regards ] 10:02, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
*:sfn was it is easier to read in source mode but I now have source highlighting so I’ve settled. I’m not going to push sfn on the great unwashed. —15:38, 14 May 2024 (UTC) ] (]) 15:38, 14 May 2024 (UTC)
:VofAll has been working on the mediation. Small edits to the article have taken place. But the personal attacks, the major POV warring, and the instant dismissal (as you have done yourself) of anyone seeking NPOV as part of "the pro group" or a "promoter" is <u>not</u> apparently being resolved by mediation, and this is what I am seeking to visit ArbCom with. Adequate requests and courtesy have been given, adequate concern was given that if the personal attacks and vehement warring continued then it would probably be felt that mediation was ''de facto'' doomed, and not only by me, and the situation is not fundamentally changed or likely to change; personal attacks and POV warring contuinue despite all the above.


== Druckman & Swets 1988 ==
:ArbCom state that ''either'' mediation has formally failed, ''or'' reasons why you believe it will be fruitless. My reasons for believing the latter is the case, are given above, and I believe ultimately mediation ''will'' be fruitless and is doomed, because there is simply no sign whatsoever that Headley or JPLogan can comprehend ''wikipedia's'' meaning of "neutral" or other key WP policies. Please see ]
Before I forget, can someone who has editing rights update the reference to Druckman & Swets 1988 report? The consensus of the committee was discussed in chapter 8. Note that the DOI in the current reference to Druckman&Swets 1988 is incorrect (it points to a of the committee's consensus report, not the report itself), please change to: <nowiki>{{cite book | title=Enhancing Human Performance: Issues, Theories, and Techniques | chapter=8: Social Processes | pages=133-166 | publisher=National Academies Press | publication-place=Washington, D.C. | date=1988-01-01 | isbn=978-0-309-03792-1 | doi=10.17226/1025 | ref={{sfnref | National Academies Press | 1988}}}}</nowiki> or if you want to include the editors: <nowiki>{{cite book | last1=Druckman | first1=Daniel | last2=Swets | first2=John A. | title=Enhancing Human Performance: Issues, Theories, and Techniques | chapter=8: Social Processes | pages=133-166 | publisher=National Academies Press | publication-place=Washington, D.C. | date=1988-01-01 | isbn=978-0-309-03792-1 | doi=10.17226/1025 | ref={{sfnref | National Academies Press | 1988}}}}</nowiki> That was a honeytrap for some researchers copy and pasting from wikipedia without checking sources. Otherwise, there's the named reference version for those who prefer that style: <nowiki><ref name="Druckman-1988">{{cite book | last1=Druckman | first1=D. | last2=Swets | first2=J. | title=Enhancing Human Performance: Issues, Theories, and Techniques | publisher=National Academies Press | publication-place=Washington, D.C. | date=1988-01-01 | isbn=978-0-309-03792-1 | doi=10.17226/1025 | pages=133-166 | chapter=8: Social Processes}}</ref></nowiki> --] (]) 04:13, 10 May 2024 (UTC)


:The use of Druckman and Swets (1988) as a reference to support the statements #1 "Numerous literature reviews and meta-analyses have failed to show evidence for NLP's assumptions or effectiveness as a therapeutic method" and #2 "Bandler led several unsuccessful efforts to exclude other parties from using NLP" is problematic. Druckman (2004) clarifies that the panel evaluated techniques like NLP for their potential in "enhancing learning, improving motor skills, altering mental states, managing stress, or improving social processes." The panel's focus was on NLP's potential for social influence, not its therapeutic applications. They found NLP's assumptions and effectiveness ''in social influence'' to be unsupported by psychological evidence. Its worth noting that the panel was "impressed with the modeling approach used to develop the technique," this interest in modeling does not directly speak to NLP's effectiveness as a therapeutic method. The fact that the planned NLP training was not implemented could suggest the type of "unsuccessful efforts" hinted at in statement 2, but this remains speculative. I couldn't find anything in the cited source to directly support statement 2. Therefore, it's recommended to remove Druckman and Swets (1988) as a supporting reference for these two statements. --] (]) 08:23, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
:] 10:19, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
::'''•Denied''', while the Druckman and Swets (1988) aim is not the therapeutic effectiveness of NLP, it touches the lack of empirical evidence on representational systems, you even quoted this from the article: ''"Numerous literature reviews and meta-analyses have failed to show evidence '''for NLP's assumptions <u>OR</u> effectiveness as a therapeutic method"'''''
::The review is clearly relevant. ] (]) 18:40, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
:::I think there may have been a misunderstanding here. Statement #1 was from the current article, not the source. The NRC (Druckman and Swets 1988) did not review NLP as for its therapeutic application. And you have have not addressed statement #2 which is not suppprted by the source either. If you think it is please provide page numbers to substantiate for verifiability. —] (]) 20:57, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
::::It seems you're reading statement #1 as "and/or", which would make the Druckman & Swets (1988) source relevant because it addresses the lack of empirical evidence for NLP's assumptions. However, if we interpret "or" to mean that both parts of the statement need separate supporting evidence, then a source that doesn't address NLP's therapeutic effectiveness might not be suitable for this statement. It is important to distinguish between NLP's assumptions, and its effectiveness in different areas of application - whether it be therapeutic, management or social influence, as we discussed earlier. To be clear while the NRC (Druckman & Swets 1988) provides a strong review into NLP's assumptions, it does not directly address its therapeutic effectiveness. Other reviews do. Therefore, I’d prefer to cite separate, relevant sources for each part of statement #1. This will aid in ]. —] (]) 21:40, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
:::::What? Where is stated that the sources for that particular case should adress both?
:::::Even you proposed a section around persuasion, which is one of the different approaches of NLP. The whole article, including that single sentence is referring to NLP '''in general.'''
:::::It gets worst when we analize your own statement: ''"However, if we interpret "or" to mean that both parts of the statement need separate supporting evidence, then a source that doesn't address NLP's therapeutic effectiveness might not be suitable for this statement."''
:::::For your own argument then a source that adresses just one aspect is still valid, because it's providing evidence for a specific claim; it would be a problem if and only if was the only source cited to sustain the lack of evidence in regards to the therapeutic approach of NLP; which is not the case.
:::::The "interpretation" (which this is '''not''' about) you highlight plays against you.
:::::I don't get it. ] (]) 22:08, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
::::::I hear your point about the use of the word “or” in the statement #1 and how it could be interpreted to mean that a source addressing just one aspect is still valid. However, my premise is that for a more accurate representation of the sources, it would be ideal if each part of the statement is supported by citing relevant sources that directly address the respective claim in line with ].
::::::While the Druckman & Swets (1988) source does review NLP’s assumptions from a psychological perspective, it does not directly address its therapeutic effectiveness. It is not a systematic review, meta analysis or critical review of ‘’’its therapeutic’’’ effectiveness. So my suggestion was to use separate, relevant systematic review, critical review or meta analyses to substantiate each each part of the statement in line with ]. The textbook you mentioned (that had a section critiquing the use of NLP in influence) would not meet that criteria either but would also require page numbers for verifiability, and it is not a systematic review.
::::::Statement #1 makes specific claims about NLP’s assumptions and its therapeutic effectiveness, which are distinct aspects of NLP. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the sources cited for this statement directly support the respective claims in line with ]. —] (]) 00:21, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
:::::::So we agree but we don't agree... I still don't get it.
:::::::''"It is not a systematic review, meta analysis or critical review of ‘’’its therapeutic’’’ effectiveness."'', and how is that a problem?, did you even notice that is not the only source listed in the specific note (which is the '''''k''''' one) for those affirmations right?
:::::::As i said, it would be a problem if it was the only source for such affirmations. Which is not the case. ] (]) 03:13, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
::::::::The use of endnote to reference Statement #1 (S1) without page numbers makes it difficult to confirm if the claims are supported. Its unclear which source supports which part of the statement raising issue of ]. The statement mentions "numerous literature reviews and meta-analyses," yet none of the six references in are meta-analyses, so it is misleading. Witkowski (2010) is the only more recent quantitative and qualitative literature review of the empirical evidence (there are more recent ones that could be added). Sharpley (1983/87) and Heap (1988) focuses on the contested PRS. Heap (1988) explicitly states that NLP's effectiveness in clinical settings had yet to be experimentally evaluated at that time. Von Bergen et al. (1997) is unrelated, focusing on NLP in human resources development (HRD) - there are more recent review related to HRD. So I suggest page numbers should be added, and the relevance of each source to the statement should be clarified. Modifying Statement #1 to accurately reflect the cited sources and potentially incorporating additional, relevant meta-analyses or systematic reviews. --] (]) 12:40, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
:::::::::Witkowski 2010 is a meta-analysis.
:::::::::The sources themselves cite other studies and meta-analysis which aren't as accessible (the use of public access sources is something that we as editors must try to implement, there are instances in which a reliable source is behind a paywall and shouldn't be discarted. This aspect kind of limits the sources that can be used by Misplaced Pages, more on that here: ].) ] (]) 16:51, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
::::::::::Witkowski 2010 is a literature review, not a ]. The paywall issue, while important, doesn’t address the relevance and accuracy of sources. Druckman & Swets (1988) doesn’t directly address therapeutic effectiveness, so it may not be the most suitable reference for that part of the statement. —] (]) 20:38, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
:::::::::::The wikipedia article of Meta-analysis as well: ''"Meta-analyses are often, but not always, important components of a systematic review procedure."''
:::::::::::The wikipedia article for systematic review''s: "In practice, when one is mentioned the other may often be involved, <u>'''as it takes a systematic review to assemble the information that a meta-analysis analyzes, and people sometimes refer to an instance as a systematic review even if it includes the meta-analytical component'''.</u> "'' Which is the case for Witkowski 2010 (which is not a literature review as you said), and is presented in the page 60.
:::::::::::I didn't explained myself well on the subject of accessibility, sorry for that; but i brought it to the table because we are also discussing citation problems within the article and the changes you have been trying to do. The thing is that we cannot put more and more sources for a series of affirmations. For that we need to follow certain guidelines like the mentioned ], to ensure the ], and ], the other issue is that the changes you did would infringe not just the previous citation style but the "orientation" sort to speak of editors of what sources are public, hard to verify (like ]) or behind a paywall. This is important because it could help improve the article if an affirmation hasn't been verified.
:::::::::::The sources more than just once conclude with the fact that NLP lacks empirical evidence. There is no original research problem in such affirmations. ] (]) 21:39, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
::::::::::::With all due respect, Witkowski 2010 is a critical analysis, not a systematic review. It lacks a pre-defined protocol, specific research question, and rigorous assessment of evidence quality, which are key characteristics of a systematic review. See ]—01:03, 12 May 2024 (UTC) ] (]) 01:03, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
::::::::::::: —] (]) 01:07, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
:::::::::::::If the statement #1 is claiming that “numerous literature reviews and meta-analyses have failed to show evidence for NLP’s assumptions or effectiveness as a therapeutic method,” then it should be supported by references to actual literature reviews and meta-analyses. There are no meta analyses directly cited, so either add a citation if it exists and meets ], or revise the statement for accuracy. —] (]) 01:28, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
:::::::::::::The systematic review of Witkowski is rigorous enough in its analysis of the quality of the presented evidence. If you have any concern in such aspect then clarify it, be ''specific'' for those concerns.
:::::::::::::There is no affirmation that violates ] with the cited sources. ] (]) 02:40, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
::::::::::::::In the letter to the editor of the Polish Psychological Bulletin, Aleksandra cite Witkowski 2010 as a "systematic review" {{cite journal | last=Witkowski | first=Tomasz | last2=Luszczynska | first2=Aleksandra | title=Letters to Editor | journal=Polish Psychological Bulletin | volume=44 | issue=4 | date=2013-12-01 | issn=0079-2993 | doi=10.2478/ppb-2013-0049 | pages=462–464}} along with Sturt 2012 {{doi|10.3399/bjgp12X658287}}. So at least one third party source refer to it as a systematic review. However, it does not meet the PRISMA criteria for a systemic review and there is no statistical meta-analysis. So I still maintain it would be better described a critical review of empirical research. There are a number of systematic reviews that came after Witkowski 2010 as we discussed earlier. And I think there is at least one 2015 meta-analysis, Zaharial, Reiner and Schütz 2015 {{PMID|26609647}} that has not been cited yet. --] (]) 11:24, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
:::::::::::::::The meta-analysis of Schütz et al is flawed. I'm reading it and is worrying that the total of studies that were analyzed were just 12.
:::::::::::::::But there is another issue.
:::::::::::::::''"Overall, we finally included 12 studies with a total number of individuals of 658 (studies that analysed different subgroups from the <u>same population</u>). On average, the numbers of participants in each study was small, ranging between 12 and 115 subjects".''
:::::::::::::::One component of the inclusion-exclusion criteria: ''"Not the right population: studies conducted on healthy individuals with social/psychological problems (n=19)"''
:::::::::::::::Data analysis: ''"The inspection of the funnel plot was done visually."''
:::::::::::::::Jeffrey Chan and Amer Harky warn of the inclusion of non-randomized studies without risk of bias assessment (I mention it too because the small commentary also mentions the risks involved in methods that use visual inspection of heterogeneity across studies).
:::::::::::::::Schwarzer et al. give a more comprehensive picture of the risks sorrounding meta-analysis that use small studies. Like the one you cite. Im well aware that Schütz et al. conducted a publication bias analysis: ''"Begg and Majumdar's rank correlation nor Egger’s regression test was significant (p=0.73 and p=0.45, respectively), which indicates no publication bias."''
:::::::::::::::But, as Schwarzer et al. Point out other possible causes: ''"Another possible cause of small-study effects is clinical heterogeneity between patients in large and small studies; e.g., patients in smaller studies may have been selected so that a favourable outcome of the experimental treatment may be expected. In the case of a binary outcome, also a mathematical artefact arises from the fact that for the odds ratio or the risk ratio, the variance of the treatment effect estimate is not independent of the estimate itself Lastly, it can never be ruled out that small-study effects result from mere coincidence . Empirical studies have established evidence for these and other kinds of bias . There is a vast range of tests for small-study effects , most of them based on a funnel plot which will be introduced in Sect. 5.1.1"''
:::::::::::::::My concerns is that the meta-analysis you brought to the table is a false-positive, even the authors write: ''"there is a major lack of high-quality data from observational, experimental studies or randomized trials on this field, Up until now there is insufficient data to recommend this form of therapy strongly in reducing some psychosocial problems."'' Making it an inconclusive study. ] (]) 20:04, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
::::::::::::::::Let’s not cherry pick. I return to the Statement #1 that currently mentions “numerous literature reviews and meta-analyses”. The limitations of these studies should be mentioned if in line with ] —] (]) 23:57, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
:::::::::::::::::Cherry pick what?
:::::::::::::::::Are you really trying to reach a consensus or not? because i don't see you actually addressing the points that emerge of the sources that you, '''you''' as a proponent of them should be considering and analyzing in a careful manner.
:::::::::::::::::You know what's the worst?, that i shouldn't have made that analysis, not only because is your responsability to at least read the sources you want to implement, but because the page talk is not for that. Neither of what is your opinion of what is or what is not a systematic review. As you said, reliable sources refer to Witkowski 2010 as a systematic review. '''End of the debate.'''
:::::::::::::::::There is no original research involved, period. ] (]) 02:34, 13 May 2024 (UTC)
{{od}}That was an astute observation. The funnel plot inspection in the Schütz et al. study was done visually, which can introduce subjectivity and potential bias. While they noted this limitation and the small number of studies, this impacts the robustness of findings. This is amplified because the authors (e.g. Peter Schütz) appear to be practitioners (not academic researchers) which introduces another source of potential subjectivity bias. If it were to be cited, the limitations would need to be made clear. I maintain that Witkowski 2010 is not a systematic review or meta-analysis - it was a scathing critical review of empirical literature. It does '''NOT''' meet the PRISMA criteria for systematic review or meta-analysis as noted earlier. I encourage you to consider these points and reevaluate. If you have evidence to the contrary, I would be interested to hear it. --] (]) 09:28, 13 May 2024 (UTC)


:Why you keep insisting on the PRISMA declaration?.
:I don't know if you are aware, but the PRISMA declaration was sort of an "update" to the QUORUM declaration in 2009. Which it's main focus at the beginning was clinical meta-analysis and systematic reviews. It was not as adopted in 2010 like now, even the paper presenting the declaration was published at the beginning of 2010.
:Still tho, Witkowski meets the QUORUM declaration. But the declaration is not necessary in order to consider something as a meta-analysis or a systematic review. It just secures that the data analysis is not biased in certain ways. ] (]) 15:03, 13 May 2024 (UTC)


== Morgan 1993 ==


Removed the following from further reading because it is impossible to find and its outdated or near impossible to find: {{Cite journal |last=Morgan |first=Dylan A. |title=Scientific Assessment of NLP |journal=Journal of the National Council for Psychotherapy & Hypnotherapy Register |series=Spring |year=1993 |volume=1993 |ref=none}} --] (]) 09:42, 6 May 2024 (UTC)
No support. Just patience. ] 12:26, 3 November 2005 (UTC)


:This has been discussed in the past in ]. The consensus was to replace any citations with citations to Heap. But that was already done and Morgan isn't used, so I agree removing it from Further reading is fine. ] (]) 11:15, 6 May 2024 (UTC)
::Looks like it... These were the Heap papers:
:: --] (]) 13:16, 6 May 2024 (UTC)


== Really bad sentence ? ==
Hello FT2. I think you are treating VoiceOfAll's expert efforts unfairly. He has stepped in to remove direct insults, and has made very clear instructions of what you should and should not do (eg accusations section). It still seems to me that further exploration towards actual proceedings is in order. As you said, personal attacks etc. These do indeed need to be resolved. I think I am coming closer to an answer that is more related to how we resolve differences.


"NLP posits that consciousness can be divided into conscious and unconscious components".
For example. One way to go, is to continue fulfilling the issues requirements that VoiceOfAll has provisionally set out. I can see we are getting closer to doing that. Certainly I have plenty of information that can help out there.
Seriously?

] 04:52, 3 December 2024 (UTC)
I have tried to point out people's clear biases and they tend to be based on vested and reputational interests (NLP teachers). But I realise there will always be fanatics who will come here to deface the facts.

I wish somehow to resolve that to some extent also. I'm wondering whether giving the article a more educational flavour may help (eg, pointing out the difference between science and pseudoscience etc). Whatever way is fine.

I am a patient person and also agree that arbitration is a long way off. You have been here only a short while and you are calling for arbitration already. I think most people would feel that is rash. Also, I feel people should be a lot more patient considering the compromises already made by the mediator and non promoters. Certainly, the mediator is a force of good for wikipedia and has proven to handle things well. So I consider him a friend to all wikipedians. A good force to work with. ] 12:02, 3 November 2005 (UTC) ] 12:04, 3 November 2005 (UTC)


::Wow FT2. That is an extremely appetising offer!.. Can you imagine- Comaze and others reverting facts during the arbitration, so called NLP experts adding the wrong theories, other so called NLP experts inadvertently adding pseudoscientific argument and refs about engrams and then trying to delete them (even though engrams are scientifically recognised and support the notion that NLP is science:), you adding your own biased views without supplying citations (because they don't exist). ANd you have not even slightly opened my can of NLP worms that I have stored away. Mmm, Yummy! However, I do think you have not given it enough time. As you have most definitely not represented the present mediation with any view to neutrality, I don't think you will be able to handle arbitration at all, let alone the article itself. With respect, its a nice offer, but you would do very nicely with VoiceOfAll on all balance. Best regards ] 10:48, 3 November 2005 (UTC)

Wow, it's so very kind of you to consider what we will do 'very nicely' with. I've never known you to be so concerned before. Thanks ] 11:25, 3 November 2005 (UTC)
:See above comment to ] for what neutrality means, Dave.
:Also, please check your facts, which you (in common with Headley and Logan) are often abysmal at doing when it doesn't suit you:
:# ''...So lets see. I can find citations for any facts in doubt, but as I don't know what is common ground on this, I'll list what I see, and you can always ask for a source citation on any points raised. Would that work for you?...'' (my edit of 05:41, October 30, 2005)
:# ''...No claims or statements are made that are unverifiable as far as I can tell, 4/ It explains both terms. Any criticisms please bring here, do not full-revert as I am unaware of anything controversial or disputed written in that section...'' (my edit of 16:01, October 29, 2005)

:Additionally, in terms of NPOV, how does this rate: ''...Can anyone think of a good new religious name for NLP? How about The Church of New Rolling Wizdicks?DaveRight 06:24, 28 October 2005 (UTC)...''

:Last, because I think you really need to consider your own actions as an editor (I did say it wasn't just Headley and Logan), did you notice that ] and ] asked you to cite a source "... so that it has some indication of how many view it as pseudoscience. Has there been some sort of poll you could cite? Otherwise, "often regarded" is a little too fuzzy. Perhaps there is some psychologist/psychotherapist organization that has come out saying that NLP is pseudoscience, and you can report that?..."

:Your response to this request for a citation was as follows: "...Sure, VoiceOfAll. ''Apart from all the psychologists, psychotherapists, and linguists'', The British Society of Psychologists calls NLP pseudoscientific"

:Not only is that a completely groundless and patently untrue avoidance of a citation, whats worse is, the one fact you did allege is also false, because you didn;t check your facts. In fact not even the BPS agrees with you. They don't count it as pseudoscience in the sense you are describing, much less "complete charletanary" as was in the article.

:The BPS's actual stance, if you had cared to check for yourself, is that they count it along with Psychotherapy, Cognitive behavior therapy and Hypnotherapy as fields supervised by the other main UK accrediting body in the psychotherapy field, the UK College of Psychotherapists. This is a major European accrediting body. If you check their view on NLP, you'll find that the Association of NLP International has had a seat on the governing board not too long ago and also that the ANLP's Counselling and Therapy arm is still a member in good standing as at 2005 . "Pseudoscience"? Or POV warriors?

:] 12:55, 3 November 2005 (UTC)

Hello FT2. I can see that you are not using the libraries to your advantage. Stop surfing and start researching. ] 14:25, 3 November 2005 (UTC)

:Admin warning: Please ]. It's not your place to tell other editors what to do. ] 21:39, 3 November 2005 (UTC)

==Uncle Ed wanders by==

<font color="darkblue">I was asked (via private e-mail) to take a look at this.
#<font color="darkblue">Even a quick glance suffices to discover that there is too much sarcasm here.
#<font color="darkblue">FuelWagon is right: You must say that "Smith states that NLP is pseudoscience".

<font color="darkblue">Please review ] and ].</font> ] 19:43, 3 November 2005 (UTC)

'''<font color="darkblue">"X states that NLP is pseudoscience" is what I have been saying is the NPOV way to have criticism, so we should all agree here by now. And yes, the sarcasm here is over the top.'''</font>

'''<font color="darkblue">Also, lets not talk about arbitration right now, as that is by no means effective nor necessary.'''</font>] <sup><small>]|]|]</sup></Sup></font> 20:48, 3 November 2005 (UTC)

:Hi, VoA,
:As you will see, I left a query about this on your talk page, as a courtesy, but never got a reply. Its possible you were away a bit or didn't see it. But either way, my concerns (as regards mediation) are these:
:# I have sought reconciliation with Headley. I have put effort into it despite insults and accusations. It doesn't seem to have worked, see his talk page and list of grounds for referral above for my reasons for feeling this.
:# The bottom line of the matter is virulent POV warring. I have tried, but I just don't see any sign of change on that, and unless it stops - totally - then ultimately mediation as I have said, is doomed to fail too.
:# I know mediation's best, when it works, and you'll see from Headley's talk page that I tried, and from this talk page that I ignored several insults and POV edits and at least a few personal attacks, to do so. Please see my reply to Alice above, why I feel mediation is likely to fail, and hence why I feel an ArbCom referral is not premature.
:# If you have reasons to believe that NPOV will be reached on this article, then can you let me know your basis for that feeling? Because to be honest, I just don't see it, and I've mediated informally a fair few wikipedia disputes. The gap seems too wide.

:If you can reassure me, I'll listen. The difficulty is that I don't see that kind of progress being at all likely. I had offered Headley mediation, and told him quite clearly in 2 or 3 places that if declined by his actions Arbitration would be the next resort. His reply has been a continuation of personal remarks, attacks, and POV warring, and complete denial of even a "this is a basis for discussion". So I now feel referral to ArbCom has become clearly appropriate. This isn't just sarcasm. This is fairly heavily slanted POV article warring. The sad truth is, that apart from picking selectively every negative sounding quote they can find and citing it, I have not really seen Headley or Logan contribute ''anything'' much about NLP, in a wikipedia fashion, to this article. Headley today asserts that "This article gives the sum human knowledge of NLP as it stands."

:Even despite this, most of their major citations when actually examined in context are not only slanted, but routinely unrepresentative or factually misrepresented, sometimes grossly so. Morgan was. Heap was. British Physchological Society was. NLP description is. And so on. Other contributions of theirs are invented or unsourced and flagrantly inaccurate. many other editors have complained too, recently, and I get the impression that they don't seem to feel mediation is helping enough.

:If you feel I am mistaken, can we discuss it by email? I can be reached on my public email, "contactbox" AT "softhome" DOT "net". Thanks - and sorry for the lack of optimism.
:] 21:20, 3 November 2005 (UTC)


Uncle Ed and VoiceOfAll. Your wish is my command. Or something like that:) Thanks for the input. I will do my best to remove my temper. And clearer attribution has been requested, and so it will be followed. Best regards ] 01:19, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

::Yes, Headley. But actually your temper does not need controling. As I said before, simply stop engaging people who repeatedly badger after you have answered already. Its just a trolling tactic they use, and as above, they will re-post your response to leverage their POV. Just keep providing the good research you have and constructively answering valid questions as you have. I'm not telling you what to do, this is just a friendly reminder. As usual you are correct about no need for mediation, and your responses generally follow Voiceofall's requests extremely well. Cheers ] 01:57, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

:::The problem JPL is, that most of the "answers" given have not actually been answers. Typical answers have included "All therapists know it". Or where specific points are raised but not discussed, brushed aside in a non-scientific manner. That is why people keep asking again. because you sometimes actually have to answer the question properly, not just keep saying say why you don't think it merits closer examination or why ''you'' think you have answered it. ] 14:06, 4 November 2005 (UTC)


:Following the latest revert by HeadleyDown, in which he reverted a sourced, neutral, title-description of NLP by its founders, saying it was "promotional", I'm afraid I feel this is the last sign that mediation could, or will, work. The text added to the introduction, the formal description of NLP according to its creators. This was fully described on the talk page, and sourced. My above feelings seem to be confirmed. I am sorry, ], I shall be asking ArbCom to handle this. It seems from the straw poll above that this is not a solo decision. If they reject it, then I will understand and try to work with this more, but the POV warring here is persistent, learning is not happening or intended to happen, and (insofar as Misplaced Pages is an encyclopedia not a game, with policies), this is not okay.

] 15:12, 4 November 2005 (UTC)


Hello FT2. I am simply being cooperative. If you wish to move antagonistically against mediation and compromise, then that is your choice. I feel you will find yourself in the minority. If you notice the numerous compromises made towards the promoters then you would not make such a decision. Believe me. You are welcome here, but your extreme moves in the light of the summer of extreme moves is simply a repeat of what went on before and failed. I do not wish to distract you from your own decisions, but I have been here for quite a while, and arbitration seems to be quite a few horizons away. I personally am open to many options. I and others here have made many compromises and will probably be open to others who are willing to shed real light on this subject. Otherwise, your efforts are directed to whichever cliff you wish to climb. Regards ] 15:53, 4 November 2005 (UTC)


==Proposed merger of promotional NLP site==

Hello all. The proposal to merge a speculative and promotional NLP site with wikipedia is completely unacceptable. The information is conflicting, mixed up, unverifiable, unfairly presented, unfactual and so on. It is not up to wikipedia to rescue failing websites and wikispam is also completely unacceptable. Lets just get on with resolving those 2 remaining issues. ] 06:33, 5 November 2005 (UTC)






==Science solution==
As mentioned in many places above it seems to me that science may be the solution to a lot of problems here. For example, I noticed that the engram is actually an incredibly persistent issue in psychology and neurology, and that is probably why it is used by NLP theorists. I had a look at the engram page, and it seems to be totally wrong. Not only is it vague, but it is also wrongly attributed to dianetics.

As the engram really is a strong ongoing research stream in neuroscience and psychology amongst other sciences, I suggest that the NLP promoters start accepting it as a concept. We have tried to represent it scientifically here, but promoters/practitioners keep trying to remove that explanation.

One way to do this would be to represent the engram properly as a scientific subject on the engram page. The engram is the memory trace that represents learning and has a very good science history. It is generally construed on the holistic level, just like NLP uses it, and its diagramatic representations match those of the NLP diagrams. It is different from the way dianetics uses the engram concept. There are papers on critiquing the dianetics engram as it is very flawed scientifically. Have a go at the engram page and that will probably help your case enormously. Regards ] 02:09, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

Now there's a good compromise. I can clarify on the article also! ] 03:15, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

:I'd go with that. If the problem is that engrams are badly described, then lets solve that one. Personally I think JPL is on the ball here, what may have happened is that although not used in original formulations of NLP, *if* the concept was in science *and* was sensible and credible, then NLP theoreticians may have started to refer to it. the problem then might be that the engrams article is misleading. Trouble is, that article, at present, does not say what NLP says, nor was it used in original formulations... which may be why some people are removing it. Clean it up, and lets see if it then says what NLP is saying. ] 11:29, 4 November 2005 (UTC)


Yes I also think this is a good idea. It will clarify things a lot. ] 11:41, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

::I'm not sure where that's going but it's interesting. So NLP primary texts don't refer to engrams themselves, but to concepts which sound the same as engrams (to someone who knows engrams). However psychology and scientology define engrams differently, and the current Misplaced Pages page on engrams does not remotely sound similar to the concepts written about in NLP primary texts. Therefore, we should rewrite the wikipedia article on engrams to match the understanding of engrams that correspond with the NLP concepts, so that we can simplify the concepts of NLP by simply saying "see 'engrams'". ...interesting.... ]

:::Not quite. Its a suggestion that if there is anything useful in "engrams", or it has multiple uses and definitions, maybe if that article was more complete and covered and cited scientific views or NLP views or scientology views or whatever too, then we'd maybe end up able to say "some modern NLP writers compare NLP's understaning of X to modern scientific views on Engrams", and it would then be accurate. Thats a new field to me too. If, as JPL suggests, NLP texts refer to concepts which are similar to "engrams", then thats worth knowing. The trouble is, the article on Engrams doesn't have any way to check that with at all, because its not itself describing the term fully and sounds like mumbo jumbo anyhow. Thats my understanding of what JPL is saying, anyhow. ] 13:49, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

Hallo. The NLP trainers I know in Europe and Russia use the term engrams in different ways to each other. But I think the suggestion is good. Certainly it should be stated that Hubbard's engrams are different from science and NLP's engrams. That is what encyclopedias are good for. The engram page said dianetics uses engrams (just after a scientific description) last time I looked. Just find a book that says the dianetics engram koncept is wrong, and Bob is your uncle:) From my understanding, Hubbard engrams are about pain. Science does not give them such a negative view, they are just representations of learning in the neurons. Also Hubbard talks about demons as part of them:) Read Dianetic, the science and technik of achievement. It is very funny:) Hubbard went from science fiction to fiction science:) But engrams were taught as a holist theoretical koncept in my undergraduate psychology. There is nothing wrong with it and the research is still following it even for finding where the engram is in the parts of the brain. When I read Bandler and amigos I do not see demon engrams, but I do see mental pathways and circuits of scientific proposed engrams. ] 03:16, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Thanks for the input Hans. We certainly need some world views and more scientific views here. Regards..] 09:02, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

== Most NLP theorizing is bunk, but... ==

Much of the pure scientific aspects of the discussion here are things which I am not well versed in, however, the "success seminar" angle is something I am familiar with, though not the Tony Robbins "I can cure you" kind. Suffice it to say, the usable application to be found here is in helping people steer their minds to a more effective premise in critical areas.

For example, there is a "success saying" which goes like this: "Your mind is not like a rubber band, once it stretches, it does ''not'' go back to it's original position".

I have found from experience that if you can get someone with low self-esteem and/or high self-doubt to truly believe that, they will then start regularly thinking that things can and will get better for them.

Recent case in point: A close friend of my family is in her 40's, overwieght, smokes, is out of work and 3 months past due on her mortgage. As a condition of helping her with enough $$ to get current on the mortgage (between me and her father, we bridged the gap), she was oblidged to come see me face to face for an hour, to get the check. At this meeting, I first made sure of the tally of the required $$, then I reminded her that I'd known her for 8 years and never once butted into her pesonal life. "Thats' true", she confirmed. So then, here is what I explained to her: I said "look, you are about to lose your house and you are spending over $150 a month on cigarettes, what the hell are you doing?" There was no argument on this point and then I explained an NLP "success saying". I said "look Susie (pen name for this), I am giving you this $$ because we care about you, but let me tell you something, the secret I am about to tell you is worth over 100 times more and here it is: ''Your mind is not like a rubber band, once it stretches, it does not go back to it's original position''".

"It's that simple, all you have to do is stop telling yourself you can't and start telling yourself you can. After a certain point, you really will understand that your mind has stretched and you will know that it's not going back to where it was. You will be a different, better person than you are now".

I also gave here an easy translation Bible and set her to reading Proverbs, explaining that she needed some new grist for the mill (of her mind), such as "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid".

Anyway, the long and the short of it was this all happened about 8 weeks ago. Since then, she has quit smoking, got a job and started a diet/excercize program. When she called me 2 weeks ago to give an update, it was clear that she was convinced that her mind both can stretch and was in the process of stretching. She was really much happier, etc.

Now, will she stay that way? I say yes, if she actually does believe that her mind can stretch and if she works at stretching it. So to wrap this up, this NLP stuff, so far as I can see, really only works when you have a subject who is ready, willing and able to focus their mind effectively. The results come not as a consequence of he suggestion (the "programming"), but rather, as a consenquence of the subject actually focusing intensly on the target - it's the power of ''sustained'' postive expectations, nothing more. Those who claim to have developed a structured system of tapping into how people think and steering it via NLP are just putting a fancy name on helping people believe "Yes!, I can". A good football coach already does this; think "the Tuna", Bill Parcells.

In my view, helping people focus and moving them forward in life is the only worthwile application for this technology and frankly, the rest of it (I feel) is a bunch of crap dreamed up by people who are interested in considering themselves superior "Hah! see how I led that person around by the nose"...

Also, it really only works if the suggestion being made is an actual macro-truth - as in always true for everyone. In my mind, I always have available this: "Your mind is not like a rubber band, once it stretches, it does not go back to it's original position" as an absolute certainty and am always ready to share anecdotal proof that it's true with anyone who asks or othrwise displays interest. Personally, I am fully convinced that the reason why this particular suggestion works (if genuinely apprehended by the subject) is because it's true about all people, all the time.

] <sup><b> ] </sup></b> 08:30, 4 November 2005 (UTC)


Welcome Rex. Thanks for your input. Yes, you have some clear perceptions about the subject. NLP is generally promoted as a science or scientifically sounding for the sake of sales with no serious effort to test and verify. Regards ] 11:43, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

:Hi rex.
:I think the problem comes down to this: the founders of NLP chose the word "programming" for its cybernetics connotations (in the 1960's) -- and they chose ''really'' badly, because the word is ubiquitous in cults and suggestion, where it means something like ''instilling, often by suggestion, another person's or a cult's ideas, into a more suggestible person.''

:NLP is very badly named, no question of it. A better term would be neuro-linguistic ''patterning''. It's not about instilling via self-belief. Its closer to instilling by pattern-modification. If you tie an unfamiliar knot 100 times, your muscles learn the new pattern; belief has nothing to do with it.

:NLP says, that everything a person does, can potentially be viewed at that level, if we knew how. It says you can in principle (and with varying degrees of difficulty and skill), rewire dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behavior to make them more productive, and you can study how others who are highly capable structure their internal habitual ways of being, and adopt ones similar, and that these may help you learn to become more capable too. It says that if you could establish a less reflexive connection between seeing and strong feeling, then just maybe a phobic won't ''have'' to have such a strong negative sensation when they see whatever stimulus is involved, and that this doesn't require understanding of the past, its almost an engineering process mentally speaking - disconnecting or weakening a connection.

:Trance, or hypnosis, is seen as useful since it bypasses the conscious mind (which isn't really that relevant when working with unconscious internalized habits anyway), and more importantly bypasses conscious dissection and analysis which tend to favor and rationalize the status quo and can thus block alternative learnings.

:Here is an example of NLP from my own recent experience:

:I had a long distance friend, who was agoraphobic. He panicked on planes, could barely handle buses, couldn't visit malls. The real clinical thing. He didn't understand why, in fact he'd only just discovered there was a medical term for all these vague different situations he felt panic in. Really bad, really screwing up his life. To cut a long story short, we discovered something fascinating. What was going on was, that somewhere in his visual processing, far away things were being subtlely distorted in his perception. Not enough to notice, but enough to have a vague "something feels wrong" sense when he looked at far away things. The closer something was, the more clear, "normal" and bright it looked. The further away, the more it was subtlely, weirdly, ever so slightly fuzzy and somehow distorted. It was so subtle, he wasn't consciously aware of it at all, until we explored ''how'' exactly he "saw". Naturally it then makes perfect sense to me that he had agoraphobia. Every time he looked at closer things, he felt okay, every time he looked at far away things he got this unconscious subtle feeling of unease. And where do you see far away things...? Outdoors, in malls, on transport. So every time he's in big spaces he's feeling unease... small spaces he's not... classic conditioning. So the remedy we used was, first, to check how far away he could see something and not feel it was distorted, and then practice seeing things undistorted further away. We also worked on being curious about things, textures, perspectives, rather than just ignoring them, to give him a different way to look at big scenes and see detail within them. Very practical, very commonsense, and very pragmatic. And about as far from "wholism" or "unable to describe" as it gets.

:''That'' is what NLP means, when it talks about pattern and program, and "subjective reality". Not idiocy like instilling belief, or cults, or wish-wash. Pure observation and exploration of how people do this thing we call "behavior" and "awareness", and the skill to nail down through the haze, exactly at what point it's gotten dysfunctional. Yes, some trainers do use personal charisma of suggestibility to instill belief... but that's charisma based stuff ''utilizing'' NLP, it's not actually NLP.

:Hope that helps, rex. ] 11:59, 4 November 2005 (UTC)


I think Rex is being more insightful than you realise, FT2. Notice the healthy lack of doctrine in his words. Looks like an open mind. You see the problem with the "subjective reality" part is that NLP proposes that they know the structure of it.

The reality is, they have no clue about the structure. Or more accurately, they have chosen clues which are not accurate. Well, I don't claim to have the answers on that one, but if I did claim it, I may make some money. It is a wild claim in itself. It presupposes that you can learn to do what Einstein did without the immense energy and talent he threw into all his years of obsessive explorations and so on.

Plus the theorizing that goes on within NLP is wild and unconnected. Going from Chomsky's theoretical and untested grammar to a method that is supposed to make you a wizard is a huge leap indeed. And one that makes practitioners fall flat every time from the look of things.

So far promoters don't seem to have persuaded anybody about the science/technology/amazing magic of NLP apart from themselves. That seems to verify the research done on NLP. I do not wish to antagonize here though. Merely to act as a mirror. Science and common sense are the best way to go meta. Regards ] 12:33, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

:I think thats part of the problem. Subjective reality is nothing more or less than "you don't see everything the same way I do; I don't experience as you do". Every good book on therapy or communication or parenting will emphasize somewhere, "Don't assume they think and feel as you do, because they don't". So I don't think the "subjective reality" part is that controversial. It says, that if you make a blanket assumption that what life's like for them is (in every way) not going to be how you assume it is for you -- you'll be more right than wrong.
:We don't know the structure of human experience and reality. Like science, NLP tries to say, "these are ueful concepts and structures". The Bohr atom was wrong, so technically was Newton, and so in time probably will be Einstien's models too. But the concepts they introduced are valued because they give us ways to think about and model reality that are more accurate than we had before them. NLP suggests a way to think about how people's inner world is structured, that is capable of being more precise in some ways than what's gone before, and less precise than what will follow.
:It says one can break down what a person does and believes, and what they think of as possible, then puts it back together in a more effective way, analogous to sports coaching. You can't "be" Einstein. But when Einstein tried to explain where he got his ideas, he described sitting on the end of a light beam. That, for Einstein, appeared to be a crucial step in how he innovated relativity -- he placed himself in unusual positions. What would happen to my perception, if I was on the event horizon, or travelling with light? That's NLP in action, modelling. We might not be able to ''be'' geniuses like Einstien, but we can have a better idea what he perceived to be important aspects of how he did what he did.
:Don't know if that helps at all. But it seems sensible. Some comment on the example I gave above would be useful, too. ] 13:42, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

Well, I can't speak for Rex, but I think you have gone a few planets off target FT2. You speak of good books, and you have NLP books in mind. When I think of good books I think of how to retain and maintain normality in a crazy world. Psychotherapy is designed to do such a thing. It doesn't always succeed but it does a lot better than NLP. I am not talking about Freudian analysis, but about the empirically measured and objectively assessed methods that really do help according to reality (in contrast with speculative hype). Those methods of science that I speak of are self correcting, and even so common sense that they seem obvious. But in that way they help to keep people on the straight and narrow more or less. Whereas NLP promises genius, amazing abilities, and getting over your problems in a blink of an eye. It is purely a mass marketed psychobabble market. The world view is that it is just psychocrap. You can dress any salesman in a suit and sell the stuff with no satisfaction. But there are some things that are verifiable. They are tested and found to be valid. Perceptions of normal people are elicited, and their perceptions are generally ...Yes that seems about right. Whereas NLP is psychobabble from start to finish with nothing more than a bunch of lame promises and insecurity building presuppositions that is guaranteed to set up and complete insecure people's disappointment. Any relatively healthy person will just shrug off NLP like a 24 hr virus. At least, that is the Eurasian perspective according to my studies :) Spend you Euros and have a glass of wine:) Regards ] 14:45, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

== References ==

I'm going to keep cleaning up the references and add links and notes where appropriate. I want to get he article to the stage where anyone can come in and easily check the sources. I'm going to stay out of any content disputes for a while until it cools down :) --] 14:16, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

Hello Comaze. If cleaning means removing core references that you alone deem disposable, then forget it. If I see you altering the references, I will simply revert, and I will expect any neutral editor to do the same when considering your past and recent history. ] 14:34, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

==Recent Opening NLP Obscurantisms==

Hello FT2. Further to your requests to discuss. I understand your urge to promote using obscurantisms on the opening of the article, but as discussed 3 weeks ago during mediation, hype and confusion is not appropriate for an encyclpopedia. A clear and instructive opening is requred that tells the reader straight away about their own perceptions (ie, not a programming language, but a way to program the mind). Not a study (sitting in libraries reading books or doing degrees, or publishing peer reviewed papers), but a self help technique. The study of subjective experience has already been criticised by scientists as hype and exageration. Presently the subject is classified as pseudoscientific by more scientists and scientific bodies than you realise. It is fine to explain straight away what NLP is in reality according to the sum of human knowledge on NLP. It is unacceptable to promote the subject using terms that are deliberately obscure and arguable. NLP is a method for programming the mind. Many NLP promoters use that explanation and it is helpful. That has been mediated already. Please learn to cooperate. I understand you have not been around here long. I will remain tolerant to your uncooperative actions. Regards ] 17:05, 4 November 2005 (UTC)


Now lets have some respect and cooperation with VoiceOfAll. In the interest of cooperation, lets work through the issues that have not been tackled and stop going over issues that have already been deemed acceptable by the mediator and the majority. Best regards ] 17:16, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

::"deemed acceptable by the mediator" is overstating a mediator's role. A mediator only works to resolve the differences ''between editors''. If editors still dispute something that a mediator deems acceptable, then it is not yet resolved and the mediator will need to mediate the dispute between editors, not the article. ] 05:35, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

:Headley... you are mistaken. Put simply.
:* It is not "hype" to describe a subject in its own words. Its about as neutral as it gets in fact.
:* It is certainly more neutral than the present wording. For example, sales, or communication clarity, or gaining an insight into how others think (or claiming to) may be many things, but they are certainly not "self help". So the present description is highly inaccurate - not surprisingly since the description I have added is the one cited on NLP websites, every source reference book, identically dewscribed by each of the founders, and cited by a large number of papers, whereas the one you revert to is a third party ''opinion'' or description, based upon one type of ''use'' of it.
:* If scientists consider the name, or description, "hype", thats a ''separate'' point. On Misplaced Pages, one describes what ''the field'' considers itself as (as ] said) and ''then'' critique it if needed. That's Misplaced Pages NPOV policy even for your own preferred examples and pseudoscience.
:* A study of... does not mean sitting in a library to most people. That is "studying" not "a study".
:* The term "programming", is described as I have detailed. You're thinking of another use for the term, and that might be how a variety of scientists see it even - but that unfortunately is not the meaning used in the NLP field.
:* I note, and reject, the ] in your words: "I understand your urge to promote using obscurantisms". This is neutrality, and policy. But you know thats a line we differ on. Which is why I feel this matter will end up in ArbCom's lap, either now, or at some time.
:* I note your appreciation that I "have not been around here long", but it's unwarranted. I've been an editor on this article since July 2004, whereas you've been POV warring here for 3 months. I've been active on Misplaced Pages for almost 18 months and have worked in-depth on a very wide range of articles, with a good reputation; you have been active since August 2005 and (from what I can tell from your contributions list) your sole contribution, if one can call it that, has been to slant this article.
::One more fact stated without checking... and one more condescending comment, Headley. Inappropriate. But telling.


:] 19:02, 4 November 2005 (UTC)



Sorry FT2. You have not covered the issue that your addition is unclear and gives readers a hard time with the opening. Now instead of insisting on such uncooperative sidetracking, you could get on with the issues presented below. ] 20:50, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

:That's what NLP describes itself as, and therefore in principle that's what needs describing. If the description is accurate but you, personally, feel it is going to be hard for readers to understand, then you need to figure a way to make the accurate description readable, rather than take the easy way out by substituting an inaccurate one. It seems reasonable to me, comparing other specialized subject introductions.

:Whatever else, the giveaway that the above is a rationalization, and basically you have a determination and desire to slant the article, is that your responses were '''not''' "thats too complicated". They were "thats promotion". It is not a cause for personal attacks, that someone else expects accuracy in the text.
:] 22:06, 4 November 2005 (UTC)


FT2. The lines you proposed for the opening were unclear and did not satisfy the requirements of the mediated version, plus the study of structure etc really is a promotional obscurantism. I merely wish to state we have some things to sort out here. Please focus on completing these following tasks. Regards ] 01:42, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Hello. This is funny. I was taught that I should not use the "study of structure of..." to explain to businesslike people what I was doing. My trainer said that if you tell them that, they just go "Huh?". ] 03:01, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

:<font color="darkblue">Note: to Headley et al, just because I am mediating here does not mean that I have the final say. I am just trying to make comprimises and keep everyone here together.] <sup><small>]|]|]</sup></Sup></font> 03:59, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

I've been looking in on this article for a while and I think your presence here is appreciated by all neutral editors, VoiceOfAll. There are some editors here who would like to see the back of you though, and its clearly because they do not like to compromise. People calling for arbitration at such an early stage are seriously biased and seem to be destined for arbitration to tell them clearly that they are biased. I believe they should start questioning their own POV. Considering the amount of changes they insist upon making after compromises have already been made towards them, I suggest the NLP/arbitration promoters use their imaginations to consider how biased and fanatical they seem to relatively NLP savvy outsiders such as myself. JC

:I think theres a slight chance you might be talking about me. The trouble here is not NLP or non-NLP. Personally, Ive got knowledge of it, but on Misplaced Pages I don't have any axe except NPOV. And I know wikipedia policies, and when they are being badly abused, and I've said so several times. Headley & Co haven't really stopped ignoring Wiki policies, and that is the issue, not the article, to me. I don't see any sign he's likely to change that either. Its a clear obvious case of aggressive POV warring, based on his behavior. It's been going on a relatively long time now. The arbitrator knows he has had respectful communications from me on more than one occasion now to discuss the matter, as has HeadleyDown himself. He knows I respect the work he is doing, because I have spoken respectfully, asked his opinion, tried at first to respect his work, and the like. I just think its a fruitless task, because fundamentally Headley & Co ''don't act as if they want'' to accept that Misplaced Pages isnt a debating board, but an encyclopedia, and has policies that function specifically to stop this kind of thing. So no, this isn't an "early stage" at all. As for changes... if an article is factually incorrect, and the reason it's factually incorrect is POV warring rather than reasonable dispute... no. Then correcting the article is what editors are intended to do. Collaboratively if possible, or using other policies provided. How I seem to you, is something we can discuss if you like. If you read my posts here, you'll see an awful lot of courteous and fair discussion and requests to discuss being ignored or dismissed or sidestepped. ] 05:57, 5 November 2005 (UTC)


Hello FT2. I notice you have continued to add the obscurantist/promotional section to the opening yet again. In doing so, you are turning compromise into uncompromise. Careful and considered compromise was made on that section through mediation. Turning compromise into uncompromise is completely against mediation. Try to work on resolving the outstanding issues. ] 06:17, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

==Completing issues==
===Intro===
We seem to have two different version, I merged them as best I could. If anything else should be added, then lets talk.] <sup><small>]|]|]</sup></Sup></font> 06:41, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

:I am sorry, VofA. I don't think the introduction is accurate in the encyclopaedic (or indeed other) senses:
:* The first sentence ''Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a commercially promoted method for programming the mind...''
:** "Hypnotherapy is a commercially promoted method for programming the mind? Psychotherapy is commercially marketed for programming the mind? School is a commercially promoted method of programming the mind? Like... that's the ''sole'' explanation?? Doesn't this sound wrong? Shouldnt an introduction describe it as it sees itself?
:** Further, it is not accurate. As described, its not a "method for programming the mind". The version I added was far more precise.
:** In any event, "programming" has extremely strong POV associations with cult style programming, which this use of the word clearly is very different from.
:* It reinstates the term "NLP language" which is a non existant nonsense term.
:* Last, I find it curious that the paragraph evaluating its standing states that it is "unsupported", "pseudoscience" and "a dubious therapy", every negative going, but the extremely relevant Sharpley citation, despite having a page ref etc, is considered unsuitable although it clarifies and balances the above.

:We haven't even ''begun'' to cover the mis-characterization as "pseudoscience" and lacking credibility, yet.

:Out of respect for VoA, if someone can explain these rationally, neutrally, without POV warring and policy violations, please do so. (Note that excuses like "the real expalanation is too complicated so an incorrect POV one is better" are not okay). That's the reason I'm leaving this clearly unbalanced material at this time. And VofA, you have my email from a previous post, if you would like to discuss, please do contact me that way too. ] 06:58, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Nicely done VoiceOfAll. Hopefully now we can just get on with resolution. Regards ] 06:45, 5 November 2005 (UTC)


Hello FT2 and VoiceOfAll. I will do my best to clarify.

Programming: NLP is a kind of programming. That is clear by the title. People want to know what kind of programming it is. It is a way to program the mind. There are many NLP sources that state this as a matter of fact and it is indeed an accurate description. NLP also uses the computer metaphor throughout. eg; Hypnotherapy. A kind of therapy using hypnosis. Psychotherapy. A kind of therapy using psychology. ] 07:12, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
: "Programming refers, not to the activity of programming, but to the study of the thinking and behavioural patterns or 'programmes' which people use in their daily lives. The name is a bit of a mouthful and is certainly not NLP's strongest asset. By trying to be too comprehensive it has ended up being somewhat off-putting and most people feel a little uncomfortable about the 'programming' part of the name when they first encounter NLP." Bandler, Grinder, Dilts, Seymour and O'Connor all state the same. I think that a vague "it programs the mind" is not appropriate. It's misleading because "programming" has POV asociations, and misleading again because each source clarifies that is ''not'' what "programming" refers to. ] 07:19, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Programming is neutral enough. Looks to be very clear and the opening works fine that way. ] 07:25, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Any reference to results of NLP in testing should be very concisely summarised. There are a great many other statements that are far more relevant to Sharpley's kind words about the use of many pseudosciences in psychotherapy. Another paper concluding that NLP was ineffective actually stated that dianetics is also ineffective, but is still used in fringe practices. Regards ] 07:12, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
:Which means little. The intro has one point of view. The other point or something similar is appropriate to balance that. Your problem with stating that at least one researcher concludes that lab tests may not reflect real life tests is.....?
:Note that as I said, I'll come back to that characterization later. this one's purely about deletion of a balancing verifiable credible sourced view from the intro that leaves the only views in that paragraph as "against". ] 07:19, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

No FT2, the paragraph is a neutral scientific statement of fact. I do have a solution though. It does not concern the opening, but I do have a source that states that many pseudosciences are promoted in psychotherapy, especially concerning fringe practices. Its a fair and factual statement. I will see how it fits. Cheers ] 07:25, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

:I modified the intro yet again...:-).] <sup><small>]|]|]</sup></Sup></font> 07:33, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

I can accept that, VoiceOfAll, though it is not as immediately clarifying as the previous. I do suggest a couple of word changes. Notice that "the study of structure of subjective etc" is considered an outrageous claim by more than a few scientists, and rather than belief about structure, it is more of an assumption. I will make the changes, see how it looks to you. Regards ] 07:40, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
::I made more changes, and programming is still mentioned, it seems quite clear for now.] <sup><small>]|]|]</sup></Sup></font> 07:59, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Looks fine. I made some small adjustments also. Cheers ] 08:22, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Yes, I think the intro is acceptable.] 09:00, 5 November 2005 (UTC)


:Yes Headley, I see that the Mediator's view is not quite to be left alone as you have previously said. You just can't resist those little POV pushing touches, can you...
:* VofA "It is promoted by NLP proponents as "the study of the structure of subjective experience" "
::HD edit ''It is promoted by NLP proponents as "the structure of magic" and claimed to be "the study of the structure of subjective experience"''
:* VofA "NLP also provides techniques for programming the mind, so that such models can be used by others to emulate effective skills"
:: HD edit: ''NLP also provides techniques for programming one's own behavior or other people's behavior''.
:* VofA "It is formally defined"
:: HD ''It is promoted''
:* VofA "is predicated upon the belief"
:::FT2. I am willing to compromise here. I made some corrections to the opening, and I corrected myself also. I stated promoted as ..study of structure etc, but it was rather a claim than a promotion, so I placed NLP's most common promotion (structure of magic...the word magic is in the title of many books). ] 12:08, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
:::You forgot I placed the McDermott reference (not shown above) ] 12:08, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
:::I am willing to compromise on these points. I see no problem here as I am more interested in completing this part and moving to the next. ] 12:08, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
:::Perhaps we could hear VoiceOfAll's version. ] 12:08, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
::::We did. You instantly edited it, and the above lists your impact on it. A bit inappropriate to then talk about "hearing VofA's version"....? ] 12:50, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

:* VofA "Qualified NLP practitioners claim to be able to do more complex NLP change work"
:: HD ''Qualified NLP practitioners claim to be able to do more complex NLP change work (Eisner 2000). '''Although NLP is pseudoscientific ''', it is fair to say that many pseudoscientific subjects are promoted in psychotherapy, especially the fringe psychotheraputic practices''
:::FT2. OK, I am being fair and compromising here. I can change it to Although NLP is classed by some experts as pseudoscientific....] 12:13, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

:* VofA "in the eyes of many people"
:: HD ''in the eyes of previous supporters''
:::FT2. Voice of all asked for the removal of "many" and I was cooperating. Si see no problem with my version and if you look up the reference, you will find it is correct. ] 12:13, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
::::I can see the benefit of removing weasel words. But "previous supporters" also implies all or most previous supporters, which is incorrect as opposed to merely unsecified. Can you find a citation to describe who exactly lost faith in it, or something? ] 12:50, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

:* HD ''Richard Bandler attempted legal action to claim the intellectual and commercial property of NLP '''although and as NLP did not work '''''
:::FT2. Again, that is actually a direct reference to the book by Salerno. ] 12:13, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
::::The problem is, its nothing to do with the court case. if it is relevant to the article, find a place that it fits the article context. ] 12:50, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

:* VofA "other reported states and abilities"
:: HD ''other dubious activities''
:::My version fits well ] 12:13, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
::::Edited to retain both, see if that works ] 12:50, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

:* VofA "medical use"
:: HD ''"alternative" medicine''
:::It's classed as alternative medicine sometimes. Certainly I don't see it being taught to doctors as part of their training. ] 12:13, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
::::It also gets medical use. Both is okay, deletion of that fact in favor of alternative, isn't. ] 12:50, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

:* VofA " 'New age' or 'commercialized' NLP is increasingly targeted for saleability"
:: HD ''NLP is increasingly targeted for saleability''

:Reverted. Don't even think of POV warring this way. ] 11:39, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

:::Please, FT2, it does seem like you are telling me what to do. I have been cooperative. If you want to make changes do not simply revert. ] 12:13, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
:::FT2, these are all valid changes. I made those changes for the sake of the remaining issues to clear up. Please be more specific about your objections, because I see nothing wrong with them. ] 12:05, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
::::See way above, you asked if I was telling you what to do. When it comes to content in general, no, all sides must be represented. When it comes to comprehension and clear persistent and aggressive boundary pushing on core wikipedia policies such as NPOV, yes. Specific criticisms are given above in each case, read 'em, or ask for a re-post of them, either is okay. ] 12:50, 5 November 2005 (UTC)


:I have re-reverted the deletion of the Sharpley quote. I find it interesting that it's okay to include Sharpley's criticism, but not the other half of his research conclusion, and that it's okay to include 3 sources heavily critical without one research that isn't. I also find it interesting that you ask for explanation, and I tell you where it is and offer to repost it if you can't find it, but then you ''still'' don't actually discuss, but instead revert to the one-sided version again without discussion. Misplaced Pages is an encyclopedia. It tries to be collaborative, but not at the cost of excessively non-neutral articles.

:Some thoughts from ] about the nature of NPOV:
:* "the core of the NPOV policy is to let competing approaches of the same topic exist on the same page"
:* "not making articles state, imply, or insinuate that only one side is correct"
:* "We accept, for the purposes of working on Misplaced Pages, that 'human knowledge' includes all different significant theories on all different topics"
:* "we can agree to present each of the significant views fairly"
:* "a wide variety of conflicting theories constitute what we call 'knowledge'."
:* "Presenting all points of view says, more or less, that p-ists believe that p, and q-ists believe that q, and that's where the debate stands at present. Ideally, presenting all points of view also gives a great deal of background on who believes that p and q and why, and which view is more popular (being careful not to associate popularity with correctness)"
:* "It's also generally important to give the facts about the reasons behind the views"
:* " It is not our job to edit Misplaced Pages so that it reflects our own idiosyncratic views and then defend those edits against all-comers; it is our job to work together, mainly adding or improving content, but also, when necessary, coming to a compromise about how a controversy should be described, ''so that it is fair to all sides''."

:On biased editing:
:* "an article can still radiate an ''implied'' stance through either selection of which facts to present, or more subtly their organization — for instance, refuting opposing views as one goes along makes them look a lot worse"
:* "There is a minority of Wikipedians who feel so strongly about this problem that they believe Misplaced Pages should adopt a "scientific point of view" rather than a "neutral point of view."
:* "a large number of people can honestly fail to see the bias inherent in a popular term, simply because it's the one commonly used."
:* '' I don't want to write for the enemy. Most of them rely on stating as fact many things which are demonstrably false. Are you saying that, to be neutral in writing an article, I must lie, in order to represent the view I disagree with?'' --> "This is a misunderstanding of what the neutrality policy says... It's worth observing that scholars are trained so that, even when trying to prove a point, counter-arguments are included...This can be a particularly touchy subject"
:* "The term Weaselspeak refers to expressions such as "is claimed", "is thought to be", and "is alleged". While these may be legitimate rhetorical devices, they should be carefully scrutinized to ensure that they are not used to insert hidden bias" ]
:* "Often an author presents one POV because it's the only one that he or she knows well. The remedy is to add to the article—not to subtract from it." ]

:And last:
: ''One further point should be borne in mind. Our best contributors should not have to waste huge amounts of their time handholding people who are clueless, ignorant, or have an ideological ax to grind; if some of the latter people constantly post nearly worthless stuff, and do not react to polite and reasonable criticism, they and their writing shouldn't expect to be treated nicely.'' (linked from ] ] 13:25, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Hello FT2. You have just committed a serious offense in your personal attack. But in response, I am going to point out in as polite a way possible your biases.

Your approach to NLP has been one of posting your own POV on the page (your own perceptions of what you think are inconsistencies), and your own claims that you think NLP is really powerful (yes you said that despite the strong evidence of NLP's ineffectiveness), and you have placed a section of speculation from a paper (1987) on the opening in order to negate a recent finding (post 2000). I suggest you are biased:) I will look for remedies for this, but considering I have made multiple compromises today and I cannot see any from you so far, I am going to continue to compromise by reverting to the position of compromise agreed under mediation. ] 13:54, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
:But you feel that the paper is significant enough to ''support'' the post 2000 research. If Heap's work is worth citing, it's worth citing in a <u>balanced</u> manner. Your "compromise" has still not brought neutrality to the article, though it's closer (although in the main, not through your efforts). Both sides need representing. If the article was too NLP-pro and didn't characterize criticisms fairly, I'd add them myself too. But I'd do it by describing both fairly, not by misrepresenting or under-representing one. ] 15:00, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
:I have just counted, for example, how many separate times the article mentions that Eisner called NLP pseudoscience or similar. Its about 6 repetitions so far - including the one you just added. My question is, is Heap still considered a quality comentator on NLP? If he is, then both quotes are valid. If not, then neither are reliable or both should have their flaws described by whoever critiqued him. ] 15:07, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Hi FT2. No, I have been here long enough to have read extremely deeply into all of the papers and books and I have most of the papers right here on my desk, so I know if people are misrepresenting the facts (eg by snipping bits out of paragraphs without quoting the negative finding at the end:). The latter references quote Sharpley correctly because, like myself, they actually do research professionally. Their representation of Sharpley is that NLP is unsupported. They quote other review papers that say NLP is pseudoscientific in theory, pseudoscientific in association of principles, and of course ineffective in experiment and practice. All the latter scientists who do overall reviews say the same. They also state many other reasons why NLP is pseudoscience. Now most people know that there are pseudosciences used within psychotherapy, but they don't like it. People blame NLP, and they blame the way it is promoted by the main developers. To state that NLP is unsupported and therefore has been classed as pseudoscientific is really very neutral. Regards ] 15:13, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Hello FT2. The section of Sharpley's article you present below is unrepresentative of Sharpley. Not only have you misrepresented his overall tone, but you have taken a small section of an argument that he presents in the paper to support your desire to promote NLP. Now, as you very well know, Sharpley concluded at the end of the paragraph you have partially represented, that NLP had been relegated.

At the end of the paper, Sharpley says that the research does not in any way support the ridiculous claims of NLP.

He put it in negative terms. Not only that but the statement that you present is higly inconclusive and totally unfit for an encyclopedia. He uses words like, may, perhaps, etc. He makes a statement about psychoanalysis being hard to test. But as you know, he believes the tenets of NLP to be perfectly testable. If you wish to take a word out of a critical paper such as "good" and state that Smith thinks NLP is good, when in fact Smith said that NLP is good for nothing, then you have misrepresented that article. ] 01:38, 6 November 2005 (UTC)

::You have the papers? That helps. So please check.... did Sharpley say, or did he not say, ''""There are conclusive data from the research on NLP, and the conclusion is that the principles and procedures suggested by NLP have failed to be supported by those data. Perhaps NLP principles are not amenable to research evaluation. This does not necessarily reduce NLP to worthlessness for counseling practice. Rather, it puts NLP in the same category as psychoanalysis, that is, with principles not easily demonstrated in laboratory settings but, nevertheless, strongly supported by clinicians in the field.""''. Is that, or is that not, a made-up quote? Never mind what you ''think'' he means. Are those, or are those not, words he says? ] 18:27, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Mmm. FT2, I just looked up what my academic writer's manual says about your type of attribution. They call it "intellectual fraud". Oh dear! ] 02:55, 6 November 2005 (UTC)

Don't worry about Headley, FT2. I actually like you; I think fanatics are hillarious. ] 02:04, 7 November 2005 (UTC)


:The current version as of now looks quite good. Still the word "calibration" was useful, as it suggest that your mind can be recalibrated, which lead into "programming". The connection between NLP and progamming in the intro is a bit weak though.] <sup><small>]|]|]</sup></Sup></font> 18:26, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Hi again VoiceOfAll. I added your suggestions to the intro (calibration and programing). Tell us what you think. Regards ] 02:52, 6 November 2005 (UTC)

Thanks VoiceOfAll. I will see what I can do about the programing relationship. Regards ] 00:59, 6 November 2005 (UTC)

::Interesting improvements to the opening, just had a quick look. My main queries are
::#Calibration is described/used incorrectly (you don't recalibrate your mind, calibration is part of understanding non-verbal communication from someone).
::#I'm interested in clearly showing NLP vs applications, and they still merge a bit (though if the rest of the article is clear then that's fine)
::#There's still this thing from British Psych Society classifying NLP as quintessential charlantary - surely the BPS sources we've shown demonstrate this to be bogus. I gave multiple references of the BPS working with NLP , and FT2's link at BPS is also great .
::Such blatant misrepresentation is common from a couple of editors, who when given multiple pieces of contrary evidence don't withdraw the claim, but simply look for some other source to make their point. Of course ignoring evidence and just rewording a claim, finding anecdotal quotes to support what is said should not come from us editors. This is where my understanding of wikipedia's NPOV and science preference differs from those editors. Anyway, I'll keep reading, my quick look has whet my appetite to catch up (tomorrow!). ] 10:45, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

==Representing the article properly in the opening==
Hello. I noticed that the opening really did not represent the article as a whole. So I added another paragraph in order to represent the article properly. I think more critique can be added. We have 3 large paragraphs giving NLP its say, but had only one little concise one saying what the scientists say. I added one for the critics. Regards ] 14:05, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Yup! I agree. The opening is totally skewed towards promotion of NLP, and not much has been stated about the criticisms. It could be a lot clearer there. Now I have noticed on many other articles that the opening is stated properly (there is a statement about what the article presents, and then there is a qualifier from critics etc. The NLP article opening needs rebalancing to include a lot more criticism in order to make it represent the article properly. ] 01:57, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

===Basic Tenets===

Hello. Yes they are used all the time and are in the new books and editions on NLP. They are also used as the tests have tested them in the research. Here is evidence:

a. NLP coach uses the eye diagram lead/preferred/primaryRS, and says that people can be primarily one or the other also.
The NLP Coach: A Comprehensive Guide to Personal Well-being and Professional Success
Ian McDermott, Wendy Jago

b. Molden. Managing with the Power of NLP / eye diagram lead/preferred/primaryRS, and has a lot of information on preferred
1996

c. Dilts Bandler Metastates in A User Manual for the Brain Vol 2 2000 page 270
Diagram placing PRS as core to NLP. This puts prs and rs at the core of NLP in the recent model.

I was taught the primary representation system recently and it is still used in modeling according to my trainers (Grinder trainers). Sincerely. ] 02:58, 5 November 2005 (UTC)
::PRS seems fine to me right now(I made a few edits).] <sup><small>]|]|]</sup></Sup></font> 03:37, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Rep systems are certainly taught in both the old and new books and trainings on NLP. I've had no time for a bit (and still have little), but we have to make clear the difference between Rep Systems, Primary Rep Systems, and Preferred Rep Systems - at the moment all 3 seem to be being used synonymously. By separating that we can also show changes to how Preferred RS is taught. I'll have a look at the main article perhaps you've already sorted that out? Oh, HansAntel - what does Molden say about preferred rep systems? ] 10:23, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

===Recent Developments===
Could use more clarity, some POV remains, to much use of "many".

This one looks to me to be resolved after Headley's editing. What do you think VoiceOfAll? Regards ] 09:07, 5 November 2005 (UTC)


===NLP Applications===
Had some POV, could use minor style rewordings.] <sup><small>]|]|]</sup></Sup></font> 03:41, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

===Edits Nov 7===

* We don't need to name all five senses in the intro - space waste, and people will know what "the senses" are.
* "Tenet" means "An opinion, doctrine, or principle held as being true" (dictionary.com). I would have thought that "experience is subjective" and similar were far more fundamental than the left-right hemisphere theory if we're discussing ''"basic"'' tenets. The tenet behind the left/right brain and eye movements, is essentially, that body language can be observed. if someone else can sharpen this section, please do so, it still needs cleanup.
* NLP is widely used and credible by reputable bodies, as previously stated (and removed incorrectly). That is factual. So I've added it back.
* The BPS (whatever Parker may have reported) do not lend support to the statement "NLP is charlatanery". That is factual, so I have added it.
* Reorganize Engrams to explain first, note that dianetics use differs second, and continue with NLP use third. Previous order was less helpful. No information deleted, engram paragraph made more encyclopaedic in style.
* NLP derived models are widely used - factual. Noted in "modeling" section.
* Eye accessing is a simple model, they get far more complex.
* It is considered to be a powerful persuasion tool, the citations (like most other sections) omit this. Noted.
* Removed "As NLP claims tend to include exaggeration, and have been proven to be ineffective in experiments, it is seen as unethical to use NLP for financial gain", please provide citation. Who considers this, and what is their basis of credibility? It sounds like editors own feeling.
* Add back 2 valid looking links previously deleted.

If there is doubt please discuss here, rather than fully and indiscriminately reverting, since the above are believed factual, credibly supported, and relevant to balance the present viewpoint. ] 13:04, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

==Modeling==
I've tried to pull this into Misplaced Pages standard form, without loss or slanting of information.

There is already an article at ], I have first, merged all the information in this section into that article, so that it is there for other readers. Secondly, I have then updated the main NLP article to give an overview based upon that article's introduction and criticisms section, which explains modeling, overviews it, and reports criticisms of it. Third, I have linked to the full article as backup.

The "wide uses" referred to include for example - models of anger, used in health services for anger management, sports modeling, advocacy modeling used by lawyers, interview modeling used by law enforcement, spelling and teaching models used in education, and so on.

The test of the success of this is, would someone reading it, feel they know what NLP modeling is (in overview), and its criticisms (again in overview). They can then check the related article for detail.

] 20:49, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Hi FT2. Presently the NLP modelling page is full of hype and exagerated claims. I wonder why you didn't notice:) That will change soon enough. Regards ] 00:58, 6 November 2005 (UTC)

==american cancer society==
the american cancer society has some about NLP.

''there have been no large-scale randomized clinical trials of the method. One small-scale study found that NLP might be effective in treating phobias. However, a National Research Council committee did not find the theories or practices of NLP to be well founded. Indeed, some studies have found that eye movement is not a consistent marker of type of mental processing. This appears to contradict the observations of the NLP founders. ''

''Several reviews of the literature have reported there is little or no evidence to support the effectiveness of NLP. A survey of 139 psychologists listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology found that the soundness of NLP was questionable. More scientific research is needed to determine if NLP may help any medical or psychological condition. ''

] 17:06, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Yes, they are asking practitioners to start putting NLP through clinical tests themselves. Certainly psychology scientists are not going to do it considering the pseudoscientific theories and poor pre-clinical results. Refs can be provided. Regards ] 00:54, 6 November 2005 (UTC)

==the Neuro Linguistic Psychotherapy and Counselling Association==
It claims it is 'The only professional organisation for psychotherapists and counsellors using Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP).''

The link is . ] 17:06, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

''NLPtCA is a Member Organisation of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). This umbrella organisation seeks to agree national standards across the whole range of approaches to psychotherapy and counselling.''

:NLPtCA is the UK's only recognized professional body for NLP therapeutic use, under (but independent from) the ANLP, the UK's national NLP body. The UKCP is the accredited top-level UK body for therapies such as psychotherapy, CBT and hypnotherapy. ] 20:45, 5 November 2005 (UTC)

Yes, this puts NLP within psychotherapy in perspective to some extent. Remember that CBT etc are hugely represented within psychotherapy compared to NLP. The NLPtca is about the only organization that has any standards at all. The UKCP really wants to keep them under scrutiny (I mean make sure they behave themselves). Anyway, just remember how little weight this assoc carries:) Not trying to diss the assoc here, just read the literature and you will see that NLP is mostly the wild west. Regards ] 00:52, 6 November 2005 (UTC)

::Hello, I've finally got a day off :)
::What do you mean that the NLPtCA is the only organisation with any standards? - they are certainly one of the few groups promoting official therapeutic standards. Don't you recognise all of ecology a "standard"?.
::And what do you mean they carry little weight? This is a group that psychotherapists accept. Of course they are only an application of NLP - they endorse ANLP trainings, plus the requirements for applying NLP into therapeutic fields, they're pretty clearly focussed on the therapeutic application of NLP, and recognised. Sorry Headley just not getting your claim ] 10:17, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

Its just a simple question of weight, Greg. Placing a huge paragraph in the opening section that seems to imply that NLP is an entirely respectable set of psychotherapists is quite ridiculous. Also, associating the group with other unconnected associations is also akin to a lie. ] 12:32, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

::Hi Headley, that wasn't what you said though. This discussion section hadn't mentioned the opening section so I'm not sure why you bring that up (maybe yesterday it was in the opening?). Now, in fact, NLPtCA is not mentioned AT ALL in the article, not even in the psychotherapy section - which it is an ideal reference for. You may also notice that the NLPtCA does not accept just any NLP practitioner, they must conform to ANLP guidelines and the guidlines for UK psychotherapists (2 separate requirements for separate fields)- and it is fine to reflect that generic NLP training teaches NLP, and doesn't claim to teach psychotherapy, or coaching etc (though some trainings teach to those standards and may even teach with specific applications in mind, I guess) ] 12:56, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

Hi Greg. Sure, that was the problem. Promoters keep putting junk in the opening that wasn't even represented in the main body. Its a pretty sure sign that people are fanatical. Just a pointer on bias! ] 13:23, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

==scientists==
The word "scientists" is a bit... ''odd'' to describe the critics of NLP. Do these people have specific job titles? ] 15:22, 6 November 2005 (UTC)

:FuelWagon, Maybe they can be called quantitative (statistical) researchers? See "" for an opposing view that supports Grinder & Bandler's qualitative approach. --] 00:12, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

Hello FuelWagon. Going for another reframe?:) OK, let me explain. Bandler and Grinder are pulling another fast one. They are making the author believe that they are conducting real qualitative research (As if!). What the author doesn't realise is that qualitative also has to be rigorous. It also has to be peer reviewed by independent peers who do not have vested interests and are not likely to say "Yes! You can learn to walk on water using NLP":) Or "Yes. Using NLP a guruworshiping idiot who likes to read cretinous self help pseudoscience can be Eistein if they wiggle their eyes about in just the right direction". Bandler and Grinder have not done science within NLP. Promoters do continue to call them scientists. Fanatics call Bandler "Dr Bandler" and he does not own a medical certificate or PhD. NLP has certainly not earned the title "science". But it has earned the title "pseudoscience". Note that there are research studies in all kinds of subjects that are qualitative, interpretive etc and are not pseudoscience. From what I have read about the researchers of NLP who call it pseudoscience, they have all conducted qualitative studies, and have conducted lab studies, clinical studies, and field studies in an empirical way. Bandler and Grinder have conducted coke sniffing parties at Esalen in order to further their financial interests in NLP:) Their well deserved charlatan/pseudoscientist/shaman label is well deserved. Cheers ] 01:54, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

In case there was some confusion, and there seems to be some confustion here, I was talking about this sentence: ''"scientists such as Eisner, (2000); Lilienfeld et al (2003), Helisch (2004); Williams et al (2000), Drenth (2003)"''. What is Eisner's credentials for criticizing NLP? Is he a therapist? a psychologist? What? "Scientist" is simply too vague to say he qualifies as someone who gets to criticize NLP. ] 05:31, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

Hi FuelWagon. From what I have read they are all slightly different types of scientist. I suppose you could write "a clinical psychotherapist with degrees in psychology and a doctorate in psychology, a psychologist and researcher of psychology as used in psychotherapy and editor of the Scientific Review of Pseudoscience in Psychotherapy (a large body of therapists and psychologists who have classed NLP as pseudoscience), and a practicing psychotherapist and professor of psychology, and another large body of psychologist doctorates who class NLP as pseudoscience, and a psycholinguist with a phd in psychology. But I think that would be a bit long. They are all scientists so I would class them as such. I reckon all 100+ or so of them would be a representative sample by any statistical measure, and they all say NLP is pseudoscience. Best regard ] 06:00, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

::Actually it is amazing how many scientist do actually class NLP as pseudoscience. Last time I counted there were a whole lot of researchers/scientists/psych practitioners who categorize NLP as pseudoscience. Judging by the amount of obscurantist writing, exaggeration, refusal to accept science (because it indicates NLP is fraudulent) and the complete lack of research advancement going on to back up wild claims (because it will further prove NLP is fraudulent), I think it is simply going to get more pseudo. I would still recommend the cult/religion idea for NLP. Church of NLP. It works for Hubbard and Tom! Regards ] 09:08, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

:I guess that's a little clarifying and I agree too much a mouthful to write the way you've written it Bookmain. However, saying "scientists say" would imply that all scientists say this, and that is misleading. Then again, it'd be just as misleading to say "psychologists view NLP as a pseudoscience" - though you've got a few good sources that some do. ] 10:19, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

== Rapport (interpersonal rapport) ==
:: Ok, I've added a reference about teaching rapport (NLP) skills, which is currently not represented in this document. This is probably the most well-known NLP model. I want to add it to the goals section. This article (Clabby 2004) is published in two medical teaching journals and . There are also hundreds of book references on the subject of rapport that cite Bandler & Grinder. --] 23:54, 6 November 2005 (UTC)

Go ahead Comaze. I have some wicked research on that one also. But keep it concise. The scientific conclusion is pretty abrupt and aptly put:) ] 02:00, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

:Rapport is the first skill taught in NLP practitioner training and is essential in any change work. What are the other views on rapport (NLP)? --] 12:09, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

== Energy ==

In this edit
. After checking the sources for Bandler and Grinder, they do not refer to 'psychic energy' only 'energy' -- as in collateral energy (Bateson 1972) -- it is powered by metabolism. I added the page numbers so you can check this yourself. This is a necessary distinction to resolve some ambiguity. --] 13:00, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

==Again, Proper Representation in the Opening==
Hello all. I think its fair to say that people are getting a little crazy with organization and weight here.

Firstly, NLP is a pseudoscience and science gets priority and greater weight.

Secondly, the most sensible and intuitive flow is 1State what NLP claims(the map), and 2 State what science and critics say about NLP (the reality) (because science is overwhelmingly critical of NLP).

So please realise how accommodating neutral editors are being here, when NLP gets a huge say in the opening, then there is some (smaller) criticism. It is completely fanatical of people to paste strategically snipped and intellectually fraudulent stuff afterwards (one small part of Sharpley's argument that concluded that NLP had been ditched. The scientific conclusion is negative. Full stop! ] 13:32, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

:Headley, as I've said before, you are clearly lacking understanding of your proposed subject, unaware of the balance of opinion both scientific and otherwise, and your sources are often cited in a selective and partisan manner that results in the exclusion of critical caveats they themselves deliberately wrote in.

:Neutrality matters above any individual point of view. Your edits and comments are often somewhat one-sided, whereas mine are fairly universally sourced from an appropriate source (or a relevant note or invitation to discuss posted on the talk page if in doubt). That's the difference. ] 14:14, 7 November 2005 (UTC)


Hello FT2. I have compromised with you on far too much already. It is far more reasonable to represent the criticism more fully within the opening. I am fairly representing the opening by being brief. Your so called critical caveat is one part of a single study that reads as a positive conclusion. As you know, the passage you have presented states that NLP maybe could possibly be thought of as being like psychoanalysis. Then it says that if there is anything that could be tested and it fails, then it relegates the field. So NLP has been relegated (it is worse than psychoanalysis). The other conclusion is that NLP claims are scientifically unsupported.

In addition to that. NLP is criticised by a great many other researchers after this 1987 paper. The are within various fields such as business studies, training, psychotherapy, psychology, and so on, and they all say that Sharpley says that NLP is ineffective, unsupported etc. That is their view, not mine. I will represent the views of scientists and critics exactly how they are represented in the literature. You are a complete fanatic who will look for any reason to promote NLP back into the outlandishly exaggerated nonsense that it is.

Also, pseudoscience is used widely. This is a criticism of pseudoscience. People criticise NLP for being part of this problem. NLP is promoted in some business sectors, and of course people fall for the hype. Business writers also state how pseudoscientific NLP is. That will be represented. Pseudosciences are used in therapy. That is criticised. That will be represented.

So, FT2. You are presenting a completely twisted view.

The literature that I have on these matters is very broad and deep. Now, either you start realising exactly how reasonable the non fanatical editors are, or science will indeed be represented with far more weight than the pseudoscince that you are promoting. ] 15:17, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

PS.... OK, FT2. Now here is a solution. If you can find literature that states "Sharpley says NLP is lovely, just like psychoanalysis", then that passage is fine. However, so far, the only lit that I have quotes "Sharpley says NLP is ineffective, perfectly testable and pseudoscientific, and scientifically unsupported". Actually Sharpley is quoted for saying NLP is a cult, fad, ridiculously promoted, dubious, etc. ] 15:29, 7 November 2005 (UTC)


:Your wording "Sharpley says NLP is lovely" is an exaggeration, which I have no need to meet. What I have said is, Sharpley presents a balanced view, and you are selectively representing him. It's not for you to choose that his "side #1" was what he "really" means and his side #2 is somehow not something he meant. The ] point is, represent sources in a balanced fashion. I don't know what Sharpley thinks, personally. Nor do you. What we do jointly know is he saw fit to write both that it is scientifically unsupported at present, and ''also'' that it has strong clinical support and this doesn't mean its by any means worthless. Sharpley chose to write that, not you, not I. ''Both'' of those were in his article, it's important to present his ''balanced'' view.

Yes, FT2. I know Sharpley doesn't say its lovely. You have no way of getting a the overview of science that says NLP is lovely. It doesn't exist. You are not presenting a balanced view. He stated that if it is testable and fails, then it is relegated. Of course it was tested, and it failed. You deliberately missed that point out. YOU are deliberately misrepresenting Sharpley. Plus you have not referred to how other people see Sharpley's conclusion. You have once again taken your own POV and pulled your favourite bit out (and out of context) in order to promote NLP. You are behaving in a fanatical manner. Your edit will simply get reverted. ] 16:29, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

:I also note that you have removed the note about BPS, although clearly BPS do ''not'' subscribe to Parker's view, and the note about NLP's wide use, although this is well known too (or would be if you had researched it as suggested). If you can find <u>current</u> evidence that BPS consider NLP "quackery" or support Parker's representation of their view, please cite it, because as best I can see - and I've cited sources which you have not rebutted - they don't.

FT2. Again, the note, was your view, but it is not the view of any cited source. Parker was clearly represented, and is valid. ] 16:29, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

:You might want to familiarize yourself with the suggested addition to ] by ], at ]. He mentions 3 behaviors that count: selective citing, deletion of rationale for your views if weak, and deleting opposing ideas when credible.
:* Your citation of Sharpley is the first of those,
:* Your selection of only negative research (and only the most negative citations from it), such as ignoring comments such as Druckman's ("Studies of the effectiveness of NLP are limited in a number of ways None of the studies testing aspects of NLP has used NLP-certified Trainers as counselors, therapists, or eye movement monitors") that would expose the weakness of your stance is the second,
:* Your deletion of the fact that BPS themselves don't support your representation of their view is the third.
:This is why I am reverting your edit (again). It is slanted, and misrepresentative of your own chosen sources. ] 16:06, 7 November 2005 (UTC)


FT2. Your citation of Sharpley is fraudulent. You have decided to present only the parts you like and cut the lower and more negative conclusion off of the quote.

The overview of every scientist who quoted Sharpley says that Sharpley found that NLP's effectiveness and claimed principles were scientifically unsupported. Sharpleys CONCLUSION was that:

"CERTAINLY research data do not support the rather extreme claims that the proponents of NLP have made as the the validity of its principles or the novelty of its procedures". (Sharpley 1987).

That CAN be represented because that is Sharpley's conclusion. ] 16:29, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

:But do you notice, I'm the one citing sources (BPS, sharpley) ... you're saying "that doesn't matter". I didn't "cut off" anything as you claim, rather I have *added* the information you are omitting. The issue is not what others quoted. Its ''what Sharpley himself said''. He said 3 things. NLP is unsuppported by science, has extreme claims, but is strongly supported in the field in a manner similar to psychotherapy. We agree about the extreme claims by some NLP folks. '''BUT it does not excuse not representing the rest correctly'''. It also doesn't answer my other points - the BPS do *not* support the stated view and it is wrong to represent them as doing so, and NLP is widely used and considered as useful by a wide range of credible 3rd parties. Thats fact. Again.

:I'd like to avoid multiple revertion, but until you actually ''read'', ''understand'' and ''consider'' all sources and both viewpoints, as I and others have, you are going to see slanted, and edit slanted and that won't be okay on this site. Misplaced Pages is not a means of advocacy, Headley, or a place for saying "I withdrew some incorrect facts so other misrepresentative information should be allowed to stay". Its a place facts and knowledge are represented neutrally, and the article at present doesnt. You need to stop, read ] and fix them, or others will. ] 17:22, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

Hello FT2. Do you actually believe what you say? I rather doubt it. You have not been editing this article long enough to find all the refs. In general it is wise to conclude with the latest information and talk of how people came to that conclusion.

Your method seems to involve making a conclusion, then stating only the positive parts of the arguments that led to the conclusion. Its like saying: If you fly an airliner into the World Trade Center you will kill a lot of innocent people. BUT if you are following your religious rituals to the rule, then it is perfecly fine and you will have the support of God and all righteous persons and will certainly go to heaven.

Perhaps you should go to work on the terrorism article! ] 03:34, 8 November 2005 (UTC)




FT2. You censored the bottom of the paragraph for the sake of fanatical promotion. You are biased. YOU told me that you think NLP is extremely powerful. The SCIENCE goes against that. You persist in posting your own POV on the article. YOU have not read the research. You seem to care nothing for history. NLP has plummeted to pseudoscientific status since it has failed to provide evidence for efficacy since the 80s.

You present Sharpley as if he thinks NLP is just like psychoanalysis. He actually states that it is relegated to QUESTIONABLE status in terms of professional accountability. (clearly because NLP proponents make wild claims that fail to be even normally effective). Psychoanalysis proponents do not make wild claims about giving people orgasms just by talking, or learning photographic memory etc.

The one line with the greatest certainty is the one I provided for you in the opening. It is the line that the other researchers refer to when they talk of NLP's pseudoscientific status. ] 17:33, 7 November 2005 (UTC)


Mmm. I think I know what's going on here. It seems that FT2 has not much actual information on NLP testing and has only one negative paper on NLP and wants to screw as much positive out of it to promote his darling NLP. OK, now here is the sequence of statements in the text to help all other people clarify what Comaze, um I mean FT2 is trying to do.

1. The results of Sharpley's paper show that NLP is unsupported by data.
2. Sharpley discusses. (note that in a discussion session you use lots of perpapses, maybes, mays etc because you are being speculative)
3 During his speculative discussion he says that NLP is unsupported.
4 Then he says that Einspruch MAY be right about difficulties in testing
5 Then he says that IF that is so NLP MAY be in the same category as psychoanalysis
6 Then he says BUT......If it is tested and fails, then it is relegated (relegated means that it drops in the eyes of scientist. NLP has fallen. Dumped etc

8 Sharpley concludes (just as in the quote presented by Headley) that CERTAINLY, NLP is unsupported by the scientific data.

Sharpley does not say NLP is unsupported BUT it is just like psychoanalysis. He says that NLP would be like psychoanalysis, BUT it has failed in tests.

Now we all know that Comaze, um I mean FT2 is completely fanatical about NLP. The latest up to date (current) information on the scientific testing of NLP shows very clearly that it is scientifically unsupported. The views of scientists (not just Sharpley but other more recently published writers (not 20 years ago)) are that NLP is pseudoscientific because it is unsupported, because NLP pseudos like to twist the findings after the fact, because NLP pseudos use even more obscurantisms etc.

Since the dawning of the Internet wild west, and the mass sale of snakeoil, NLP has seriously fallen down to negative cultic levels in the eyes of scientists and psychotherapists.

The present opening is very mild. If you want to keep pushing it, Comaze, I mean FT2, then you will find it suddenly becoming far more balanced towards science and away from skewed pseudoscience. ] 01:58, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

::I see what you mean JP. Now that we know that FT2 is a confirmed Tony Robbins acolyte, we can do something about it. I suggest reversion of each one of his edits until he provides several corroborating references for each of his statements (none of the references should be his own POV).
::In most cases, I either supplied neutral citations, or offered to. Its not possible to make you check them, but the information was there. ] 05:18, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

I reckon the opening needs a bit more representation of science. I'll do the honours. Regards ] 03:34, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

:Round and round we go, huh?
:Oh, I loved Headley's line "You have no way of getting a the overview of science that says NLP is lovely. It doesn't exist."...
:I would hope no science says something is "lovely". Lets try it out... "Quantum Physics is Lovely"... "Psychology is Lovely"... nah... just doesn't fit :-), not from a science perspective anyway ] 04:39, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

::]: "Hello FT2. Do you actually believe what you say? I rather doubt it. You have not been editing this article long enough to find all the refs. In general it is wise to conclude with the latest information and talk of how people came to that conclusion."

::]: "It seems that FT2 has not much actual information on NLP testing and has only one negative paper on NLP and wants to screw as much positive out of it to promote his darling NLP. OK, now here is the sequence of statements in the text to help all other people clarify what Comaze, um I mean FT2 is trying to do."

FT2. You are wrong again. You took the above statements (strategically altered to remove the damning evidence against you) from JP's reply. Its JP, not Headley. Please quote without twisting facts. ] 05:29, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

::Apart from being quite my own person, and not connected with anyone else here, I've also been aware of scientific research into NLP since I first started checking it out about 1989, and I've been an editor on this article for about 18 months now. Which like most information I have cited, was available to you if you had cared to check. You'll notice I haven't removed the sections on hype and excess, because they're fairly accurate. That doesn't mean that ''inaccurate'' perception is okay though. Thats the difference between us. I've added extra information to balance opposing views, you have both deleted opposing views. I've reinforced that the subject has hype, you have both removed that it also has a significant degree of scientific and field support. I've added definitions that are text-book, you (at least Headley) have deleted those in favor of self-written ones.

Wrong again, FT2. I noticed that the definitions you refer to are actually the ones that VoiceOfAll presented. NLP is really deliberately confusing (in order to get people to by something they assume is science). Good encyclopedic writing will use brief and clear definitions or descriptions that the reader will understand. You seem to be advocating the wholesale use of psychobabble. Its quite funny, but shouldn't be presented in openings. If you want to make people giggle, you could place that kind of obscrure nonsense in the criticism section. ] 09:03, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

:::Dave, take it a notch up. How can you say NLP is _deliberately_ confusing, and also make up motivations for being confusing? (and then mix another science stab in there!) Yes Good writing will use brief and clear definitions unfortunately the article is neither brief nor clear, your efforts to portray NLP as something it's not confuses the article. NLP terms (which will often be unknown to the reader) need to be defined in plain English using the definitions supplied by NLP. ] 09:43, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

::For example, would you care to explain why Sharpley's words that NLP is unsupported are useful, but his words in the same paper that it is strongly supported by clinicians, are not? Would you like to explain the apparent selective citation pointed out (and avoided) above, that Druckman's comment about outdated metaphors and factual errors is included but his other quote that most NLP studies are limited and subject to criticism for design error, is not?

Would you care to explain why Sharpley's words - like psychoanalysis - are useful but the conclusion (NLP is relegated from psychoanalysis)? I know its useful for you, because you want to promote NLP. But its pretty useless for people who want to know what Sharpley thinks. "OK Sharpley, what is your conclusion!?" "NLP is a fad" "Oh!". The Druckman "Outdated metaphors" thing is also the view of other recent reviews. The "NLP study limitations" part is not important because every study of any scientific rigor will include sections that talk of limitations, and they always mention that there are limitations. It is scientific convention. Of course, the Druckman study did not include the Sharpley 1987 study refuting Einspruchs claims and providing further evidence and research for NLP's scientific failures. But why am I explaining all this stuff? If you had been around here for the past 18 months you would have read this answer about 5 times over already. ] 09:03, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

::My answer to you both is, I'm a lot more aware than most. I'm also a skeptic by nature on most things, so I check ''all'' sources, not just favor those that support one side. My question to the two of you is esentially the same. Would you like to state how broadly you think NLP is used and the research that has been done on it that suggests it's credible? Some of your reviewers seem uninformed, and it seems you both may be unaware too. ] 04:47, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

Oh, and which scientific sources state that "There is an inconsistency between critics who claim NLP is ineffective and those who think it is a dangerously powerful cult technique?" Oh, it was you! Where did you publish that finding? The NLP creative writing journal for the promotion of psuedoscience? ] 09:03, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

:::I think you missed the point Dave - some sources say NLP is ineffective. Others that it is powerful. Do you see the contradiction? ] 09:43, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

I say FT2! You really are very naughty! I just checked the Sharpley 87 ref again and he did conclude from his argument that NLP was relegated down from psychoanalysis. Whats more, you claim to be neutral! Not only is you behaviour very naughty, but it is by far the silliest behaviour of all the NLP promoters here. I understand you feel extremely miserable about NLP being sci unsupported pseudoscience. But you found the article, saw that there was a positive line or two within the paragraph and said to yourself:

"Mmm! That conclusion is painfully negative, but if I shave it off, then NLP looks like clinical psychology again!".

You should know that people are going to notice and place the actual conclusion as they actually are in fact. You should also realise that it will lead to more damning detail being presented in order to show exactly how warped and desperate your biased edits are. People here are actually trying to be kind. I have some extremely crushing reviews from Europe and I havn't yet found a way to present them without NLP looking like mass marketed devilry.

Now lets have no more naughty silliness from FT2 or any of the other NLP promoters. Regards ] 05:29, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

:Hi Alice. Setting aside the condescending manner, would you like to address my final question ''directly'':- Would you like to state how broadly you think NLP is used and comment on the research that has been done on it that suggests it's plausible or credible? Thanks. ] 05:44, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

Hello FT2. I can give you my research. You remember how Heap mentioned in 1988 that if NLP does not stand up to scrutiny or presents evidence of its efficacy etc, then the verdict will be damning indeed? Well I will present his damning words on the article. I think that is what you are asking for. ] 06:49, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

::Hello FT2. Personally I see NLP as harmless lunacy. Its just a kind of 70s throwback that includes a bunch of ineffective rituals that make it look like magic. But thats just my view. Others state that it is dangerous, against consumer protection, fraudulent, encourages manipulation, etc. I am not that bothered about fighting pseudoscience and superstition because I personally believe that people do have a responsibility to see snakeoil salesmen coming. I do have a problem with trying to promote it above science though. I think NLP is not broadly used as a therapy. It is more of a Scientology for people who cannot afford Scientology. The science says NLP is not at all credible. I agree wholeheartedly with the scientists who call NLP a daft fad. ] 07:28, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

Hi again FT2. I'm a true nature's child, I was born to be mild. I think NLP is radical. Radically twisted. I have noticed quite a lot of promotion on wikipedia and I find it personally insulting. I have stuck around here due to the high density:) of NLP promoters who would probably paste:

"NLP is defined as the difference that makes the difference, and is a scientifically supported rapid behaviour change method decades ahead of the current state of psychotherapy that will help YOU to ATTAIN EXCELLENCE. It is scientifically defined as THE empirical study of the magical structure of your own excellently subjective experiences. NOW, it was developed by two extremely talented psychotherapists by metamodeling and as you HOLD ONTO THAT IDEA, you will DISCOVER FOR YOURSELF amazing wonder in your OWN UNLIMITED POWER to become whatever you want to be, beyond what you ever previously thought. Currently figures of excellence such as presidents, heads of state, geniuses and a great many other great minds have stated that it is important to BUY INTO NLP to attain even greater success, and COMMIT to NLP to solve your every problem. NLP is the healthy option for rapid increase in excellence and a way to AVOID ANTI NLP THINKING. Some miserable critics have dismissed NLP with limited knowledge and totally failed to test NLP for themselves. To MOVE BEYOND NEGATIVE THINKING, NLP has been empirically proven through multiple observations of accredited practitioners to be by far the most powerful technologies of excellence available to you. NOW, here are some links to my commercial site...."

Anyway, I think you catch my drift. I have seen a lot of hype, and part of it comes from you. ] 09:23, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

:::What a joke Dave. I don't know how you've mixed yourself up enough to think anyone here would write something like that? ] 09:43, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

:Dave, same thing. I was on this article long, long before you were, and before the present approach was. Did you ever see that kind of approach in it? No, and for a good reason, it's a slant too. I'm not interested in slanted articles. Do not set up ideas what someone or other might do, that they have no intention of. Its called a ] and its rather disapproved of on Misplaced Pages.

:Meantime can I have some direct answers from each of you to the question which everyone seems to be trying to hope if they engage in ] and ], they won't be noticed to be avoiding: "Would you like to state how broadly you think NLP is used and comment on the research that has been done on it that suggests it's plausible or credible? I assume that people can answer this. Thanks. ] 09:37, 8 November 2005 (UTC)


FT2. I do not see anyone avoiding this question. I do see you trying to avoid people from noticing that you have been selectively editing whilst accusing others of that crime. As I said, NLP is not broadly used in psychotherapy, and the initial enthusiasm resulted in a lot of dumping after the original claims were found to be false. The research is correct citable and credible. The research is very useful for determining how well NLP works. So far, it really doesn't work, and it completely fails to live up to the claims of the originators. I am quite satisfied with that. Exactly how much do you dispise the facts, and how would you like to cover them up? ] 11:29, 8 November 2005 (UTC)


::Hello FT2. I notice your desire to accuse. You seem to have Comaze's approach to attack and then accuse others of doing it to you. I can only say that your actions on the weekend were completely against compromise, against constructive editing and against the facts. I work in a large research library, and I walk past the psychology section each day. There are some big glossy books there. There are few self help books but the big glossy books there are entitled such like; NLP the science and technology of achievement, and Dianetics, the science and technology of achievement. I go to look up the scientific findings on NLP and I see the same pattern. I think NLP is just as powerful as dianetics. It is not effective although it promises effectiveness in anything you like. Dianetics is used in cults, the same as NLP. Not effective, but used in cults. No discrepancy there. I think that NLP is only really used by fringe practices, and sold in self help for desperate people. The science shows that NLP is the same as Dianetics. Theoretically nonsense, and ineffective. Now what were you going to say about your burning desire to promote NLP and relegate science? ] 12:29, 8 November 2005 (UTC)
::::I was going to ask you, bookmain, for an answer rather than "waffle". You have given your ''opinion'' of NLP. You have given your ''reading'' in the library. You have stated that so far as you are aware it's only used by fringe practices and sold in self-help for desperate people. But I also asked a very different question too, namely, what is your awareness or comment on researches that suggests it is not (or there are reservations about whether it is) mere pseudoscience? Are you aware of any, if so what is your view of them? As you can see, this is not "accusation". It's an attempt once more to get direct answers and thus try to establish a better sense of common agreed ground. ] 15:12, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

:(For clarification, I mean by that, a short, non-vague, precise and direct answer to the question from the editors concerned, such as ], ], ], and ])

If the history of this discussion has demonstrated anything, it's the pointlessness of trying to engage Headleydown and his ridiculous sock-puppets in a constructive dialogue. lets just get to arbitration a.s.a.p. The guy clearly has nothing better to do than be a self-appointed pedant and a time-waster. Why bother talking to him at all, I bet you all can guess his standard responses and evasions by now - talking to him clearly achieves nothing in terms of moving towards a fairer and more representative article ] 14:46, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

:Faxx - just for my own peace of mind, could you confirm you are a new editor, and not a "sock puppet"? It's just so I have your word on it :) it avoids stress all round, to check, on a heated article like this. That aside, welcome. ] 15:12, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

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Shortened Citation Notes

The article currently uses a mix of referencing styles and there are missing page numbers for quotes or what may or may not be paraphrased text but we don't know because there are missing page numbers. See Template:Sfn for a guide how add page numbers and quotes. --Notgain (talk) 01:34, 6 May 2024 (UTC)

  • Oppose, it's disruptive. See WP:REFVAR, which requires a WP:CONSENSUS from the regular editors of the page before you may do so: "Editors should not attempt to change an article's established citation style, merely on the grounds of personal preference or to make it match other articles, without first seeking consensus for the change." Skyerise (talk) 23:25, 6 May 2024 (UTC)
    I would contend that it was not "merely on the grounds of personal preference". I was looking at the best practises in other Good and Featured Article candidates. I'm personally most comfortable with the APA format but done research papers using Harvard referencing style with footnotes. I was thinking that style was the best for this article. Given that the article covers critiques from counseling psychology, coaching psychology, communications theorists, sociology and linguistics, its not simple. Do you have examples of article with similar content and multidisciplinary critiques? What referencing style worked best? --Notgain (talk) 06:18, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
I also notice that @Newimpartial: reverted you on several occasions just after you broke a bunch of citations by trying the same thing back on 5 May, a day or so before I noticed what you were doing. So that's 2 opposed. Skyerise (talk) 23:41, 6 May 2024 (UTC)
I’ve already explained this and it is also in the edit comments. I fixed that citation errors. I didn’t know about the display error setting which was off by default. Again, I did appreciate your help. When I get more time, I’ll go back and justify each change. —Notgain (talk) 03:30, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
• Oppose, as Skyerise explained to you, you can't just change citation style without consensus. If you want to do changes you have to clearly justify them in order to show other editors your reasons or concerns about it, and if these go according to the WP:CS. Rodrigo IB (talk) 04:52, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
You're absolutely right about needing consensus. My first step should have been proposing these referencing changes here on the talk page. Would you be willing to join a discussion about how to best improve the consistency and verifiability of the article's references? --Notgain (talk) 06:01, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
As the WP:CS sustains. Citations are key for verifiability. Looking at the changes you did, im concerned that these could compromise the access of common editors and readers to those sources. Which is very crucial for this article.
Editors with their own personal bias can incur in practices (like meat-puppetry) that violate WP:V,WP:NPOV,WK:STYLE.
The controversies sorrounding NLP obligate us as editors to make sure we are not doing original research. Which, for surprise of no one, has to be verified by others. For that reason, i think is naive to compare it to other articles just because different citation styles were used, or due to their extensivity in other disciplines. Rodrigo IB (talk) 06:29, 9 May 2024 (UTC)
  • Oppose There are several ways to add pagenumbers in/with reftag-refs (not surprisingly), including Template:Rp. Gråbergs Gråa Sång (talk) 05:46, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
    The inconsistent styles and missing page numbers make WP:V and editing difficult. Have you come across similarly complex articles that successfully used {{Rp}} or other templates to maintain readability while ensuring accurate citation information? Especially ones covering multiple disciplines, as this article does? The immediate issue is that there are paraphrasing of sources without clear page numbers which makes WP:V difficult. Another issue is that are duplicates of the same sources across the article. That was an advantage of using {{efn}} and {{sfn}}. We are already using {{r}} in the article. <ref> is also often combined with {{sfn}}. Also some of the quotes in the current article are inside the cite element when they would be better handled as an {{efn}}. We have critiques from linguistics, counseling psychology, anthropology and sociology. --Notgain (talk) 06:12, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
    I have nothing against sfn etc as a style, though ref-tag is always my choice when I start articles, with rp if necessary. IMO reftag is generally more understandable for general and new users, and both VE and source editors benefits from named refs if used. But an article should be consistent, and if consensus here is to use sfn or whatever, that's fine. Gråbergs Gråa Sång (talk) 06:21, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
    Fwiw, my knee-jerk reaction when scrolling through the ref section, is that "traditional reftag" seems to be the majority use, so if I was to start working on consistency, I would change the "Jeremiah 1995." style ones and get rid of the "Works cited" sections. But if the primary/secondary division is considered valuable, that might not work. I think some Wikipedians consider the more academic look of sfn-style a mark of quality. Gråbergs Gråa Sång (talk) 06:31, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
    I'm told that {{cite Q}} would solve one of the issues I had with existing use of <ref name="Joe-1995">{{cite journal|...}}</ref>. {{cite Q}} enables you to pull the reference data from wikidata by using its Q ID. It was too verbose and made it difficult to maintain especially in source mode. My proposal is for any citations that are current citations that are defined inline such as "<ref name="Joe-1995">{{cite journal..." that if that citation is on wikidata then we is replace it with "<ref name="Joe-1995">{{cite Q|...". That will reduce some of the clutter and retain existing r and rp template use. Then we can use r and rp. Then if there is consensus to use sfn then we can adopt that together with efn which is already in use in the current article. --Notgain (talk) 08:32, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
    No, you should revert to the previous citation style per consensus and WP:REFVAR, full stop. Remsense 09:20, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
    Do you know what I mean by <ref name="...">{{Cite Q|...}}? It just moves the clutter of the reference out of the content. That is one of the biggest issues with the article in its current state. Its still using the same citation style. It is a wrapper for {{Citation}} that returns formatted citation from statements stored on a Wikidata item (referred to by its Q identifier or QID) for citable source. It would be a good interim solution while consensus is sought for sfn which is my preference as it would be far more professional. efn has been used in the article for years. --Notgain (talk) 10:19, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
    Yes, I know what it means, I've used it myself. It is a different method of referencing, even if the output looks the same. The words "method" and "style" are used interchangeably on the guideline page, but the reason underlying changes in both is the changes are disruptive to others, hence why the guideline is to defer to the first format used in a dispute: other editors who want to edit this page don't want to suddenly swap to having to look up Wikidata codes. You seem increasingly unwilling to understand that. Remsense 10:33, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
    Do you understand that we are currently using <ref>{{Cite Journal |...}}</ref> in the article and post people use tools already like to populate the details of that from the DOI, ISBN, etc. So using <ref>{{Cite Q |...}}</ref> might actually be less work, and they'd be familiar anyway. The editors who don't undertstand wiki syntax usually use a visual editor or they just rely on other wikipedians to clean up after them. I guess we'll need to wait for others to chime in with their preferences. --Notgain (talk) 13:13, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
    Do you understand that whether you think they'd like it better doesn't matter? Remsense 13:17, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
    some like the simplicity of ref even thought sfn is technically better. There are featured articles that use ref only but the longer ones with notes and many references prefer sfn. —Notgain (talk) 04:45, 8 May 2024 (UTC)
    Again, as pointed out just above, that is irrelevant here. The only relevant thing is whether you have consensus or not. Clearly, you don't. Skyerise (talk) 11:26, 8 May 2024 (UTC)
    I’d like to hear the arguments for and against sfn v ref, with examples. Besides none of the regular contributors to this specific article have raised objections so there is no evidence of clear consensus from regular editors. I have enabled errors so I can correct the errors you complained about. I think now consensus can be sought through editing and discussion. —-Notgain (talk) 21:11, 8 May 2024 (UTC)
    No, the burden to demonstrate a change is preferable is on you. If no one agrees, then you may not make the change. (You have; no one has; you may not.) People are entitled to establish consensus regardless of contributions; frequent editors do not own the articles in question. Remsense 06:43, 9 May 2024 (UTC)
    I must have misunderstood what you were saying on AN/I. I thought your earlier point was that changing from ref to sfn referencing format would be unwelcome because of the learning curve for the existing or previous editors of this article, or that existing editors might not like it. You said, "the changes are disruptive to others" (above). I assumed you were referring to previous editors of this article. How could it possibly be disruptive to edits who have never edited this article? I assumed you meant you needed to obtain consensus from them (previous editors of this article). None of them have commented yet. However, the silence from the previous contributors could be interpreted in different ways. It could mean that they are indifferent to the change, that they are unaware of the discussion (most likely scenario), or that they are still forming opinions. Anyway, I'm going to help out at Category:Harv and Sfn no-target errors not to recruit or canvas support but to learn more about the interaction between sfn, efn and ref formats - as well as learning more about WP:V --Notgain (talk) 16:30, 9 May 2024 (UTC)
    I'd note that converting references to Cite Q en masse would be contentious even without CITEVAR. -- LCU ActivelyDisinterested «@» °∆t° 15:54, 7 May 2024 (UTC)
    my intention for suggesting sfn was to enhance readability and maintainability. With sfn, you define the reference using cite templating in the bibliography. Assuming ref is inadequate too, do you know of an alternative solution that meets that need given the huge number of citations on this article? —Notgain (talk) 02:10, 8 May 2024 (UTC)
    120 inline citations is simply not a particularly high number, and is adequately accommodated by any common means of citation. Remsense 06:48, 9 May 2024 (UTC)
    I'm well aware of how {{sfn}} templates work, but your supposition that ref tags are inadequate is simply your own personal opinion. You won't find any concensus that one form of referencing is better than another, the editing community is deeply split on the matter. This is why CITEVAR warns against changing style types, as it causes unnecessary drama that wastes editors time. -- LCU ActivelyDisinterested «@» °∆t° 10:55, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
    Afaik, neither VE or WP:REFTOOLBAR has any "format ref as sfn/harvn" option, is that correct? Also, no ref-tag, no named ref. Gråbergs Gråa Sång (talk) 12:15, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
    Kind of, VE supports adding templates so it supports {{sfn}} (as long as you know what they are), the same would be true of {{r}}, {{ref}}, {{efn}}, etc. I don't think the REFTOOLBAR point is relevant, if you already using source editing then using the toolbar to format sfn/harv would take longer than typing it.
    I don't think REFTOOLBAR has any ability to re-use a refname, but again it would be quicker to type it, VE certainly can though. -- LCU ActivelyDisinterested «@» °∆t° 10:46, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
    Reftoolbar absolutely has the ability to re-use a refname, "Named references", to the right of the ref-template drop-down. Misplaced Pages:RefToolbar/2.0. In VE it's Cite > Re-use. In source, you name them with the "Ref name" field in the template window. Gråbergs Gråa Sång (talk) 10:56, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
    Your right, I had missed that in REFTOOLBAR. -- LCU ActivelyDisinterested «@» °∆t° 12:05, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
  • Neutral. I'm not super educated on the nuances of citation styles, but I feel like the citation style used on this article in particular is not super important. I think the bigger issue is that when Notgain tried to convert it all to {{sfn}} without gaining consensus, they did so incorrectly, and broke citations in the process. I've used {{sfn}} and tend to prefer it with more complicated articles such as this one, but if other editors are opposed, I'm prepared to respect that; I'm not convinced Notgain is, which is another issue. (Also, the corresponding ANI thread on this issue ended without clear consensus and without admin closure; I'm not sure what to make of it, but it feels relevant.) Askarion 16:41, 13 May 2024 (UTC)
    sfn was it is easier to read in source mode but I now have source highlighting so I’ve settled. I’m not going to push sfn on the great unwashed. —15:38, 14 May 2024 (UTC) Notgain (talk) 15:38, 14 May 2024 (UTC)

Druckman & Swets 1988

Before I forget, can someone who has editing rights update the reference to Druckman & Swets 1988 report? The consensus of the committee was discussed in chapter 8. Note that the DOI in the current reference to Druckman&Swets 1988 is incorrect (it points to a book review of the committee's consensus report, not the report itself), please change to: {{cite book | title=Enhancing Human Performance: Issues, Theories, and Techniques | chapter=8: Social Processes | pages=133-166 | publisher=National Academies Press | publication-place=Washington, D.C. | date=1988-01-01 | isbn=978-0-309-03792-1 | doi=10.17226/1025 | ref={{sfnref | National Academies Press | 1988}}}} or if you want to include the editors: {{cite book | last1=Druckman | first1=Daniel | last2=Swets | first2=John A. | title=Enhancing Human Performance: Issues, Theories, and Techniques | chapter=8: Social Processes | pages=133-166 | publisher=National Academies Press | publication-place=Washington, D.C. | date=1988-01-01 | isbn=978-0-309-03792-1 | doi=10.17226/1025 | ref={{sfnref | National Academies Press | 1988}}}} That was a honeytrap for some researchers copy and pasting from wikipedia without checking sources. Otherwise, there's the named reference version for those who prefer that style: <ref name="Druckman-1988">{{cite book | last1=Druckman | first1=D. | last2=Swets | first2=J. | title=Enhancing Human Performance: Issues, Theories, and Techniques | publisher=National Academies Press | publication-place=Washington, D.C. | date=1988-01-01 | isbn=978-0-309-03792-1 | doi=10.17226/1025 | pages=133-166 | chapter=8: Social Processes}}</ref> --Notgain (talk) 04:13, 10 May 2024 (UTC)

The use of Druckman and Swets (1988) as a reference to support the statements #1 "Numerous literature reviews and meta-analyses have failed to show evidence for NLP's assumptions or effectiveness as a therapeutic method" and #2 "Bandler led several unsuccessful efforts to exclude other parties from using NLP" is problematic. Druckman (2004) clarifies that the panel evaluated techniques like NLP for their potential in "enhancing learning, improving motor skills, altering mental states, managing stress, or improving social processes." The panel's focus was on NLP's potential for social influence, not its therapeutic applications. They found NLP's assumptions and effectiveness in social influence to be unsupported by psychological evidence. Its worth noting that the panel was "impressed with the modeling approach used to develop the technique," this interest in modeling does not directly speak to NLP's effectiveness as a therapeutic method. The fact that the planned NLP training was not implemented could suggest the type of "unsuccessful efforts" hinted at in statement 2, but this remains speculative. I couldn't find anything in the cited source to directly support statement 2. Therefore, it's recommended to remove Druckman and Swets (1988) as a supporting reference for these two statements. --Notgain (talk) 08:23, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
•Denied, while the Druckman and Swets (1988) aim is not the therapeutic effectiveness of NLP, it touches the lack of empirical evidence on representational systems, you even quoted this from the article: "Numerous literature reviews and meta-analyses have failed to show evidence for NLP's assumptions OR effectiveness as a therapeutic method"
The review is clearly relevant. Rodrigo IB (talk) 18:40, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
I think there may have been a misunderstanding here. Statement #1 was from the current article, not the source. The NRC (Druckman and Swets 1988) did not review NLP as for its therapeutic application. And you have have not addressed statement #2 which is not suppprted by the source either. If you think it is please provide page numbers to substantiate for verifiability. —Notgain (talk) 20:57, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
It seems you're reading statement #1 as "and/or", which would make the Druckman & Swets (1988) source relevant because it addresses the lack of empirical evidence for NLP's assumptions. However, if we interpret "or" to mean that both parts of the statement need separate supporting evidence, then a source that doesn't address NLP's therapeutic effectiveness might not be suitable for this statement. It is important to distinguish between NLP's assumptions, and its effectiveness in different areas of application - whether it be therapeutic, management or social influence, as we discussed earlier. To be clear while the NRC (Druckman & Swets 1988) provides a strong review into NLP's assumptions, it does not directly address its therapeutic effectiveness. Other reviews do. Therefore, I’d prefer to cite separate, relevant sources for each part of statement #1. This will aid in WP:V. —Notgain (talk) 21:40, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
What? Where is stated that the sources for that particular case should adress both?
Even you proposed a section around persuasion, which is one of the different approaches of NLP. The whole article, including that single sentence is referring to NLP in general.
It gets worst when we analize your own statement: "However, if we interpret "or" to mean that both parts of the statement need separate supporting evidence, then a source that doesn't address NLP's therapeutic effectiveness might not be suitable for this statement."
For your own argument then a source that adresses just one aspect is still valid, because it's providing evidence for a specific claim; it would be a problem if and only if was the only source cited to sustain the lack of evidence in regards to the therapeutic approach of NLP; which is not the case.
The "interpretation" (which this is not about) you highlight plays against you.
I don't get it. Rodrigo IB (talk) 22:08, 10 May 2024 (UTC)
I hear your point about the use of the word “or” in the statement #1 and how it could be interpreted to mean that a source addressing just one aspect is still valid. However, my premise is that for a more accurate representation of the sources, it would be ideal if each part of the statement is supported by citing relevant sources that directly address the respective claim in line with WP:V.
While the Druckman & Swets (1988) source does review NLP’s assumptions from a psychological perspective, it does not directly address its therapeutic effectiveness. It is not a systematic review, meta analysis or critical review of ‘’’its therapeutic’’’ effectiveness. So my suggestion was to use separate, relevant systematic review, critical review or meta analyses to substantiate each each part of the statement in line with WP:MEDRS. The textbook you mentioned (that had a section critiquing the use of NLP in influence) would not meet that criteria either but would also require page numbers for verifiability, and it is not a systematic review.
Statement #1 makes specific claims about NLP’s assumptions and its therapeutic effectiveness, which are distinct aspects of NLP. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the sources cited for this statement directly support the respective claims in line with WP:NOR. —Notgain (talk) 00:21, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
So we agree but we don't agree... I still don't get it.
"It is not a systematic review, meta analysis or critical review of ‘’’its therapeutic’’’ effectiveness.", and how is that a problem?, did you even notice that is not the only source listed in the specific note (which is the k one) for those affirmations right?
As i said, it would be a problem if it was the only source for such affirmations. Which is not the case. Rodrigo IB (talk) 03:13, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
The use of endnote to reference Statement #1 (S1) without page numbers makes it difficult to confirm if the claims are supported. Its unclear which source supports which part of the statement raising issue of WP:OR. The statement mentions "numerous literature reviews and meta-analyses," yet none of the six references in are meta-analyses, so it is misleading. Witkowski (2010) is the only more recent quantitative and qualitative literature review of the empirical evidence (there are more recent ones that could be added). Sharpley (1983/87) and Heap (1988) focuses on the contested PRS. Heap (1988) explicitly states that NLP's effectiveness in clinical settings had yet to be experimentally evaluated at that time. Von Bergen et al. (1997) is unrelated, focusing on NLP in human resources development (HRD) - there are more recent review related to HRD. So I suggest page numbers should be added, and the relevance of each source to the statement should be clarified. Modifying Statement #1 to accurately reflect the cited sources and potentially incorporating additional, relevant meta-analyses or systematic reviews. --Notgain (talk) 12:40, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
Witkowski 2010 is a meta-analysis.
The sources themselves cite other studies and meta-analysis which aren't as accessible (the use of public access sources is something that we as editors must try to implement, there are instances in which a reliable source is behind a paywall and shouldn't be discarted. This aspect kind of limits the sources that can be used by Misplaced Pages, more on that here: WP:Reliable sources/Cost.) Rodrigo IB (talk) 16:51, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
Witkowski 2010 is a literature review, not a meta-analysis. The paywall issue, while important, doesn’t address the relevance and accuracy of sources. Druckman & Swets (1988) doesn’t directly address therapeutic effectiveness, so it may not be the most suitable reference for that part of the statement. —Notgain (talk) 20:38, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
The wikipedia article of Meta-analysis as well: "Meta-analyses are often, but not always, important components of a systematic review procedure."
The wikipedia article for systematic reviews: "In practice, when one is mentioned the other may often be involved, as it takes a systematic review to assemble the information that a meta-analysis analyzes, and people sometimes refer to an instance as a systematic review even if it includes the meta-analytical component. " Which is the case for Witkowski 2010 (which is not a literature review as you said), and is presented in the page 60.
I didn't explained myself well on the subject of accessibility, sorry for that; but i brought it to the table because we are also discussing citation problems within the article and the changes you have been trying to do. The thing is that we cannot put more and more sources for a series of affirmations. For that we need to follow certain guidelines like the mentioned WP:Reliable sources/Cost, to ensure the WP:V, and WP:NOR, the other issue is that the changes you did would infringe not just the previous citation style but the "orientation" sort to speak of editors of what sources are public, hard to verify (like offline sources) or behind a paywall. This is important because it could help improve the article if an affirmation hasn't been verified.
The sources more than just once conclude with the fact that NLP lacks empirical evidence. There is no original research problem in such affirmations. Rodrigo IB (talk) 21:39, 11 May 2024 (UTC)
With all due respect, Witkowski 2010 is a critical analysis, not a systematic review. It lacks a pre-defined protocol, specific research question, and rigorous assessment of evidence quality, which are key characteristics of a systematic review. See WP:MEDRS—01:03, 12 May 2024 (UTC) Notgain (talk) 01:03, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
Witkowski 2010Notgain (talk) 01:07, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
If the statement #1 is claiming that “numerous literature reviews and meta-analyses have failed to show evidence for NLP’s assumptions or effectiveness as a therapeutic method,” then it should be supported by references to actual literature reviews and meta-analyses. There are no meta analyses directly cited, so either add a citation if it exists and meets WP:RS, or revise the statement for accuracy. —Notgain (talk) 01:28, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
The systematic review of Witkowski is rigorous enough in its analysis of the quality of the presented evidence. If you have any concern in such aspect then clarify it, be specific for those concerns.
There is no affirmation that violates WP:NOR with the cited sources. Rodrigo IB (talk) 02:40, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
In the letter to the editor of the Polish Psychological Bulletin, Aleksandra cite Witkowski 2010 as a "systematic review" Witkowski, Tomasz; Luszczynska, Aleksandra (2013-12-01). "Letters to Editor". Polish Psychological Bulletin. 44 (4): 462–464. doi:10.2478/ppb-2013-0049. ISSN 0079-2993. along with Sturt 2012 doi:10.3399/bjgp12X658287. So at least one third party source refer to it as a systematic review. However, it does not meet the PRISMA criteria for a systemic review and there is no statistical meta-analysis. So I still maintain it would be better described a critical review of empirical research. There are a number of systematic reviews that came after Witkowski 2010 as we discussed earlier. And I think there is at least one 2015 meta-analysis, Zaharial, Reiner and Schütz 2015 PMID 26609647 that has not been cited yet. --Notgain (talk) 11:24, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
The meta-analysis of Schütz et al is flawed. I'm reading it and is worrying that the total of studies that were analyzed were just 12.
But there is another issue.
"Overall, we finally included 12 studies with a total number of individuals of 658 (studies that analysed different subgroups from the same population). On average, the numbers of participants in each study was small, ranging between 12 and 115 subjects".
One component of the inclusion-exclusion criteria: "Not the right population: studies conducted on healthy individuals with social/psychological problems (n=19)"
Data analysis: "The inspection of the funnel plot was done visually."
Jeffrey Chan and Amer Harky warn of the inclusion of non-randomized studies without risk of bias assessment (I mention it too because the small commentary also mentions the risks involved in methods that use visual inspection of heterogeneity across studies).
Schwarzer et al. give a more comprehensive picture of the risks sorrounding meta-analysis that use small studies. Like the one you cite. Im well aware that Schütz et al. conducted a publication bias analysis: "Begg and Majumdar's rank correlation nor Egger’s regression test was significant (p=0.73 and p=0.45, respectively), which indicates no publication bias."
But, as Schwarzer et al. Point out other possible causes: "Another possible cause of small-study effects is clinical heterogeneity between patients in large and small studies; e.g., patients in smaller studies may have been selected so that a favourable outcome of the experimental treatment may be expected. In the case of a binary outcome, also a mathematical artefact arises from the fact that for the odds ratio or the risk ratio, the variance of the treatment effect estimate is not independent of the estimate itself Lastly, it can never be ruled out that small-study effects result from mere coincidence . Empirical studies have established evidence for these and other kinds of bias . There is a vast range of tests for small-study effects , most of them based on a funnel plot which will be introduced in Sect. 5.1.1"
My concerns is that the meta-analysis you brought to the table is a false-positive, even the authors write: "there is a major lack of high-quality data from observational, experimental studies or randomized trials on this field, Up until now there is insufficient data to recommend this form of therapy strongly in reducing some psychosocial problems." Making it an inconclusive study. Rodrigo IB (talk) 20:04, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
Let’s not cherry pick. I return to the Statement #1 that currently mentions “numerous literature reviews and meta-analyses”. The limitations of these studies should be mentioned if in line with WP:NORNotgain (talk) 23:57, 12 May 2024 (UTC)
Cherry pick what?
Are you really trying to reach a consensus or not? because i don't see you actually addressing the points that emerge of the sources that you, you as a proponent of them should be considering and analyzing in a careful manner.
You know what's the worst?, that i shouldn't have made that analysis, not only because is your responsability to at least read the sources you want to implement, but because the page talk is not for that. Neither of what is your opinion of what is or what is not a systematic review. As you said, reliable sources refer to Witkowski 2010 as a systematic review. End of the debate.
There is no original research involved, period. Rodrigo IB (talk) 02:34, 13 May 2024 (UTC)

That was an astute observation. The funnel plot inspection in the Schütz et al. study was done visually, which can introduce subjectivity and potential bias. While they noted this limitation and the small number of studies, this impacts the robustness of findings. This is amplified because the authors (e.g. Peter Schütz) appear to be practitioners (not academic researchers) which introduces another source of potential subjectivity bias. If it were to be cited, the limitations would need to be made clear. I maintain that Witkowski 2010 is not a systematic review or meta-analysis - it was a scathing critical review of empirical literature. It does NOT meet the PRISMA criteria for systematic review or meta-analysis as noted earlier. I encourage you to consider these points and reevaluate. If you have evidence to the contrary, I would be interested to hear it. --Notgain (talk) 09:28, 13 May 2024 (UTC)

Why you keep insisting on the PRISMA declaration?.
I don't know if you are aware, but the PRISMA declaration was sort of an "update" to the QUORUM declaration in 2009. Which it's main focus at the beginning was clinical meta-analysis and systematic reviews. It was not as adopted in 2010 like now, even the paper presenting the declaration was published at the beginning of 2010.
Still tho, Witkowski meets the QUORUM declaration. But the declaration is not necessary in order to consider something as a meta-analysis or a systematic review. It just secures that the data analysis is not biased in certain ways. Rodrigo IB (talk) 15:03, 13 May 2024 (UTC)

Morgan 1993

Removed the following from further reading because it is impossible to find and its outdated or near impossible to find: Morgan, Dylan A. (1993). "Scientific Assessment of NLP". Journal of the National Council for Psychotherapy & Hypnotherapy Register. Spring. 1993. --Notgain (talk) 09:42, 6 May 2024 (UTC)

This has been discussed in the past in Talk:Neuro-linguistic programming/Archive_4#Morgan and Heap. The consensus was to replace any citations with citations to Heap. But that was already done and Morgan isn't used, so I agree removing it from Further reading is fine. Skyerise (talk) 11:15, 6 May 2024 (UTC)
Looks like it... These were the Heap papers:
--Notgain (talk) 13:16, 6 May 2024 (UTC)

Really bad sentence ?

"NLP posits that consciousness can be divided into conscious and unconscious components". Seriously? MarmotteiNoZ 04:52, 3 December 2024 (UTC)

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