Documentation

Research Methodology

How we collect, process, and analyze near-death and out-of-body experience data

Data Sources

NDERF

Near Death Experience Research Foundation

The world's largest collection of NDE accounts, established by Dr. Jeffrey Long. Each submission includes a detailed questionnaire with 100+ questions.

nderf.org →

OBERF

Out of Body Experience Research Foundation

Companion site to NDERF focusing on out-of-body experiences, including spontaneous, induced, and near-death OBEs.

oberf.org →

ADCRF

After Death Communication Research Foundation

Documents after-death communications (ADCs), deathbed visions (DBVs), and nearing end-of-life experiences (NELEs). Coming soon to research dashboard.

adcrf.org →

Research Dashboard: Currently analyzes NDE and OBE data from NDERF and OBERF
Time Period: 1960s to present
Geographic Coverage: Global, predominantly English-speaking countries

AI Analysis Pipeline

Each experience undergoes a multi-pass AI analysis using GPT-4o to extract structured data while preserving the integrity of the original narrative.

Pass 1: Core Analysis

  • • Experience type classification (NDE, OBE, SDE, ADC)
  • • Summary generation
  • • Element extraction (20+ categories)
  • • Overall tone and intensity rating

Pass 2: Scales & Measurements

  • • Greyson NDE Scale scoring (16 items, 0-32 total)
  • • Monroe Focus Level classification
  • • Confidence assessments for each measure

Pass 3: Quality & Encounters

  • • Sensory detail extraction
  • • Entity encounter cataloging
  • • Veridical claims identification
  • • Peak moments and emotional mapping

Pass 4: Transformation

  • • Belief changes (afterlife, God, fear of death)
  • • Life changes and new abilities
  • • Integration patterns
  • • Content safety assessment

Greyson NDE Scale

The gold standard for measuring NDE depth, developed by Dr. Bruce Greyson in 1983.

16 Items Measured

  • • Time distortion
  • • Thought acceleration
  • • Life review
  • • Sudden understanding
  • • Peace and pleasantness
  • • Joy and happiness
  • • Cosmic unity
  • • Brilliant light
  • • Vivid senses
  • • Extrasensory perception
  • • Precognitive visions
  • • Out-of-body experience
  • • Entering otherworldly realm
  • • Encountering mystical beings
  • • Meeting deceased relatives
  • • Border or point of no return

Score Interpretation

0-6Not an NDE
7-14Possible NDE
15-22Probable NDE
23-32Deep NDE

Citation: Greyson, B. (1983). The near-death experience scale: Construction, reliability, and validity. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 171(6), 369-375.

Element Taxonomy

We extract and categorize 20+ distinct elements commonly reported in NDEs and OBEs:

Peace & calm
Out-of-body experience
Tunnel experience
Light (brilliant/divine)
Deceased relatives
Life review
Border/boundary
Other realm/dimension
Beings of light
Time distortion
Enhanced senses
Unity/oneness
Knowledge download
Return decision
Religious figures
Music/sounds
Void/darkness
Distressing elements
Healing/transformation
Mission/purpose

Limitations

1.

Self-Reported Data

All experiences are self-reported and cannot be independently verified. Memory reconstruction and narrative interpretation may affect accuracy.

2.

Selection Bias

Experiencers who submit their accounts may differ systematically from those who don't. Positive experiences may be overrepresented.

3.

AI Analysis Limitations

AI-extracted data may contain errors or misinterpretations. Greyson scores are approximations based on narrative content, not direct questionnaires.

4.

Cultural & Temporal Bias

Data is predominantly from English-speaking Western countries. Cultural context influences how experiences are described and interpreted.

How to Cite This Data

Noeticmap Research Database. (2025). Consciousness Research Insights: Statistical Analysis of Near-Death and Out-of-Body Experiences. Retrieved from https://noeticmap.com/research

Please also cite the original data sources (NDERF, OBERF, ADCRF) when using this data for academic research.

Questions about our methodology or interested in collaboration?

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