RemieV's statement that the JREF would not accept a protocol that uses a polygraph to measure results doesn't (or shouldn't) apply in this case.
There's no measurement or interpretation of the GSR meter in the results. The result would be whether the receiver wrote down "cat" or "ship" and whether Golfy correctly determined the word. It's a simple binary result.
The instrument is used in much the same way a divining rod or pendulum would be used by a dowser.
I may be missing something obvious, but the above is why I don't see any problem with using a polygraph in this case (all else being well designed, of course).
Yes, people can cheat a polygraph, but how would they know
how to cheat, since they're not actually receiving any words? Assuming telepathy isn't real, of course.
All the risk would be on golfy's side, since he could claim his receiver tricked the polygraph, but if he's okay with trusting a polygraph, how is it a problem for the JREF side?
Of course, whoever interpreted the polygraph, whether it's golfy or someone else, would need to be blinded to what the answers were supposed to be.
Seems it could be quite simple: Golfy sends a series of either cat or ship at timed intervals. Receiver (separated) is asked at timed intervals, "was it cat?" and is instructed to always answer "yes."
Golfy (or whoever he designates to read the results) is handed the randomized polygraph results and marks which are lies.
It would be paranormal, wouldn't it, if the marked results were correct, consistantly and significantly greater than chance? How could the receiver know
when to cheat on the polygraph unless he was receiving something?
That said, I think we should be more concerned with the mental state of anyone who feels everyone, or nearly everyone, in the world can hear their thoughts but constantly lie to him about it.
That too.