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IFor machine manipulation, it was desirable to be able to select the
sample of cards (all reports, all sightings, or all phenomena) to be in
cluded in a particular study. The concept of a SIGHTING IDENTIFICATION INUMBER was evolved to fill this desire. Using one column of the IBM
card, and the correlated working papers,· the code for this function was
developed. Multiple punching eliminated the need to use several columns Ifor discrete expression of the variations. Selection of the proper number
in this column thus permitted selection of the desired sample of cards. ·1
Evaluation of Individual Reports I
IEvaluation of sighting reports was recognized as a crucial step in the
preparation of data for statistical treatment; inconsistent evaluations would
have invalidated any conclusions to be derived from this study. A method Iof evaluation was, therefore, determined simultaneously with the develop
ment of the questionnaire, the coding system, and the work sheet. It is
emphasized that all phases of evaluation, even including the tedious prep Iaration of the original data for statistical treatment, were entrusted only
to selected, specially qualified scientists and engineers. I
Evaluation consisted of a standardized procedure to be followed for:
( 1) the deduction of discrete facts from data which depended on human im Ipressions rather than scientific measurements, (2) the rating of the ob
server and his report as determined from available information, and ( 3) the
determination of the probable identification of the phenomenon observed. ICategories of identification, established upon the basis of previous experi
ence, were as follows: I
Balloon
Astronomical IAircraft
Light phenomenon
Birds IClouds, dust, etc.
Insufficient information IPsychological manifestations
Unknown
Other I
The first step in evaluation, the deduction of discrete facts from Isubjective data, required certain calculations based on the information
available in the sighting report. An example was the finding of the approxi
mate angular velocity and acceleration of the object or objects sighted. ICare was taken during this phase of the work to insure against the deduc
tion of discrete facts not warranted by the original data. Thus, even
though there was a complete lack of any valid evidence consisting of I
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