The Independent Investigations Group (IIG) is a volunteer-based organization founded by James Underdown in 2000 at the Center for Inquiry’s Los Angles branch, a non-profit, secular educational organization. The IIG investigates fringe science, paranormal and extraordinary claims from a rational, scientific viewpoint, and disseminates factual information about such inquiries to the public.
IIG offers a $50,000 prize to anyone who can show, under proper observing conditions, evidence of any paranormal, supernatural, or occult power or event. The IIG is involved in designing the test protocol, approving the conditions under which a test will take place, and in administering the actual test. All tests are designed with the participation and approval of the applicant. In most cases, the applicant is asked to perform a simple preliminary demonstration of the claimed ability, which if successful is followed by the formal test. Associates of the IIG usually conduct both tests and preliminary demonstrations at their location in Hollywood or affiliates.
While the IIG conducts scientifically based experiments, its membership is composed primarily of lay-people. Members’ collective professional experience includes the fields of architecture, archeology, education, electronics, engineering, film making, law enforcement, magic, medicine, psychology, and visual effects.
In 2010 Olympic Champion Gymnast Dominique Dawes working for Yahoo Weekend News and IIG tested Power Balance Bracelets for their claim that they improve balance, flexibility and strength. She states ‘The fact is, all athletes know that nothing can replace good old-fashioned hard work — practice, practice, practice…Can a silicone wristband with a hologram sticker really give you an added edge?’
In 2009, the IIG administered a Preliminary Demonstration for IIG $50,000 Paranormal Challenge applicant Anita Ikonen, who claimed she could detect if a person was missing a kidney. Ikonen was faced with six people who were sitting away from her, and whose faces were obscured. In each of the three trials, one person was known to be missing a kidney. Anita failed the Preliminary Demonstration.
There is an on-going investigation into California nursing standards concerning teaching therapeutic touch as continuing education units.
The IIG looked into 14 cases Carla Baron claims to have assisted detectives on, including JonBenét Ramsey, Elizabeth Smart and Nicole Brown Simpson, with her pyschic abilities. In all 14 cases the IIG contacted the police (or in the case of Nicole Simpson, they received an email from Denise Brown) all mostly saying the same things, ‘we have never heard of this person’ or ‘the information provided (by Baron) did not produce any new leads in the investigation.’ IIG’s conclusion is that she has never provided any help in any investigation, and her claims stating such are unsubstantiated.
The Daily Omnivore 
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