DEFINITION: "PSI Factor" - In anomalistics, the unquantifiable unknown aspect of an anomalous (paranormal) phenomenon.
The O.S.I.R. (Office of Scientific Investigation and Research) depicted in the series was in-fact inspired by an actual organization; a scientific think tank. Contrary to the dramatized version depicted in "PSI Factor", the organization primarily specialized in the independent analysis and assessment of new technology, advanced programming systems, environmental and biological findings. The "Anomalistics" division within the organization was the inspiration for the series.
Veteran Producer/Writer, Philip DeGuere was originally considered by show creators as a possible Show Runner for the series and is one of the only executives in the entertainment industry (in addition to Peter Aykroyd) to have ever visited the O.S.I.R. headquarters.
As a scientific think-tank based out of northern California, the organization was prominently featured in several high-profile news and documentary programs in the early 1990s, including NBC Network News, Eye to Eye with Connie Chung, National Geographic Explorer and Japanese NIPPON News. NBC Network News and Japan NIPPON News were both given rare behind-closed-doors look into the operations and ongoing research of the private group.