INVESTIGATING THE PARANORMAL.
Time for a New Approach
The most common paranormal research is "assumption led", this means investigators start with the assumption that ghosts are the dead haunting a particular location for what ever reason and they seek evidence to confirm this assumption. This assumption based paranormal research has been very popular by paranormal reality shows in recent years. Assumption based investigations increase the likelihood of suggestion as a factor in generating spurious evidence. If people are expecting to contact a ghost as the use of assumption technique implied, then they may include seances, mediums/physics, Ouija boards etc (this is not to suggest that these techniques aren't worth pursuing, it is just they should be investigated under controlled conditions with protocols put in place). If in a location alleged to be haunted, this could further increase the change of suggestion. This is why the reality paranormal shows use the assumption led methods - it is what the public understands, relates to and expects. It's a ratings winner.
This type of investigation method is not how science works. In science, you collect the evidence in a neutral unbiased way; ensuring it is accurate and using it to form theories that could explain the evidence collected. This method is called "evidence based method". The approach is more scientific. This method starts of with no assumptions of what causes a haunting or what ghost is. With a evidence based method, you first need to eliminate all natural causes as it very clear that assumption based methods fail to do this. Many investigations fall short because the investigators are not aware of all possible mundane explanations for any particular incident. This could lead to many incidents being labeled as "paranormal", and then later may be challenged because possible explanations were ignored or not explored at the time of the investigation.
The reality is that most phenomena reported on investigations are either definitely or probably explainable by natural causes because assumption led methods are used. The advantage of a evidence based techniques is that the results will be real whether it turns out to be paranormal or natural. Remember, only by eliminating the natural can we detect the paranormal.
This type of investigation method is not how science works. In science, you collect the evidence in a neutral unbiased way; ensuring it is accurate and using it to form theories that could explain the evidence collected. This method is called "evidence based method". The approach is more scientific. This method starts of with no assumptions of what causes a haunting or what ghost is. With a evidence based method, you first need to eliminate all natural causes as it very clear that assumption based methods fail to do this. Many investigations fall short because the investigators are not aware of all possible mundane explanations for any particular incident. This could lead to many incidents being labeled as "paranormal", and then later may be challenged because possible explanations were ignored or not explored at the time of the investigation.
The reality is that most phenomena reported on investigations are either definitely or probably explainable by natural causes because assumption led methods are used. The advantage of a evidence based techniques is that the results will be real whether it turns out to be paranormal or natural. Remember, only by eliminating the natural can we detect the paranormal.
Handy Tips for Conducting a Paranormal Investigation.
* Have a strict protocol about how the investigation is to be conducted and stick to it. Plan exactly how the the
investigation will be conducted in detail and stick to it. There is nothing worse than people wandering
around with no direction or idea what they are doing.
* Never investigate on your own - safety is the highest priority.
* Conduct all investigations in a scientific manner, using scientific principles and methods .
* Look for natural explanations before assuming it is of a paranormal nature. By eliminating all other
explanations, your evidence will be come stronger.
* Learn how to use all the equipment before commencing an investigation. Also, know what the
equipments limitations are.
* Do background research on the location being investigated: this could include, libraries, internet,
newspapers etc.
* Do not enter private locations without prior permission (Trespassers will be prosecuted). If investigating a
public location (cemetery), it is advisable to inform the appropriate authorities that there will be a
investigation conducted.
* Don't wear perfume, or anything with a strong scent as this could be mistaken as a paranormal
occurrence.
* Don't whisper but speak in a quiet normal manner. Whispering could be mistaken for EVP's if captured by audio or
video equipment. Never shout during a investigation, it is very unprofessional.
* Never smoke during an investigation (smoke could be mistaken for anomalous phenomena).
* No alcohol before, during or directly after the investigation. No alcohol should be consumed during the
reviewing of evidence.
* No illegal drugs should be taken anytime but especially before, during an investigation.
* Refrain from wearing any ragged or torn clothing with offensive wording. Remember, it is important
to keep a professional appearance.
* Refrain from using offensive language or behaviour during an investigation. Its important to act in a
professional manner during all investigations.
* Refrain from playing practical jokes or pranks during a investigation. Clowns belong at the circus, not on an
investigation.
* All investigators should act in a courteous and professional manner at all times during an investigation.
* Investigators should treat each other with courtesy and respect during all investigations. Its important to
be able to work as a well oiled machine or the investigation will be compromised.
* Never take souvenirs from a location, this could be considered as stealing.
* Respect all locations being investigated, don't litter or damage anything. Always leave the area as you found it.
investigation will be conducted in detail and stick to it. There is nothing worse than people wandering
around with no direction or idea what they are doing.
* Never investigate on your own - safety is the highest priority.
* Conduct all investigations in a scientific manner, using scientific principles and methods .
* Look for natural explanations before assuming it is of a paranormal nature. By eliminating all other
explanations, your evidence will be come stronger.
* Learn how to use all the equipment before commencing an investigation. Also, know what the
equipments limitations are.
* Do background research on the location being investigated: this could include, libraries, internet,
newspapers etc.
* Do not enter private locations without prior permission (Trespassers will be prosecuted). If investigating a
public location (cemetery), it is advisable to inform the appropriate authorities that there will be a
investigation conducted.
* Don't wear perfume, or anything with a strong scent as this could be mistaken as a paranormal
occurrence.
* Don't whisper but speak in a quiet normal manner. Whispering could be mistaken for EVP's if captured by audio or
video equipment. Never shout during a investigation, it is very unprofessional.
* Never smoke during an investigation (smoke could be mistaken for anomalous phenomena).
* No alcohol before, during or directly after the investigation. No alcohol should be consumed during the
reviewing of evidence.
* No illegal drugs should be taken anytime but especially before, during an investigation.
* Refrain from wearing any ragged or torn clothing with offensive wording. Remember, it is important
to keep a professional appearance.
* Refrain from using offensive language or behaviour during an investigation. Its important to act in a
professional manner during all investigations.
* Refrain from playing practical jokes or pranks during a investigation. Clowns belong at the circus, not on an
investigation.
* All investigators should act in a courteous and professional manner at all times during an investigation.
* Investigators should treat each other with courtesy and respect during all investigations. Its important to
be able to work as a well oiled machine or the investigation will be compromised.
* Never take souvenirs from a location, this could be considered as stealing.
* Respect all locations being investigated, don't litter or damage anything. Always leave the area as you found it.
Basic Building Blocks for Conducting a Investigation
I would recommend that a "evidence based method" be used to conduct an investigation rather than a "assumption based methods. The evidence based method will enable you to collect the evidence in a neutral unbiased way ensuring it is accurate. The evidence collected then can be used to form theories in an attempt to explain the evidence collected. Go to an investigation with a scientific approach with no assumption of what a ghost is or what causes a haunting and let the evidence tell the story. With a evidence based investigation you need to eliminate all natural causes using the "xenonormal" and the "new house effect" as a guide. What is left may actually be unexplained phenomena.
Every paranormal investigation will have it own unique circumstances so each investigation will vary and the appropriate changes will need to be made to suit each individual case.
Every paranormal investigation will have it own unique circumstances so each investigation will vary and the appropriate changes will need to be made to suit each individual case.
THE BASICS FOR CONDUCTING A FIELD INVESTIGATION
* Area to be investigated (outdoors) should be checkout during daylight hours before the investigation
commences for safety reasons and to become familiar with the area.
* Have a pre-investigation meeting before the investigation begins. Discuss all aspects of the investigation,
include safety hazards, everyone's task and the protocols of how the investigation is to be run and stick to
them.
* Walk around the site as a group to get a feel for the location and note all safety hazards. Look for any
natural or man made objects/anomalies that could give false data as reflective surfaces, streetlights,
distant lights, wildlife/stock, mobile phone towers, power poles etc. Note them down or, if possible, video and
photograph them as references when reviewing the evidence. Set up any static video equipment during
this time.
* If working in teams, use two-way radios as communication. If you don't have a two-way radios, use mobile
phones but put the ring on vibrate so not to make any unnecessary noise.
* If using measuring devises (EMF, temperature, ambient meters etc), get a base reading of the area being investigated (this could mean several readings within the area). A base reading is the average reading within an area. If any abnormal spikes in EMF or temperature fluctuations are recorded, they can be compared to the base readings. Also add the time and location for each EMF spike or temperature fluctuation. But remember to look for natural causes for any abnormal readings - don't just assume it is paranormal.
* If conducting EVP work (electronic voice phenomena) have a protocol in place how the EVP work will be
done and stick to it. Protocol could include not using the same voice recorder for note taking and EVP
work, this will contaminate the evidence. Just before the commencement of the EVP work, record
everyone's voice by getting them to give their name and the time. This will eliminate them as a false EVP.
Note down all natural sounds within the area so they can be eliminated as false evidence. It is a good
idea to video the EVP session as this will help eliminate any external sounds that can't be identified on the
audio recorders.
* During the investigation, it is a good idea to have a quiet session. Listen for any sounds, movements,
anything that feels out of context with the area. Any feelings, emotions, sensations that feel odd or out of
character. Note everything down in a log but don't discuss with other investigators until the investigation
has finished.
* When the investigation concludes, there should be a debriefing to discuss all aspects of the investigation.
All investigators should hand in the investigator's log report. If any phenomena was observed,
these occurrences should be re-investigated and tested to assess whether it is anomalous or there is a
natural explanation.
BASICS FOR ANALYZING THE EVIDENCE
* Audio, video and photos should be reviewed by the owner of the equipment unless assigned to another
person.
* All audio, video and photos should be transferred to CD/DVD/videotape/ audio tape or uploaded on to the
computer for further analysis by the investigation team.
* All original data should be keep in its raw unaltered state. If data is to be cleaned up or altered, separate
copies need to be made. Both raw and altered/cleaned up should be shown side by side for comparison
and a clear explanation of all processing done to the data.
* All data should be reviewed by the entire investigation team.
* If possible have someone with photographic / video knowledge to assist assessing the data.
* Be critical when assessing the data and listen to all points of view even if it is critical.
* If data is deemed inconclusive the data can be provided for outside analysis for further evaluation and
consultation.
* Evaluate all personal experiences for all possible explanations - if necessary go back to the location to
recreate the events. It is important to eliminate all natural explanations.
* An accurate report should be written that includes all audio and video evidence. Also include
all natural phenomena observed. Include weather conditions and the moon phase. Don't leave out
anything just because it is not deemed paranormal. Most importantly, don't hide anything that you don't like or
does not fit into your belief system. At the end of the day, the only TRUTH is the final EVIDENCE.
