METHODOLOGY
Paranormal Research and Investigations are often dismissed by mainstream science because the procedures used are perceived not to meet the criteria as defined by the “Scientific Method”. This by itself is hard to understand as there is no one universally accepted definition of the scientific method and the number of steps it takes to achieve it. This dismissal is also easily challenged as the primary source of data for paranormal research and investigations is observation, and observations play an important role in the common steps for making predictions and drawing conclusions in whichever version of the scientific method you apply.
The second commonly used argument is based on “reproducibility”. As human beings, we “observe” both Quantitatively, or estimates and measurements with numerical results, and Qualitatively, descriptive non-numerical results. As each of us can see things from a different perspective or lens based on not only our education but our social background, and life experiences. As an example, 3 witnesses to an event may have 3 different descriptions of what just happened, does this make any of them completely wrong? Just because the data may vary doesn’t mean it should not be collected or is not useful. As more and more of this data is collected and correlated, regular or intelligible sequences may appear.
Step 1
Define the question
Conduct initial eyewitness interviews, usually remotely, historical research on the location, and fact-check any information given.
“Is there credibility to witnesses' accounts collaborated by events which lead to the need for further investigation?”
Step 2
Take predictions or form a hypothesis / Take the Next Best Action.
What actions will be conducted and to what outcome?
A. Do nothing.
B. Make a referral to someone with more expertise based on the deductive outcome of Step 1. This referral could be for Paranormal, Mechanical, Environmental, or other expertise.
C. Additional research and onsite investigations will allow the confirmation of or explanation for the cause of the suspected experiences and/or activity.
Step 3
Gather additional data using iterative techniques and technology.
“Control the Controllable”
- Victor Frankl
A. Conduct further in-person interviews with witnesses, relevant experts, community opinions, and if possible, the entities involved.
B. Log on paper, audio, or video both subjective and objective observations no matter how minuscule or insignificant they may seem at the time.
C. Use both active technology (such as an EMF or Tri-field meters) and passive technology (temperature, air quality, or radiation data loggers) to affect actions and log outcomes.
Step 4
Correlate and Analyze the data. Express the extent to which variables are related.
A. Several types of interviews were conducted to elicit accurate, reliable, and actionable information. Interview transcripts can easily be analyzed to visualize unstructured text data and get insights into trends and patterns.
B. Add quantitative observations to appropriate data sets for correlation and see how the qualitative observations bring any depth to the interview insights.
C. Data Logs
Step 5
Draw conclusions / Report Results. Explain what can be explained.
A. Objectively present the findings of the research and investigations. Explain what can be explained or dismissed. Address the unexplainable to understand if there is closure.
B. Make a referral to someone with more expertise based on the deductive outcome of the Investigation. This referral could be for Paranormal, Mechanical, Environmental, or other expertise.
C. Preserve all digital and physical research and investigation material. Archive. Create a Summary and Detailed findings video for the web.
By applying Observational Science to capture more context in our research and investigations we can create results with “reproducibility”. For example, we can remove some subjectivity by equipping the investigators with a standard set of questions to be asked during initial and infield interviews. However, this list is not inclusive and should allow the investigators to gather more information should the situation arise. We add objectivity to the investigations by bringing technology to bear in the form of devices like EMF meters, air quality meters, digital thermometers, handheld/static digital video, thermographic and night vision cameras, as well as digital audio recorders.
As recently as the beginning of the last century, sciences like chemistry, physics, biology, and many more were not accepted by mainstream scholars. It was through perseverance and practiced methodology that all of the sciences became acceptable. Today, many colleges and universities around the world offer Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. degrees in Parapsychology which is the study of phenomena unexplainable by orthodox scientific psychology. How long will it be until Paranormal Research is understood and gains credibility?