Paranormal research is the examination of phenomena that cannot be explained through normal scientific explanation.
It is an investigation into claimed occurrences of events such as psychokinesis, extrasensory perception or other purportedly supernatural phenomena, as well as such things as ghosts, hauntings, cryptozoological beings, UFOs, extraterrestrial visitors, and so on.
To many scientists, paranormal research is a misnomer. Approaching paranormal topics from the perspective of a scientific researcher is made difficult by the lack of acceptable physical evidence of the phenomena. By its very nature, the paranormal does not conform to the expectations of nature, a phenomenon cannot be confirmed as paranormal using the scientific method because, if it could be, it would no longer fit the definition. For example, if a paranormal researcher could prove the existence of a ghost using the scientific method, ghosts would no longer fit the definition of the paranormal, and would be reclassified as science. Nevertheless, paranormal investigation is conducted by researchers from various disciplines, including at least thirteen accredited universities.
A common approach includes the anecdotal approach, which involves a collection of stories told about the paranormal by people who believe them to be true.
When investigators immerse themselves in qualitative research by collecting EMF readings at haunting sites or photos taken by researchers, this is sometimes referred to as the participant-observer approach.
Another technique is the experimental approach, conducted by parapsychologists, although many scientists consider parapsychology to be a pseudoscience.
Skeptical scientific investigations are conducted by researchers who apply the scientific method in the hope of reaching a natural explanation for the phenomenon.
To many people, there is little difference between a paranormal investigator and a ghost hunter. However, the word "paranormal" is derived by combining the prefix "para," meaning above and beyond, with the word "normal," which is a reference to the explainable scientific world around us. Thus, ghost hunting is a subcategory under the larger category for the paranormal, as it is a particular type of paranormal investigation. Ghost hunters should be listed in the Ghosts Hunters subcategory rather than here, as they specialize in that one aspect of the paranormal.
Paranormal phenomena refer to that which is beyond the normal explainable experience. The subject of paranormal investigation is broader and more complex than that of ghosts and ghost hunting. For that matter, amateur paranormal investigators often assume that any contact they may have with an unknown entity is that of a human being or animal that has died. However, we have no idea what the entity actually is.
Objectivity is difficult in paranormal investigation, in part because most of the people who join paranormal research groups do so because they already believe in the paranormal. Thus, they will be more susceptible to suggestions of a haunting than would someone who did not believe in ghosts or hauntings.
The study of UFOs, extraterrestrial life, cryptozoology, telepathy, and extrasensory perception are all types of paranormal investigation.
Many modern ghost hunters and paranormal television shows ignore the scientific approach, relying solely on pseudoscience. This lack of scientific diligence also describes many of those who investigate UFO phenomena and cryptozoological entities, such as Bigfoot. Podcasts and television shows are often focused on drama and ratings.
A major problem in paranormal research is that traditional science rejects and even ridicules the possibility of the paranormal, which often leaves paranormal researchers dependent upon ratings and drama in order to finance their investigations.
The focus of this portion of our guide is on paranormal research.
Categories
Ghost HuntersPsychic Investigators | Psychic Research |
Recommended Resources
Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena
The paranormal education and research non-profit charity was founded in 1981, and investigates, researches and educates on a range of paranormal phenomena, from hauntings to UFOs, mediums to monsters. As part of its work, the organization carries out paranormal investigations and trains members to become accredited investigators, including systematic research. Its research is highlighted here, along with informational articles and training programs.
http://www.assap.ac.uk/
Center for Paranormal Research and Investigation
Founded by Bobbie Atristain in 2000, the non-profit organization is Virginia's oldest research society. Claiming to use the strictest scientific methods to obtain tangible data, the organization uses a skeptical approach to its research. Its team is introduced, and information on how to request assistance with something believed to be the paranormal is offered, and academic papers, articles, investigations, and reports are included, along with contacts.
https://centerpri.org/
The volunteer organization produces a local Maine television show, ZeroLux Paranormal TV. Despite the group's name, its activities investigates a wider variety of paranormal phenomena, including UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and subject matter relating to cryptozoology, as well as reports of ghosts and hauntings. The team is introduced, along with photographs, audio, and video from its television show. Reports and requests for investigations may be made through the site.
http://www.maineghosthunters.org/
Founded in 2011, the NPS provides a place for paranormal investigative groups and associations, scientists, individual researchers, ghost hunters, and interested individuals to ask or answer questions, share information, and learn from one another. Administrative contacts, departments, and publications are featured, along with project reports, interviews, membership information, and links to additional paranormal resources.
http://national-paranormal-society.org/
Created by D.E. Margerum, an independent researcher, and theorist dedicated to analyzing video, audio, and other paranormal activity evidence, the site publishes evidence analysis and research articles and will receive evidence from visitors to the site. Topics include hidden dimensions, the illusion of reality, UFO flight movements, ghosts and spirits, dowsing rods, disembodied ghost voices, Irma the haunted doll, and ghost voices at Woodhill. Email and social media contacts are included.
https://paranormalactivityresearch.com/
Paranormal Existence Research Society
Based in south Florida, PERS is a non-profit paranormal research group that investigates and documents all types of paranormal phenomena, including hauntings and ghosts, demonic possessions, shadow figures, UFOs, and other unexplained occurrences. The organization, its team, and services are introduced, and an investigation request form may be filed through the site. A schedule of events, a job application, and its address and telephone number are given.
https://www.paranormalexistenceresearchsociety.com/
Headquartered in Royse City, Texas, the non-profit paranormal research and education corporation seeks to provide reliable and factual information on all types of unexplained phenomena through scientific investigation, evidence collection, and review. The investigators are introduced, and the types of investigations it conducts are featured, which include ghost investigations, instrumental transcommunication, UFO and USO phenomena, cryptozoology, and psychic research.
https://www.paranormalsource.com/
Neil McNeil has been studying parapsychology phenomena for years, and offers college-level courses in paranormal investigation and energy medicine in the greater Seattle, Washington area. Through his courses and workshops, students are introduced to the science of parapsychology and paranormal phenomena, including theories about ESP, psychokinesis and the survival of bodily death, the nature of hauntings, apparitions and poltergeists, and modern approaches to field investigation.
http://www.paranormalstudies.org/
The PRF was established in 1961, its chief purpose that of research and education in the field of parapsychology, with a special focus on exploring the question of whether human consciousness can survive death. Its research and activities include empirical studies, field investigations, lectures and publications on paranormal phenomena like apparitions, hauntings, and mediumship, as well as extrasensory perception and psychokinesis. Research summaries and published papers are presented.
https://www.psychicalresearchfoundation.com/
