Paranormal research is the study of unexplained phenomena, such as telepathy, ESP, psychokinesis, ghosts, hauntings and UFOs. Approaching paranormal research from a scientific perspective can be difficult because even if paranormal events really exist, they can be difficult to prove using traditional scientific methods.
Paranormal investigators use several different approaches to document the existence of paranormal events, including experiments, observation and interviews with people who experience paranormal activity.
While the goals of paranormal research vary, paranormal investigators continue their studies for any of the following reasons:
Researchers often explore the existence of paranormal phenomena by experimentation. The Ganzfeld telepathy experiments are an example of scientific paranormal experiments.
Two participants, a sender and a receiver, participate in a Ganzfeld test. The participants are placed in separate insulated cubicles. The receiver wears headphones and eye coverings to block out all outside noise and interference. Pictures and film images are shown to the sender, who then tries to telepathically send these images to the receiver.
Another common paranormal research method is called the participant-observer approach. With this method, a researcher immerses himself in the situation he wants to study. Popular ghost-hunting groups use this approach to explore supposedly haunted areas.
Skeptics of paranormal phenomenal take a different approach to paranormal research. Instead of proving the existence of paranormal phenomena, skeptical paranormal investigators attempt to debunk supernatural encounters.
Skeptical paranormal investigators respond to claims of paranormal phenomena but research them looking for non-mystic explanations for their existence. These investigators often believe that the simplest explanation for paranormal phenomena is usually the correct one.
Some paranormal investigators use anecdotal evidence from people who have witnessed paranormal events in their research. However, due to the wide range of variables (such as faulty memory, exaggeration and flat-out lying), anecdotes don't carry much weight in scientific investigation and are better used as a jumping-off point for further research.
Another area of paranormal research is the study of surveys and polls. While this method of data collection doesn't actually prove or disprove the existence of paranormal phenomena, it provides a better understanding of the general public's belief in ghosts and other otherworldly activity. Similarly, surveys typically plant the seeds for further paranormal investigation.
Some of the most famous paranormal research societies in the United States include: