How to Conduct a Paranormal Investigation

Although you might not know it based on popular television shows like Ghost Hunters, Monsterquest, or Most Haunted, conducting an effective and sound paranormal investigation doesn't necessarily require fancy equipment, psychic abilities, a group, or even a "haunted" venue.

For the beginning paranormal investigator, all that is required are a few household items, and your curiosity and determination. The guidelines below are geared for a first, basic investigation, and can be applied to a ghost hunting expedition, EVP collection, or any other aim.

The importance of keeping a log

Keeping a log is one of the most important things you can do in a paranormal investigation. Such a notion may seem antiquated-after all, you can just write everything down in your blog or in Word when you get home, right? Not necessarily; there's a lot to be said for planning out. and then note- taking in the field.

This helps to keep your investigation organized and sets it apart from the everyday and mundane. It will help keep you on track and focused in the field, as well as providing a way to record details as they happen.

The log can be anything that seems appropriate and suitable: a small notebook, a blank journal, anything, really. You can write everything down essay-style, or make elaborate columns with times, places, descriptions, and so on. Another option is to log everything with a small digital voice recorder. I still recommend transcribing either to paper or on the computer later, for safekeeping.

Determine your goals

Proper planning is crucial in a paranormal investigation. Even if your first time is somewhat experimental and open-ended, and the point is to just get your feet wet, that is a goal in itself that should be clarified.

Spend some time considering your intentions and reasoning, what you'd like to accomplish, and how you'd like to go about it. Think about the time, money, and methodologies involved, and make sure all considerations are covered.

If you intend to share the experience, plan that well. I do recommend a companion, especially if you are going to be conducting your investigation in a public place at night. Make sure the person you choose shares your goals, or at the least will not be a hindrance in any way.

So, write down your goals, with details, and stick to it in the field. If other ideas pop up, take notes for subjects of future investigations.

Equipment

If you are just beginning, it's unlikely you have EMF meters, night vision goggles, or other elaborate equipment used by experienced paranormal investigators. No worries; an investigation can be done using whatever you do have, if anything at all.

The most common type of paranormal investigation is probably a ghost hunt. It is possible to investigate by simple observation with your eyes, ears, and senses. However, a digital camera be used, as well as a hand-held digital recorder with a microphone.

Oftentimes, phenomena turn up on film and audio that are not necessarily present to the observers as they are recorded. Taking photos and recording audio is probably the simplest technique and produces the most gratifying kind of evidence.

Even if your aim is not a ghost hunt, a camera and/or audio recorder will likely be central to an investigation. For example, you will probably want a camera if you are looking for anomalies in the sky, such as UFOs, or "rods."

Other equipment you might need includes: a flashlight or headlamp (sold in camping goods sections and stores) binoculars, walkie-talkies, snacks, water, etc. If you are taking a substantial amount of equipment, use some kind of field or messenger bag to contain everything, so you can focus on the investigation and note-taking and aren't distracted by carrying things and worrying about losing or dropping them.

Although I do think it's a good idea to take a digital camera, don't get hung up on the equipment. For initial investigations, focus on direct observations.

Fieldwork

Once you're in the field conducting the investigation, whether you're in your grandmother's attic or a battlefield cemetery, there are some things to keep in mind. Remember that being a paranormal investigator is not a license of privilege or authority.

Just because you mean no harm doesn't mean you don't have to obey the rules. If no public hours or trespassing notices are posted at the venue you want to investigate, do whatever you can to ensure you have the right to be there. Because of the current cultural interest in the paranormal, you are likely to get permission for investigations, if you just ask.

Above all, make sure you keep your safety the number one priority, even if it means having to postpone the investigation altogether; bad weather, unsafe parking, etc., all override the importance of the investigation.

Techniques and suggestions

When you have all the considerations above in the bucket, you're ready for the investigation. What are you actually supposed to do? If you don't have an agenda already in mind, below are some ideas suitable for a basic investigation.

EVPs

There are countless, detailed EVP how-to articles out there, but here is a basic instruction. Using a digital audio recorder with a microphone, simply ask out loud (while taping) short-answer questions such as, "Is there anyone here?" and "What is your name?" After each question, wait for a response-about 15 seconds, or even more, before asking the next.

Use this method for as long as you feel comfortable, and employ it in various areas of your venue. Of course, keep the questions benign and straightforward. There are some schools of thought that suggest not mentioning the idea of death, as it is supposed that some entities may not be aware that they have died.

You will not be able to hear the EVP until playback-wait until returning home to play it back, as it is easy to accidentally record over your material in the field. For the best results, use headphones. As with everything else, record the findings on paper or on the computer.

Photographs

Another easy technique is taking pictures with a camera. Film or digital cameras can be used, and you can take photos of anomalous things you physically see, or take photos with a similar intent as with the EVP-to hopefully catch something on film that isn't seen in person.

Although you can just point and shoot, the EVP-type questions above can be employed as well. Simply ask the question, and shoot.

Final thoughts

Remember that you don't have to somehow score an invitation from strangers living in a haunted house, or seek out a gothic, abandoned insane asylum.

Although these kinds of adventurous undertakings may be had in the future, for a beginning investigation, I guarantee that interesting, satisfying experiences and even highly unusual evidence can be found in the most common of places like your own basement, or a creepy-feeling local cemetery.

When you begin, it's best not to involve property owners, or anyone who is looking to you for authority, advice or information. Save interviewing techniques for future endeavors, after you have the basics down, and some experience behind you. I recommend starting out with the intention of gathering information for yourself, or to share with like-minded friends or on a blog.

Avoid making embellished pronouncements like, "I caught a demonic entity on tape!" or "the so and so cemetery is definitely haunted..." Let the unadorned evidence you have gathered in your log book and simple equipment tell the story. Good luck!