Paranormal Resource Alliance

PARANORMAL RESOURCE ALLIANCE

Member Organizations

International

Israel

Israel Group of Paranormal Investigators

United Kingdom

Phoenix Paranormal Investigations

Affiliates

The Rhine Research Center

The Windbridge Institute

Guidelines

Principles for Paranormal Investigation Organizations and Their Members

Investigation Guidelines

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The quality of any paranormal investigation depends on the equipment, methods, and procedures that investigators use to collect data. Although various groups and investigators have their own protocols and procedures, most conform to certain guidelines that help to insure that the data are as clean, uncontaminated, and documented as possible.

Audio/EVP Evidence

Minimizing and referencing noise contamination.

The greatest threat to the quality of audio evidence involves extraneous noises in the investigation setting. To obtain high quality audio data, investigators must (a) ensure that they make as little noise as possible and (b) verbally reference all sounds in the environment that the hear at the time. The following guidelines help to protect the quality of audio evidence.
• When collecting audio evidence, investigators should not: eat, have discussions that have nothing to do with the EVP session, or wear noisy clothing or jewelry. Wear soft soled shoes to minimize foot noise, but no flip flops. Turn off cell phones or set them to airport mode (although vibrations should be noted aloud—“My phone just went off”).
• If an investigator makes a noise (body movement, stomach growling, movement of objects), he or she should identify the noise aloud (i.e., “That was John clearing his throat”).
• All other noises that occur in the environment should be noted aloud (e.g., that was the furnace turning on”). When the source of the noise is unknown, it should be noted (“I heard a knocking sound”) and the investigator should make an effort to determine its source.

Conducting a Productive EVP Session.

Different investigators use different methods of conducting EVP sessions, and no one way is always better. Even so, the following guidelines are probably followed most commonly.
• When possible, have two or more audio recorders, located in different parts of the room, recording at the same time. Multiple recorders often allow investigators to determine the source of the EVP in the area (because it may be louder on one recorder than another) and whether an anomalous sound recorded on one recorded was produced by another investigator (often the source of an unexplained sound on one recorder is revealed on another recorder).
• Identify the location and time at the beginning of every EVP session, along with the names of the investigators who are present. Have each investigator state his or her name or say a sentence aloud so that their voices can be recorded for later reference.
• Ask simple questions that can be answered in a word or two. Yes/no questions are sometimes best. EVP are rarely more than a few words in length and thus can not answer lengthy questions.
• Primarily ask questions that are related to the reports of activity and to the specific location.
• Allow plenty of time for a response, at least 20-30 seconds.
• When you speak, talk clearly, slowly and loudly. Do not whisper.
• Agree in advance on how the EVP session will be conducted. Often, a group of investigators will ask questions in order of investigator position (first investigator on the leader’s right, then the next person, and so on). In other instances, each investigator may ask a series of questions before turning the floor over to another investigator. Deciding in advance prevents investigators from talking over each other and allows time for an answer.
• Investigators should try to stay as still as possible. If you move, then say so.

Photography

Taking Pictures
• Digital cameras of at least 5 megapixels of resolution offer the best possibilities for capturing something that is not just a digital artifact.
• Film cameras provide a negative as proof of what you shoot. If you use film, use a film speed of at least 400ASA.
• Avoid taking photos when it’s windy, foggy, rainy, dusty, or snowing. Always make sure that your camera lens is clean of dust and fingerprints. To avoid lens flare, which can be mistaken for something paranormal, never take a picture in the direction of the sun or direct light.
• Photographs should be taken from different angles when possible.
• Lens hoods that extend at least three inches from the lens help to reduce orbs that results from particulates in the air.

Interpreting Pictures
• Orbs are typically the result of dust, moisture, pollen, insects, rain, or lens flare, and should generally not be considered evidence of paranormal activity.

• Be aware of the visual pareidolia or matrixing effect – the phenomenon of seeing familiar shapes or forms in random combinations of shadows and light.
• Camera straps, a breath in cold air, cigarette smoke, double exposures, inadvertent streaks of light, reflections, and blocking the camera’s flash can create anomalous images that are mistaken for paranormal activity.
• When reviewing infrared (IR) still photographs, be aware that other sources of IR illumination, such as from IR videocameras, may appear as lights or steaks on IR pictures.

Videography

Handheld Videocameras
• Remember you are gathering evidence and not making a documentary or music video. Treat handheld videocameras as an extension of your eye. When sweeping a room, move the camera slowly and smoothly.
• Minimize the use of zoom, which can cause a shaky image.
• If the camera also captures audio refer to the guidelines for EVP collection.
• Generally do not use the viewfinder (eye piece) as it limits your vision.
• Although using the view screen allows you to see the image you are shooting, focusing on the lighted viewscreen makes it more difficult for your eyes to adjust to the dark.

Stationary Videocameras
• Set up cameras so that they view the broadest area.
• If possible use cross surveillance but beware of IR saturation and glare.
• Keep cameras at shoulder level or higher when possible.
• Cover as many entrances and exits as possible. This helps to monitor who comes into the location.
• Limit lost space. For example, if you are covering a room and a cabinet door is supposed to open and the room has a table n the center, locate the camera so that the table doesn’t hide any part of the door. Also, if possible, place the camera so that if anyone opens the door the contamination/hoax will be observed.
• Use wired cameras when possible. Use wireless primarily in situations where distance is a factor. Wireless cameras can be prone to electrical interference.
• Use tripods. Use the client’s belongings (tables, chairs, mantels) only if there is no other way to support the camera (preferably with permission).
• Fasten all cords with painter’s tape (or other easily removable tape) so that investigators do not trip over cords. Also, at the DVR end, try to keep the cables under control. This will ease setup and take down as well as look more professional.
• When using a central DVR, try to have an investigator view the feed at all times. This allows for faster and more accurate evidence review. The observer can notate any anomalies or interference, as well as locate the investigators.

EMF sweeps
• When using an EMF meter, sweep the area by moving the meter in a slow determined manner. Shaking or moving the meter too quickly can give false readings.
• Obtain a base reading of the area before starting an investigation, which allows for accurate documentation of anomalous changes in EMF.
• If a high EMF is present try to debunk it. Are there electric lines in that area? Are there outlets, lights, electronics, and so on?
• If there is a free standing EMF field, try to find the outline and note its shape, size, and reading.
• Use a second meter to verify readings, if available.
• When using K-2 or audio Tri-field meters to communicate with an entity, try to videotape the session to document evidence of any activity.

Temperature and Other Environmental Readings
• Use a thermometer that measures the temperature of ambient air. Many digital thermometers read surface temperatures only.
• Gather as much information as possible regarding humidity, barometric pressure, and so on.

Personal Experiences
• As a paranormal investigator, you should be prepared to experience anomalous activity, so do not overreact when something happens!
• In general, move slowly toward any sounds or images that you experience.
• If you have an experience, record it, but do not to mention its details until after the investigation. However, you should ask other investigators to explore the area in which the experience occurred without giving them details beforehand.
• Do not jump to conclusions about personal experiences. Our brains and senses are complicated and easily fooled.
• If you see something, point your hand held camera toward that location and/or ask EVP questions about it.
• If the investigation team includes a sensitive or psychic, ask him or her to do a cold reading of the location before anyone starts to investigate. However, do not let the sensitive lead the investigation or tell investigators what they are sensing. They can nudge investigators to certain areas but not tell them what to expect. Sensitives should keep a journal that should not be revealed until the evidence is reviewed.
• If you feel a cold spot try to document it with an ambient thermometer. Record its temperature, size, and shape.
• If you have a personal experience, do not dwell on it too much as you may miss other occurrences.

Report Writing Guidelines

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Investigators should prepare detailed written reports that describe each investigation and its findings, particularly for investigations that are conducted at the request of a client. Complete reports provide the information that clients need to understand and possibly respond to paranormal activity, and provide a permanent record of the investigation.

The information to be included in a report may differ depending on the goals of the investigation, the location of the site, and the agreement with the client, if any. However, in general, complete reports should include most of the following elements:

• Written site location information including street address, city, county, and site; information regarding the area surrounding the site is also often useful, as are maps or aerial photographs of the location (obtained from Google);

• Any necessary historical background information obtained from the client and other sources, including interviews, property ownership searches, and media archive searches;

• Depending on the nature and purpose of the investigation, site diagrams indicating the location of collected evidence and personal experience. These may include diagrams of both the external and internal features of the property:

External - scale; north arrow; locations of property boundaries, buildings, structures, any water features, utilities; and identification of all adjacent property owners and land usage,

Internal – scale; room by room features, including windows, doors, electrical outlets and other electrical and HVAC features; and the locations of baseline readings and anomalies;

• A description of local geologic, hydrogeologic or other environmental conditions that could influence the collection of data;

• A description of the site and adjacent property for the existence of any man-made features that might influence the evidence collected such as power lines, landfills, railroad tracks, and major highways;

• A chronological listing of any previous owners who may have experienced paranormal activity, with details regarding ownership since the property was originally developed from pristine land when possible;

• A summary of all previous and ongoing paranormal investigations, and copies of all associated reports and data in public records or within the custody or control of the paranormal investigation organization or affected party;

• Details of any known conditions or findings which may affect the validity of data, including but not limited to background EMF detection, environmental factors (such as drafts around windows, doors and chimneys, meteorologic and atmospheric conditions, solar radiation), extraneous noises created by living humans or animals, equipment malfunctions, or other quality control data;

• Methods, locations, and justification for data collection points for all media sampled, including all stationary camera and other measurement device locations;

• Procedures for assuring the quality of data that are collected;

• Equipment and materials used (listed by brand and model), including information regarding equipment and materials that could be of use to other researchers;

• A narrative description of how the investigation was conducted, including a discussion and justification of any data collection methods that are experimental or unusual within the paranormal community;

• The results of the analyses of the data, in clearly expressed terms, with reference to particular specimens of audio, video, or photographic evidence that are included with the report.

Typically, a CD of audio evidence and/or a DVD of video evidence accompanies the written report.

Principles for Paranormal Investigation Organizations and Their Members

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Rationale: With the rapid growth in the number of paranormal investigation organizations in recent years, the need has arisen for a commonly-accepted set of principles and standards by which such organizations operate. Such standards (a) assure clients that a particular paranormal investigation and its members subscribe to basic ethical and professional standards, (b) provide members of such organizations with clear guidelines for appropriate conduct, and (c) elevate the image of paranormal investigation organizations in the eyes of the public. The intent of these standards is not to dictate rules but rather to articulate the common principles and standards by which legitimate paranormal investigators generally operate.

The Paranormal Resource Alliance endorses two sets of standards. One set comprises a Code of Conduct for Paranormal Investigators that involves general ethical and professional standards that apply to paranormal investigation organizations and their individual members. The second set of standards involves Investigation Standards for Paranormal Investigation Organizations—broadly accepted practices for planning, conducting, analyzing, and reporting paranormal investigations.

Every paranormal investigation organization should adopt a code of professional conduct that each member agrees to abide by before taking part in an investigation. The code of conduct should include, but not be limited to, the principles below.

Code of Conduct for Paranormal Investigators

1. Paranormal investigation organizations and their members should only conduct activities for which they have appropriate knowledge and training, specifically investigations of apparitions, hauntings, poltergeists, and other inferred spirit-related phenomena.

2. Spiritual or religious blessings, house cleansings, or exorcisms should be performed only by persons who are trained and certified to conduct these activities. Furthermore, paranormal investigators may not perform activities that, according to state law, would constitute the practice of psychology.

3. A paranormal investigation organization and its members must accurately represent the knowledge, expertise, and experience of the group and its members at all times.

4. Paranormal investigators must not fabricate or falsify evidence. Furthermore, investigators are obligated to report when they realize that a piece of evidence that others believe is paranormal is, in fact, of mundane origin.

5. Paranormal investigation organizations and their members must obey all federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations.

6. The paranormal investigation organization and its members should place the well-being of the client and his or her family above all other priorities.

7. The paranormal investigation organization and its members should assure that an investigation does not in any way harm any property of the client, other people who are not involved with the investigation, or any private or public business, organization, or concern.

8. The paranormal investigation organization and its members should assure that an investigation does not violate the rights, privacy, or well-being of people who are not involved in the investigation (such as neighbors, bystanders, and other people in proximity to an investigation).

9. Investigators must treat one another and their clients with respect at all times.

10. To protect the confidentiality of its client(s), a paranormal investigation organization and its members should not publish or release data from an investigation without signed consent by the client. Release of data collected in investigations of public venues generally does not need consent.

11. A paranormal investigation organization and its members should maintain professional composure during an investigation by avoiding expressions of strong emotions (such as showing fear, running away, or overreacting to paranormal activity).

12. Fees may not be charged for conducting paranormal investigations. Donations to help defray the costs of investigations or research may be accepted provided they are offered voluntarily by a client or other person and not solicited by the paranormal investigation organization.

13. A paranormal investigation organization and its members should not sponsor “ghost hunting” excursions or “haunted houses” for the public that play upon sensationalism or fear. “Ghost hunting” excursions for the public that focus upon history, local stories, and the acquisition of knowledge about the paranormal are acceptable.

14. Paranormal investigation organizations may not actively recruit a member in good standing who belongs to another paranormal investigation organization or subsidiary group of a paranormal investigation organization. This does not preclude inviting members of other paranormal investigation organizations on an investigation as a guest.

15. Paranormal investigation organizations or individual members of a paranormal investigation organization must not slander or misrepresent the character or skills of another paranormal investigation organization or any member of another paranormal investigation organization.

Investigation Standards for Paranormal Investigation Organizations

A. Pre-Investigation Standards: Preparing for the Investigation

1. Ideally, a face-to-face or telephone interview should be conducted with the client(s) prior to beginning a field investigation to collect factual and anecdotal information necessary to establish the validity and severity of the case and to develop plans for an optimal investigation if one is undertaken.

2. The lead investigator should describe in advance to the client or contact person the duration and nature of the investigation, the number and training of investigators who will be present, the nature of data to be collected, and all other considerations that might reasonably be expected to influence the client’s decision to proceed with the investigation.

3. For investigations of private residences and other private property, it is strongly recommended that explicit, written agreements involving (a) access to the property and (b) hold harmless/liability provisions be executed between the paranormal investigation organization and the property owner prior to the investigation.

B. Investigation Standards: Conducting the Investigation

1. Each PRA member paranormal investigation organization should adopt basic investigation protocols or guidelines similar to the Paranormal Resource Alliance Suggested Data Collection Guidelines published on the PRA web site.

2. Individuals conducting an investigation should be properly trained in the operation of investigative equipment and instructed on investigation protocols by a person experienced in field investigation.

3. During the field investigation, investigators should maintain a professional demeanor. This includes not playing pranks to frighten or startle other investigators, refraining from silliness or horseplay, not expressing fear or other strong emotions, and not making statements that may alarm the client(s).

4. Paranormal investigators should refrain from using provocation to elicit paranormal activity except in extreme and unusual circumstances and with prior consent of the client.

5. Procedures and methodologies employed for the collection and analysis of paranormal data should generally be based on standard methods published by the Paranormal Resource Alliance (PRA), the American Society of Psychical Research (ASPR), the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), the Parapsychological Association (PA), the Rhine Research Center (RRC), The University of Edinburgh – Koestler Parapsychology Unit, the Parapsychology Foundation, or other organizations with expertise in the development of standardized methods. Modifications of standard methods may be used provided that the modifications are documented and reported.

6. The use of experimental procedures and methods are encouraged provided that the following safeguards are documented and reported:

a. Any possible problems or risks associated with using novel or experimental procedures or methods should be discussed with the client and paranormal investigation organization members before use.

b. All quality control and quality assurance procedures followed during any collection and analysis of data should be described, along with any major problems encountered.

c. The date, location, and time of collection, and the name of the individual who collected the data should be entered into the permanent record for the investigation.

d. Conclusions should not be based on an new or experimental method until it is determined precisely what information provided by the method actually reveals.

e. Investigatory methods that involve the potential emission or discharge of hazardous substances, such as ionization or chemicals, should be conducted in a manner that provides for the protection of human health and the environment.

f. Any novel procedure or method must be discontinued if it is determined during the course of the experiment that further use might jeopardize the health and safety of the clients(s) or investigators.

C. Post-Investigation Standards: Analysis and Reporting

1. The paranormal investigation organization and its members should not discuss preliminary interpretations or conclusions with a client during an investigation. All data should be analyzed before any conclusions are shared.

2. The lead investigator should allow data collection and analyses to be performed only by persons who are qualified by appropriate education, training, and experience. Trainees may collect and analyze data only under the direct supervision of a qualified investigator.

3. Upon completion of an investigation, analysis of data should be concluded as soon as practical, but in no case more than two weeks from the date of the investigation.

4. Data analysis and the interpretation of results should include all instrument measurements, videography and photography, audio recordings, and personal observations, as well as background information collected prior to the investigation.

5. The paranormal investigation organization and its members should report all relevant data (EVP, EMF, photographic evidence, thermal imaging, personal experiences, etc.) to the client through a face-to-face meeting and/or a written report.

6. The paranormal investigation organization and its members should refrain from sharing personal impressions with the client regarding the identity, nature, motivations, and potential danger of detected activity or entities unless there is a strong evidential basis for such conclusions. In all instances, objective data must be clearly distinguished from personal interpretations of those data.

7. Conclusions should be based on the probability of confirming or disconfirming the hypothesis of whether a location is paranormally actively. In the case in which no evidence of paranormal activity is found, the paranormal investigation organization should offer potential explanations of the causes of the anomalous activity to the client(s).

8. The outcome of the investigation should be presented to the client as soon as practical but in no case more than one month from the date of the investigation.

9. Results of the investigation and conclusions should be reviewed by multiple members of the paranormal investigation organization prior to release to the client. Peer review by members of other paranormal investigation organizations, under an agreement to maintain confidentiality, is encouraged.

10. The lead investigator should ensure that reports and other documents comply with the client’s agreement with the organization and associated protocols. All documents that contain the results of data collection and analyses should include the information listed in the Paranormal Resource Alliance Guidelines for Report Writing published on the PRA web site.

11. All investigation reports require certification by the paranormal investigation organization. An investigator’s certification should include the following statement, signed and dated by the lead investigator:

"I certify that I am personally familiar with the information contained in this report, including any and all supporting documents accompanying this certification, and that the material and information contained herein is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete and complies with the Paranormal Resource Alliance Standards for Paranormal Investigation Organizations.”

12. In the situation in which the lead investigator is not the founder, president, director, or team leader for the organization who has day-to-day responsibility for the performance of the organization and for whose name is listed on behalf of the organization as the point of contact for PRA membership, the report should also contain the following certification:

"I certify that I have personally examined and am familiar with the information contained in this submittal, including any and all documents accompanying this certification, and that, based on my inquiry of those individuals immediately responsible for obtaining the information, the material and information contained herein is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate and complete.”

13. After an investigation and presentation of the results and conclusions, the paranormal investigation organization should provide the client(s) with contact information of specialists who may be of assistance should counseling or other forms of help be necessary or desired.

14. If a follow-up investigation is warranted and requested by the client, the investigation should be scheduled as soon as is practical.

15. The paranormal investigation organization and its members are encouraged to share evidence with other PRA member paranormal investigators for purposes of re-analysis. Such evidence must be de-identified with respect to the identity of the client and location of the activity unless the client agrees in advance to being identified. Investigators who obtain data for secondary analysis must not share it with others in any form without the written consent of the client and the primary investigator.

Member Organizations

Alabama

Arizona

Connecticut

Georgia

Idaho

Kentucky

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Nebraska

Nevada

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Texas

Virginia

International

Israel

United Kingdom

Affiliates

Guidelines

Investigation Guidelines

Report Writing Guidelines

Principles for Paranormal Investigation Organizations and Their Members

Investigation Guidelines

Report Writing Guidelines

Principles for Paranormal Investigation Organizations and Their Members