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The Scientific Ghosthunter

by Christopher Tillman

(c) 1998, revised 1999, 2002, 2024

The Scientific Ghosthunter began as a series of essays in the late 1990s. Some of the references contained in these pages may be dated but the principles, I believe, are still solid. I’ve thought off and on about updating the original material for a new century, but have decided against it. Instead, new and updated info will be posted in the Ghosthunter’s Notebook section of this site.

* * * UNDER CONSTRUCTION * * *

INTRODUCTION

Why Ghosthunting?

Why Do We Persist?

THE HUNT

Paranormal phenomena can manifest anywhere and at any time. It’s random and unpredictable nature makes the study of such activity difficult, unless you know where to look. In this section, I’ve listed some of the more common scenarios and locations to visit in your hunt for the supernatural. I’ve also included some ideas you may have never thought of before. READ THIS SECTION

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Paranormal research makes use of a wide variety of equipment. Here I have compiled a list of some common and not-so-common items that can greatly enhance your investigative efforts. READ THIS SECTION

THE BASICS OF BACKGROUND RESEARCH

The quality of the background research you perform can make all the difference between collecting genuine evidence of the paranormal and getting fooled by a hoax or unfounded legend. I’ll show you how to dig up all kinds of information concerning people, property, and events. READ THIS SECTION

METHODOLOGY

For effective and progressive research of the paranormal, every investigation should be well-planned and organized in a logical, step-by-step manner. This section features critical principles that every paranormal investigator should seriously consider implementing in all of their research practices. READ THIS SECTION

PRELIMINARY FACT-FINDING

As with background research, the more you know before committing to a full-scale investigation, the more successful you’re likely to be in your research. This section includes all kinds of information from the proper analysis of information and the interviewing process to witness psychology and more. Preliminary Fact-Finding is the bedrock of any investigation, so make it count! READ THIS SECTION

FIELD INVESTIGATION

The heart and soul of paranormal research is the field investigation. In this section you’ll find articles intended to help make your on-site research more effective. READ THIS SECTION

CLIENT COUNSELING

Making sure eyewitnesses receive the appropriate after-care concerning their experience is important. And, as always, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. READ THIS SECTION

THE FOLLOW-UP

Your investigation may be over, but that doesn’t mean the phenomena has gone away. This section will describe how important it is to keep in touch with eyewitnesses even after you decide to close their case. READ THIS SECTION

AUTHORING YOUR CONCLUSIONS

The correct analysis of collected evidence is probably one of the most important aspects of paranormal research. In this section, I’ll go over the different types of evidence, how to analyze such evidence, and when to seek out the opinions of qualified professionals. Important reading! READ THIS SECTION

ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM

Paranormal researchers – serious researchers – need to discuss and understand the various responsibilities they have to themselves, and to the paranormal community as a whole. READ THIS SECTION

CONCLUSION