Paranormal research and investigations follow the same general guidelines and use of equipment as recommended for a Ghost Hunt to document the existence of ghosts and/or spirits, but is more expanded and detailed to include research into the property, history of the area, interviewing witnesses, follow up with a commitment to study all results and data collected from a scientific, logical and rational approach with a willingness to protect the confidentiality of the persons involved and /or the location.

The focus should be to research, investigate, and document while maintaining an open mind, considering different methods, techniques and theories, keeping in mind there is not yet a set formula and the results may not provide a definitive answer.

Take care with how you present yourself and your team – by qualifying that you are a researcher or investigator with a genuine interest in the paranormal.  It would not be wise to imply that you are more than an enthusiast without the credentials to back it up.   Be sincere, be honest and remember there are questions that cannot be answered in absolutes – no matter how positive or self-confident you feel about your deductions and conclusions, some questions are best left alone.  Especially those questions such as, why is this happening, will it return, why me/us and is my family safe.

There are many thoughts and theories as to types and classifications of ghosts - for each there will be a ghost that will break the rules and evade our perceptions of what fits into our normal order of thoughts and beliefs.

Over the years, there have been witness accounts indicating that some ghosts may interact with the people around them with a consciousness and intelligence, by communicating a message, expressing emotions, memories, personalities and feelings from their earthly life, then there are others where the apparition seems to be oblivious to the current day people and surroundings. 

Paranormal research and investigations require an open mind, loads of patience, a healthy dose of skepticism, hours of research, review and detailed documentation.  Each team member should be willing to seek out and consider all the possibilities; they should be prepared to accept logical, realistic and rational explanations.

Most often the reported phenomena will have very normal explanations and an investigation is not required, but should you determine that a location or situation warrants an investigation the team should be aware of all data collected, organized and prepared, with each team member having a specific assignment.  When the group works as a team, this will eliminate confusion that would detract from the investigative efforts.

As mentioned for Hunts locations for paranormal activity can include, but is not limited to battlefields, boarding houses, cemeteries, churches, fire stations, historic locations, homes, hospitals, hotels, lighthouses, police stations, prisons, theatres and schools.

With daily life we have good days and not so good days, we encounter personalities that can make you smile or cause distress.  Keep this in mind when investigating locations – there can be situations that negative energy can be an extremely strong influence on the witnesses and/or the team.  The safety and well being of the team must be a priority.

Whether invited or seeking access to a location for an investigation should be handled respectfully and professionally.  Most often the owner or proprietor will ask for confidentially.  Determine the boundaries of what information can be shared or released.  Once a mutual agreement is made, write it down, be sure that all parties involved understand the terms and conditions before you begin.  Have a very clear understanding of who will own the rights to any photographs and/or recordings and the investigation report.

Ok, you have a location in mind.  Start making notes, beginning with the who, the what or the why you were drawn to this particular place – history, rumor, legends and/or folklore.   Gather all the information, real or imagined.  Now, move on to confirming and validating as much of the gathered data as possible. 

Libraries, historical societies, genealogy groups, property records, Internet searches, interviewing people and newspaper articles can assist with research and verifying facts.Talking with people who have been in the area for many years can be a wealth of information. Compare historical data and actual facts to the accumulated legends, myths and folklore.  While many items appear at first glance to be unrelated or unconfirmed, do not discard the information – just move it to the back of the file – you might want to refer back at a later time.

At first contact, ask if the persons involved if they would be willing to keep a journal of activity or incidents.  A simple calendar or notebook will do.  The information might be very valuable for your investigation.  Each time there is an event or occurrence, ask that they note the time, the date, what took place, who was present, the duration of the event and weather conditions for that day.

The preliminary interview will be valuable.  Should there be more than one witness, speak with each separately – one on one.  Granted it may be human nature to embellish, go in to each interview with an open mind; believe that the witness is telling the truth, as they understand it.  Listen carefully to what the witness has to say, take note of their body language and how they react with the other witnesses.  Your listening skills and keen observation of interaction may hold some insights or stimulate particular questions.

The interview should be in a relaxed and confusion fee atmosphere.  Be clear and committed that you will respect the privacy and confidentiality of all involved.

Judge the number of team members required by the size of the location and number of witnesses to be interviewed.  If the investigation is in a small home, you may only require two or three, each with a specific task.

Ask permission to record the interview, if the witness is not comfortable with a video recording, they may allow an audio record of the interview.  Should the witness choose not to have the interview recorded, ask if it would be acceptable for a third party to take notes. Be sure that the witness understands that it is their choice to answer any questions and any question(s) that makes them feel uncomfortable will be eliminated.  There may be cases where inappropriate touching has occurred, this will be very personal for the subject, be very cautious in how the questions are presented.

Listen to the witness give their account of what took place uninterrupted, jot down any questions you have as they go along, try to hold your questions until they have completed relaying the information.  When asking questions, maintain an open mind and be considerate of the feelings of the witness – no matter how far fetched the story sounds, try not to discount or dismiss what they are saying – this is the point of an investigation – to verify and research the possible activity.  Ask open-ended questions, rather than leading, allowing the witness to explain with as much detail as they can recall.   If at any time a witness becomes emotional – take a break.  In the event that the witness is willing to continue, do so in another room. 

Should any of the witnesses decline to participate, accept their choice not to participate politely.  Some may return at a later time to share their version or to answer questions.

Have a questionnaire prepared; this will help keep you on track.  Depending on the response, the answer may prompt further questions or explanations.  Try rephrasing questions as you go along, you may find that a different slant to the questions might prompt better recall or understanding of what you are asking.

As the witness(s) respond to the questions, a simple, natural solution may be discovered that would not require any further investigation.  On the other hand if the responses indicate the possibility of activity then ask if the team may proceed with an investigation.

The equipment used would be determined by the location and the number of team members participating.

35mm still camera, digital camera, video cameras

Tripod(s)

Voice recorders:  Tape and/or digital (external mic recommended)

Remote "IR" Thermometer, Thermal Scanner and/or digital Thermometer

EMF (Electro Magnetic Field Meter) audible and/or digital

Communications: cellular phone, walkie talkies

Lighting: flashlights, lanterns, candles and matches.

Compass

Small tool kit, tape measure and first aid supplies

Motion detector

Geiger Counter

Air Ion Detector

Night Vision equipment

Pencil, pen and notepad

Zip lock bags

Extra film and tapes

Batteries, a few extra batteries and more batteries

Snacks

Comfortable clothing and shoes

Watch or clock

Using the sketch and the responses to the questions, establish what and how much of the equipment will be required.

After the interview, make no conclusions or opinions until all reports, tapes and notes have been reviewed.