"I Want to be a Paranormal Researcher"

by: the Seven/Haunted NC team

It seems recently that this is the subject of many emails sent to us. The field of the paranormal is growing rapidly and becoming more popular by the day despite the fact it sometimes draws a great deal of criticism and does not exactly provide a consistent way to earn a living. Although the paranormal encompasses many areas, we chose to focus specifically on ghosts and hauntings. We felt that by focusing our efforts and education on one specific area of interest we would be able to gain more and give more to the field of parapsychology. The two questions most commonly asked are: where you can get education in this field, and what skills you need to be a paranormal researcher?

Currently there is no board certification or regulatory requirements necessary to proclaim yourself a 'paranormal investigator' or 'ghost hunter' (or any other title). This means it is strongly up to the serious pursuant of this field, as well as those requesting help to be cautious and discriminating. It also means that the person wishing to be taken seriously as a researcher has their work cut out for them.

So what is the first step for the would be investigator? First, consider your interests and decide how much you want to put into it... are you happy being a weekend ghost hunter, maybe checking out a local area or two or taking a tour of a local battlefield and snapping some photos in hopes of capturing something unusual? Or are you on the other end of the spectrum - someone who wants to seriously research these phenomena and contribute your knowledge to others?

Regardless of your preference, you do need to be willing to educate yourself on the basic methods. While no one person (or group) is going to be an expert in every possible field that could be tapped into for paranormal research, we don't believe it's too much to ask that someone learn the basics of the most common possibilities, the basics of the use of equipment and testing methods and interpretation of any data. Even the most casual ghosthunter needs to use great responsibility, respect, critical thinking and common sense. But if you are looking to do more...

One of the requests we get is where you can "go to school" to be a parapsychologist. A solid education in a field relevant to your interest in paranormal is the best place to start. Degrees in psychology, any of the sciences, philosophy, etc. can all be excellent steps towards parapsychology world. While there is no accredited post graduate degree in parapsychology in the United States, some colleges DO offer courses in the field that can be taken while majoring in another area. One place that is world wide renowned for it's work in Parapsychology is the Rhine Research Center in Durham, NC. It is often mistakenly referred to as part of Duke University but it is not. It has not been affiliated with the university since founder DR J B Rhine's retirement in the 1960's. They offer a summer course that is limited in size, but distinguished in it's teaching of scientifically acceptable methods of investigating and researching the paranormal. Other institutes also may offer courses or undergraduate work in this field, though currently there is no major or degree in parapsychology. Postgraduate degree work towards parapsychology is available only overseas. The University of Edinburgh offers a Doctorate Degree in Psychology with the ability to focus your education and work on parapsychology. Do be careful of quick fix certifications whose main requirement is that your check is good! These offer little or no skills or prestige in this field. Make the effort to find a course or a seminar in your area. The cost is negligible against what you can learn.

Another way to learn is to have to self-discipline to self-educate. With numerous books and publications (again, Rhine Research offers a subscription to the Journal of Parapsychology, among other possible publications), not to mention websites, it is feasible for someone to learn a great deal this way. However, as you have probably already noticed there is a great deal of conflicting information! Think critically and be open-minded. But most importantly read, Read, READ! And don't confine your studies to parapsychology. There are numerous fields of study and interest that are invaluable to paranormal research. Want to be more certain of the photographic evidence you get? Read up on photography. Want to understand the nature of the soul and how it can exist after death? Study philosophy and religion. Want to write for publication? Study journalism. The point is that if all you read are books about ghosts, you are only looking at the field from one VERY limited point of view.

A third way is to work with, or mentor with an existing organization. Even being able to have a relationship that allows you to ask questions and learn can be beneficial. Most organizations will be glad to assist you with your questions.

What skills do you need to be a paranormal investigator? You definitely need a scientific side- that IS what this is... or should be... about, a study of paranormal events in a scientific manner. Perhaps you even need a bit of skepticism. This is not to say you can't believe. Most people in this field are here because of a paranormal experience of some kind and a great many of us believe there IS something else beyond what we can identify at this time. However not EVERYthing is paranormal in nature and it is up to you to sort the normal from the paranormal. To do so means taking a cautious view of things and making sure your investigations are thorough. You will not want to take a 'shutter' picture and call it an orb (hint: diamonds, octagons, etc. are NOT orbs. As a matter of fact, a lot of 'orbs' aren't orbs). You need to have some good research skills. You will be searching for bits of information from records, interviews, collected data and more. You will need to have a certain amount of tenacity. All the answers do not come in a couple of hours of hanging out in some remote graveyard. If they did we wouldn't still be asking questions. You will need to focus to collect lots of data, accurately keep records and review your findings. You will need the willingness to suck it up and say, "nope, guess that really cool photo was really a light reflection" when it's a distinct possibility that that is what it is. From an organization with a great infrared video of mosquitoes we can relate to the disappointment that comes from realizing your great work isn't so great. But if you can take from it a lesson learned, you will have taken a step forward in your work. You need to have the ability to share. It is only by sharing and exchanging ideas that each individual and organization can continue learn and advance.

It is our opinion that those that enter this field - either as a hobby or a serious profession - that are irresponsible, disrespectful and careless do much damage to themselves as well as the reputation of others. Do not be that person or group who goes about things in a careless fashion, when educational and learning opportunities are out there and available to anyone with the desire and self-discipline to reach for it.