Initial contact
The investigation begins with a simple phone call or E-mail. The person is generally confused and is search of knowledge. Usually they have no knowledge of what the amateur ghost hunter is capable of. Sometimes it seems that they think from a couple of vague examples we can tell them exactly what is wrong and how to fix it. The key is to get them thinking of solutions for you (logical ones mostly, thought they have come to you because of their possible paranormal ones).
The first step is a follow-up phone call or E-mail. Attempt to determine what their purpose or motivation is for contacting you (mere information? want you to make it stop? just trying to report it? something that happened years ago? or just pulling your leg? Trying to get a book deal or media attention?). Don´t be in a hurry to pack up your equipment and drive out to the scene, in most cases it is not necessary (and in some it is unwanted). It is critical that we understand that the interview process (beginning to on-site) is the most important part of all cases. If we do not pay attention to the clues given to us by the living it would be pointless to go in search of the ghost. Effective and thorough interviewing can save a lot of time, money and embarrassment and is critical since we are dealing with people´s lives, families and property. The major goal with our interviewing process is to determine a logical and reasonable explanation for the events which are happening as well as giving the person or family as much information about what is (or could be) happening in their home or other location..
Finding a natural or reasonable explanation is what we need to look for first, it does not help to assume that every lost key is a paranormal occurrence. Let them know we are not out to prove something paranormal, but to seek out and eliminate all real solutions first. Reassure them that they should not be embarrassed if a rational explanation is found. From there, if there are no explanations, we will try to find the relationship between the occurrences and the living. If there is no link, then what is causing these events and why? At this stage we can assume something is truly happening and this is where the fun begins, but always be on the lookout for a rational, natural, or logical explanation - no matter how far the case has gone.
In the initial reply you basically want to reply as quick as possible and to ask follow-up questions to the examples they have given. Usually most people are very vague and lack any detail to their occurrences. You also want to give them a feeling of comfort (since most feel they are crazy in experiencing these phenomena) and that they are not alone in experiencing these things. We must always consider their feelings or their beliefs. At the same time we want to let them know we will help them as much as possible and will provide as much information as possible, but a conclusion may not be met due to the uncertainty of what we study. This also goes along with what their expectations will be for our investigation.
One of the major questions asked of someone experiencing the events is if the ghost will hurt them. Ghosts generally bring no direct harm to the people they interact with. I tell them that a ghost is just out for attention and remind them that they were a once living person. The most frequent cause of injury is that of the individual being so scared that they fall or injure themselves by trying to escape (they usually "think" the ghost is chasing them, when in fact the person is merely running from the apparition or event).
Another item we should inquire is their knowledge of this subject or if they have had any prior experience with ghosts or psychic ability. They may or may not say this up front, but when you ask they usually give you a ton of information if applicable. This will give us a background of their perceptions of ghosts and/or the paranormal. If they have no knowledge then they may jump to conclusions from what they have seen in t.v. and movies. Amazingly, most people who contact us have had some prior experience with the paranormal with ghosts or psychic ability.
Each case is individual and you will have to look for certain occurrences or angles to follow to continue the basic question and answer period. Expect a more in-detail reply immediately following your initial reply. You have basically told the person "I´m all ears" and they will respond accordingly. It is then that you will get a very good picture of what is happening. You will notice the detail will be a lot more descriptive than their first letter, no matter how much info they seemed to have given you initially, it never seems to contain as much as their second letter or first follow-up phone call. With a phone request I generally listen to them for a few minutes and calm their immediate fears and questions. Then I suggest that they keep a log or write down as much information as possible. Depending on how much time they have available I may ask them the basic set of questions so I can get a better feel for the individual or the household itself. Usually you will need to set up a follow-up interview which gives them time to prepare and gives them a chance to focus on the subject, they will remember more that way. Remember to make the interview convenient for them and not for you!
After your first reply and their first follow-up in detail reply, go after the basic set of questions (see below) to establish a background of the person and the basic scope of the events. I usually tell them in my first reply that I will be asking some basic questions of their background and experience and why I am doing it so they will expect to see them, since some of them may get a bit personal. Along with the basic set you may want to give them suggestions to potential logical explanations or things to look for. Never suggest or give a tone that will imply "Duh, didn´t you check that first?". Always be sensitive to the fact that they are confused and possibly scared about what is going on, only offer these as suggestions and helpful hints based on past experience.
Always act professional and never be specific about what could be happening in this stage. Do not stand behind opinion or let Religion be a guide or roadblock. Do not stick to (or make too much reference to) certain schools of thought (Parapsychology, pure science, Wicca, witchcraft, etc.) to do so limits the possibility of angles to search and you will imply that these could be the limitations by which you operate or you belief systems that you will associate to their situation (always stay open minded!). Offer suggestions, but always remind them that we are not giving them psychic clues or we are able to dissect or cross-reference their clues in a book to find their solution.
Also, you may want to drop the hint that we may not need to run out to the location to be able to effectively help them with this problem. Most times when they accept what is happening it will stop on its own. Since we do not profit from this there is no sense in rushing out to every scene like "Ghostbusters" and kicking in the door to rid the home of a ghost. There will sometimes be a tone of "hurry up and get out here" to their statements. We must calm their fears and remind them that they are in control of their situation. If we come out there we would only get in the way of what is occurring and would only be able to record and investigate and wouldn´t do much to "scare or eliminate" what is happening to them. Let them also know, however, that if we feel a visit is warranted (that it could be of help or the situation may be dangerous, children being involved usually makes me lean toward at least an onsite interview) we will work with them to establish a proper time and date and will give them a synopsis of what we will be (and won´t be) doing when we get there. There must always be a threshold to going out into the field for an on-site investigation, Never jump immediately to it or insist to the person it is not necessary. In some cases if they really want someone to go out there try and accommodate them.
On-site interview
Schedule the on-site interview for the person when it is most convenient for them and when distractions will be at a minimum. Inform them of the basic scope of what you will be asking and what you will be doing. In this you will be attempting to create a productive climate for the interview process. If they wish to meet somewhere other than the location of the events, do so, if that will provided a more suitable climate for the interview. Avoid creating any surprises! Always inform them that you will provide any type of liability forms and confidentiality forms to calm any fears (for them and you) of unnecessary public or press exposure. Also inform them if you are utilizing recording equipment for interviewing (and ask if that is permissible) as well as using photographing equipment (merely for documentation). The more informed they are as to what you are doing, the smoother things will go. You must be honest and straightforward without leading them to a conclusion or seemingly judging the situation prematurely. It is also a good idea to bring with you basic information on Parapsychology or any other subject that you feel they seem concerned about (for them to refer to later). Communication is critical with the client, if they feel you are unorganized or throw surprises at them it could spell big trouble.
In some cases you can start an initial on-site investigation following the first on site interviewing and other times you may need to take the information and compile it before beginning the physical investigation. Either way, it is good to familiarize yourself with the locations they will be describing to you. Inform them that we will need to take photographs to document the locations they will be describing merely for reference (and not for orb watching!). Basically, let them know what they are in for. The interview will usually take between 15 minutes to a half hour (or longer if the interview drifts to their opinions or theories) per person. Try to get as many people involved to be there during the time you will be there (not necessarily there all at once). A good rule of thumb is to have one interviewer for every two potential interviewees. Always interview people in different locations if done at the same time and never interview two or more people at the same time (if you can help it, always ask permission to what style they feel comfortable with).
Before you set foot at the site make sure you have read through your notes and have adapted your specific questions to their situation. Have everything printed out and separated so you will be ready to go when you hit the door (organization and planning are key). Prepare yourself by creating a structure to the interview with each person (depending on the situations they were involved with). Begin with basic questions and build to specifics. Gradually introduce new angles or possibilities as necessary, don´t come right out and give them a list of possibilities. Stick to the structure you have planned out as much as possible and do not let the interviewee control the interview. If you have successfully structured the interview in advance it will go quicker, smoother, and the results will build upon each other and both parties will feel a better sense of success with the interview.
It is not always possible to write down every question you will need to ask. At times, during the interview, you will mentally note something of value or an angle you will wish to explore further in the interview. Make notes immediately in the area where you will need to ask such a question while still acknowledging the interviewee. A lot of what happens during the interview is done on the fly, but the more you prepare and stick to an original plan, the easier these new questions can be worked into your structure. With time and practice all of this becomes habitual and you will have a better understanding of how to structure questions for particular types of cases as well as how to adapt to on-the-fly questions and problems. It will also be easier to concentrate on the interview and to take quick notes or to remember clues later on. Recording the interview is also a good way to help remember things that the person said, but any mental pop-ups you should write down immediately.
When structuring the interview begin with basic questions and evolve to specific. If you have covered the basic set of questions move on the specific set, but ask the more basic of the specific set first to establish what the interviewee "thinks" is happening. When asking about specific events always ask them to consider a logical explanation or offer one yourself. Keep each event separate, but still find out what the event has to do with the whole picture of what is going on. Each event should be considered like an individual "crime scene", each one will have its own set of clues and setting as well as possible triggers. We need to gather as much evidence about each specific event before relating them directly to each other. The interviewee will usually lump all of these events together, so we must help them pull each event apart and learn to look at them as an individual event. Let them know that these events may or may not be related to each other, some may have no relevance to the overall events happening.
Generally, I have found that when focusing on a major event that happened we can usually discard the events which happened prior to it. This is because the interviewee may have lumped this occurrence with what is happening now, even though the event has little or no relation to the events which have followed the "major" event. A major event is usually the one that got their attention or is the one they first describe. Always try to maintain a time-line on paper, sometimes the major event is my lead-off event and I will follow in time the events which happened after it. Then I will revert to the events which happened prior to the major one to see if the interviewee still thinks they are credible to the other events. I usually use this if I am fairly certain that they have mentally lumped prior events which probably have no value to the ones which may be paranormal. The most important thing is to separate each event and investigate them separately.
When interviewing do not be afraid to take the time to write things down. At times you may feel rushed, but again, control the interview and write down as much detail as you feel. Be up front and honest with them on this, as well as your overall intentions. At the end of my interview I will ask them if they have any questions for me, if they do not I will still explain what our course of action is and what may potentially alter that course.
A good method of interviewing may also consist of two persons conducting the interview with one witness. One variation has one person asking questions and another writes down the answers. The person asking the questions should remain focused on the interviewee and watch how they answer the question (body language, looking away constantly) and should write down thoughts or feelings of the answers given. Another variation is that one person asks the questions as well as writes down the answers, the other person is an observer and merely writes down thoughts or body language cues during the interview. The former method may take longer and may at times take the focus off of the interviewee as the interviewer waits for the other to write down the answers. This is a good method if the person asking the questions is a better interviewer and the person observing is the better observer. The latter is a better method overall. It is quicker, as well as easier for the client as there is only a focus on the interviewer and interviewee. There will be less focus on the observer as the questions and answers are being submitted by the same person and the observer may go several questions without writing much down at all and can even be across the room (seemingly doing something else, if the interviewee is the nervous type).
In addition to detailed interviewing, there should also be another method of recording available to the interviewers (audio/video or at least audio). This method is good if you only have one on one interviewing, the tape can be reviewed by committee to evaluate the answers. Get permission from each individual before setting up these devices and remind them it is for documentation purposes. The interview is the biggest piece of the puzzle, without it you have nothing to verify anything gathered as physical evidence.
What are we looking for?
During the interview process we must keep our minds open for what we are looking for. Many factors may need to add up to determine a natural or unnatural explanation. Keep in mind these clues to narrowing our search for information.
- -Is there any relation to the events and a particular location? Particular person? Time of day? Day of the week? Month? Year? Does anything repeat itself with the events every (or nearly every) time?
- -Is there any frequency to the events? Has there been an increase or decrease in intensity? Has there been an increase or decrease in frequency?
- -Is there any reason for anyone in the house to create these events? Are there family or personal problems? Stress that the person normally does not deal with? New things in their life? Drug abuse or other substance abuse clues? Past medical problems that may be a factor? (epilepsy)
- -Do the events hint to a ghost, haunting or a poltergeist situation?
Patterns are very important in the interviewing process. A pattern of answers or clues can tell us if the person is making things up or if someone may be the center of a poltergeist situation. Always look for consistency with the story and be weary of things added later on or differences in the story between two people (pending their perspective to the event).
In addition, we also must be conscious of the environment (if we are in the area of the events) if anything should happen during the interview. Did something bother the interviewee or the "ghost"? or was it merely something of coincidence? If there are specific events happening in the home, use this to your advantage even during the interviewing process. Again, it is suggested that the interview be recorded on video or at least audio.
Always know when to end your time in someone´s house. If they seem impatient or frustrated or continuously look at their watch, offer to come back later. Always leave them with an idea of what will come next and always get back with them 24 hours after leaving the site whether you have come to a conclusion as to what to do next or not, they will be wondering.
All the clues may not be able to be put in place immediately and a time away from the location is usually necessary to process the information. It is best to meet up with the group of interviewers immediately upon leaving the location (and maybe bringing in others who were not present) to discuss things that you observed or felt about the situation. It helps if everyone arrives and departs together to help in this process (do not do this in the client's driveway!). Treat any conversation as a group interview, record and take notes. Many findings are found outside of the location and when the interviewers are able to put their thoughts together. If it is not possible immediately following the interviews, each person should review their notes as soon as possible and write down any thoughts, questions or ideas to be expressed within the group or to the interviewee at a later date. All of the interviewees should gather within a few days of the interview to discuss their findings (they should compile them as they go through their own findings to note form for all to see). Write the questions and responses on paper and make copies for each person as well as maintain a separate master copy for the case records. All notes should be kept for a master file which should contain records for all contact between any member of the group and the client. All tape (or video) recorded evidence should be kept secure and with the main file when the interviewer is finished processing it. Every note taken is important, the key is to keep everything and to keep everything organized and neat. If that means typing everything out, then do it! Proper record keeping could be the difference between making a discovery and making a fool out of yourself. In the long run all cases will be looked at to find correlations in findings or reactions or answers to particular types of questions. Proper and neat record keeping is essential for the current client´s needs as well as our needs down the road if we are going to compile our information to research findings over time.
When the group has discussed the interview process at length they should determine whether to invoke further questions, an on site investigation of the areas, or to instruct them to keep documentation and let you know of any new developments. Let the client know of your intended plans and find out if they agree or wish to have an alternative next step. Be willing to compromise. Many times another interview process will be in order. This is where "feeling out" a case is important. If, when going along with questioning, you personally feel another visit will be necessary, try to establish that right away. Always let the client know of possible next steps in your intentions, they must be part of the plan. If you know further questioning will be in order then let them know and save an extended walk-through of the location for the follow-up interview process. Let the client know that extensive interviewing is critical in this situation as it is not possible to find answers with mere electronic tools or taking photographs or even bringing in a psychic or sensitive. The more information we can sift through the better chance we have of finding out the truth.
(1). Here is a general list of questions that, when carefully reviewed, should be able to point you in the right direction of helping the person out and if a visit is actually necessary. The questions are in no particular order and are merely examples of what to ask. From these questions you want to attempt to build a timeline of all of the major events and note as many details about each event as possible. Try to look for patterns as well as if the events seem to be increasing in frequency or intensity. If there are apparitions or other events that seem like communication do they show intelligence and direct interaction or just random events?
- Describe, basically, the events that have taken place.
- Where (specific location of event) and when did the events take place? and the last time it happened?
- Have you (or anyone else involved) considered natural occurrences or ordinary explanations? What gives you the idea this may be paranormal?
- How many people live in the house (area of occurrence)? ages? names? their relationship to each other? occupations? educational background?
- Are there any pets?
- How long have you lived (been in area with the events) there?
- Any previous experiences of this type?
- How did things begin?
- How did you feel about these events?
- Are the events happening frequently? notice any regularity?
- Have the events increased in severity? notice any difference in intensity?
- Who is directly involved with these events?
- Are there any other witnesses outside of the home (place of event)? What was there experience? (Get their personal information and see if they agree to an interview).
- Have you or anyone involved noticed any pattern in the events? (when events occur, objects affected, location, persons present)
- Have you, or anyone else involved, had psychic experiences in the past? have an interest in it?
- Is the person who witnessed events (or in area) under any unusual pressure in their life?
- Has anyone else been contacted about these events? (friends, police, priest, press - remind them the press will only interfere)
- Have you read or gathered any information on the paranormal? What have you learned or felt from what you heard?
- What would you like done to help you?
- Would you permit me, or possibly a group, perform a serious (and free) investigation of the site?
(2). The next set of questions will help you zone in on the pattern of what is happening. These questions should be answered in person if a visit is thought necessary. Some questions may not pertain to particular cases. These questions need to be tailor made to the specific case in advance and structured to probe each interviewee.
- Have you connected the event with any particular person(s) in the location? others?
- If there is an apparition seen, does it represent anyone identifiable? (does anyone know "who" the apparition represents?)
- Is there any activity occurring at the time of the events? (argument, t.v. on) time of day? Describe everything surrounding the event itself.
- Do the events occur in the same place? many? More often in one place than another?
- Are certain people seemingly more affected than others? What reactions do they display when event happens?
- Do all witness have to be present for event to happen? If not, explain incidents of when there were different groups were present (or individuals).
- Have any disturbances occurred when no one was present to witness them? (objects moving)
- Has any one person been close to the starting point of the movement of an object? Is there a chance person pushed or threw object?
- Is there any reason for someone to fake the events?
- Have you thought of normal explanations for the events?
