The investigation begins with the interview process. During the interview process we must always be on the lookout for any clues that we can add to the investigation. The interview is the most important aspect of the investigation and with out it and on site investigation would be useless. The connection between an apparition and the living is more important scientifically than trying to find a ghost without supporting evidence to verify its existence. The investigation serves to support or deny the events learned during the interviews as well as an attempt to recreate them in hopes of another spontaneous event.

Once the interviewing process dictates that an on site investigation of the event areas is in order a detailed layout of the house or location will need to be made, specifically the areas where events took place. This is to help determine the locations of events to each other and to plumbing or electrical junctions within the house. It will also be used to document readings and other findings as well as to provide the investigators with perspective to distance and location. This is the cornerstone to the physical investigation and helps everyone prepare for the site investigation.

A layout drawing of the house should be made using graph paper during an initial walk through. If there are only specific rooms or locations affected, worry about those locations first. Note furniture locations and plumbing and heating as you go along. As well as pictures or other reflective surfaces if you are photographing the area. If apparitions have been seen be sure to note window locations as well as possible lights that may reflect into them. The key here is to note detail on the layout that fits possible logical explanations to that particular case.

Mapping the area should be done following, or even during (if you have extra people and get permission) the initial on site interview process (just don´t let it interfere with the atmosphere of the interviews). This should be done as a preparation for the investigation. If it is not possible to do so before the investigation, create one when you get there or draw a crude one as you go along. Either way you will need a reference when you are not in the house. Photographing each room and hallway is also a good method, but nothing replaces a good blue print! Also, no detail is too insignificant. Each investigator should have a blue print when on site or when reviewing the case to any degree.

Some cases the client may walk you through the areas that the major events took place. I find this helpful as you can get a mental image of the area when hearing more detailed information during the interview process. This may also be a good thing to do if interviewing multiple witnesses, have one investigator begin interviewing a minor witness while the major one gives a short tour.

Before arriving, make sure you have all of your equipment (see at end of this section) and check or change all batteries. Make sure you will have enough batteries, tapes (camcorder or tape recorder) or film (if using a 35 mm) to complete a long investigation. Do not load film or tapes until you arrive at the location, and only do so in front of a witness or member of the location to verify authenticity of equipment records (label each audio or video tape as well as the film canister before loading to ensure proper documentation). This process has nothing to do with the ghosts (as some websites suggest) it merely insures that the evidence collecting methods are un-tampered with in the beginning. Always include the date, time, investigator, and client name on all information.

Make sure each investigator has a specific responsibility and they are sure they know what to be on the lookout for. Remind everyone to keep opinions away from each other and the client until the data can be compiled (allow them to note their feelings or findings immediately on paper). Always be on the lookout for logical, rational, or natural explanations for the events described.

Know how to use your equipment inside and out or do not bother bringing it with you. Be ready and able to explain what each piece of equipment is used for and what it may help to find with the investigation to the client and other witnesses, be honest and truthful about the information given.

Each investigator should be responsible for specific equipment going in and leaving the area as well as making sure it does not damage any property or become damaged during use.

Be sure to create a written format and time frame for the investigation, of course this will be particular with each case. The outline that you will follow for that case should be shared with the owner of the property. This will give you and the owner confidence of the situation. This also allows you to review the case at a later time correlating evidence together with better precision.

The best way to observe the events is to become part of the setting yourself. Try to blend in to the background. Make sure to note what in the area affects your instruments and to maintain distance between different types of equipment. When using an EMF or temperature device always take base readings first when investigating a specific area and relate fluctuations to the prior readings. It may help to note base readings on a map as well as fluctuations. Revisit the fluctuation areas to see if a similar reading can be measured. When experiencing a fluctuation be mindful of the environment and not so much your equipment for changes or events that may possibly occur.

Try to reconstruct events, duplicate patterns, and recreate conditions of the events where they occurred. Induce controls (if applicable) slowly and gradually noting any changes in readings or feelings. Remember to stay relaxed, calm, and keep your body loose. Stay focused on the environment and the people around you.

Keep notes on any recordings or photographs as you are in the process of the investigation. If you sneeze during audio recording, make an audio or written note. If you hear talking in the background, note it. If you see a reflection during a photograph note it. Always take notes on everything! You can never have enough notes! More false positive EVPs could be avoided if people took notes and related them to whispers by a team member or other noises made during the recording session.

Check and re-check all facts of the case frequently. Don´t be afraid to reach out to people in other fields (or your own for that matter). The price of helping one in need far exceeds that of personal gain.

Always look for the rational, logical, or natural explanation during the investigation (I can´t say it enough). The outside observer has a better chance of catching these clues.

With some investigations you may wish to use experimentation during the investigation or following your exit. You may set up a camcorder in another room (or overnight) or create chalk outlines around items that frequently move (to check later or following day). Never limit yourself as to the avenues of documentation or investigation, just use the homeowner as a guide as to what you will be able to do.

Once you have gathered your information, if you haven't solved the problem already, leave the area and study your information the following day. Let the person know that you will be in contact with them after you have reviewed your findings. Look at everything forward and backward. Write a list of questions you come up with. Formulate a hypothesis on what you think the problem could be. Then, when you are on site again pursue your findings and search for the resolution that the owner seeks. Remember to take as many notes as possible. The notes should be organized daily and kept in a journal format. Information of time, date, weather, investigators, who interviews who, the interviewees, everything should be written down and filed properly.

The most important thing you can bring to a site is an open mind. Not just open to the world of ghosts, but to the world of reality. Seek out a natural cause along side a paranormal one. Here´s a list of the basic physical tools involved.

Notebooks, Pens, Pencils, hilighters- Anything to take written record of everything you do on site. Use various writing utensils for specific jobs, remember to always bring extras!

Tape Recorder- Shoebox type, microcassette or digital. An external omnidirectional mic is preferred. Do not limit these devices to EVP recording, use these to tape witnesses (get permission) and to record your investigation for your own personal records. Don´t forget to bring extra tapes and batteries. If looking to buy a digital recorder, be sure to buy one with software so that you can use it on audio software as well as record it to other media. Hint: try to match up battery types for the equipment you intend to buy. The most flexible of these items is the flashlight. If you recorder uses AA, your EMF detector uses AA, find a flashlight that uses AA. This saves time and money (and weight!).

Predrawn layout of Grounds or Site- This may be drawn or taken from outside sources or be done on site before actual investigation takes place. With this goes graph paper and tracing paper. Tracing paper can be put over the graph paper design of the house or room if copies are not available. This helps when you are away from the site to get a visual. Use it to mark events and other items in rooms or hallways (reflective surfaces if photographed, etc.).

Camera - Not just to snap photos of ghosts, but to document the layout for future reference. Use it to photograph areas with readings that suggest possible disturbance. If using a film camera; load cameras at the site and bring plenty of film. 400 speed film is recommended (the higher the speed the grainier the photo especially when enlarged). Digital cameras have mostly replaced the film cameras and have many advantages over them. One very simple advantage is being able to take quality pictures in low light (indoors) without use of a flash. This cuts down on reflections (and would eliminate many orb shots if people would do this) without hurting detail. Film photographs were traditionally studied by their negatives for flaws, digital processing eliminates flaws created by chemicals used to transfer negatives to photos, but still may be subject to other flaws and do not have a physical negative to study. Digital photos can be studied easily by utilizing digital photo software.

Camcorder - Use in the same fashion as the camera. This gives you sound and moving picture to reference to, gives you better leverage in any type of investigation. Do not forget extra tapes or discs! These can also be left on site to document things while you are away. The best recording equipment would be CCTV with night vision and 24 hour recording DVR.

Comfortable and "Quiet" Clothing- Dress casual and avoid shiny buttons, zippers, or any material that makes apparent noises with movement. I prefer dark clothing (most resistant to glare or reflection and helps you "blend in" to the surroundings). Also be careful with watches, jewelry, or cell phones. These items should be removed as they can possibly interfere with EMF readings and are prone to reflection. A watch is essential to keeping good record of investigation, so keep it close for reference.

Flashlights- Note the plural. Bring more than one flashlight (even during the day) and plenty of batteries. The smart thing here is to try and match your equipment (within reason) with batteries so you know what you need (this tip repeated on purpose!). A red lens attachment is good for "night vision" or helping your eyes stay adjusted to the dark (this is a great help with perception). There are some windup flashlights on the market which may be good for a backup but are a pain to use on a consistent basis.

First Aid Kit - This is a must for any outdoor investigation.

Electronic Sensing Devices- EMF Detector and Thermal Scanner - These devices are optional, but provide precise measurements of your surroundings. Refer to EMF Detectors: Explained for the Novice for more details.

Other handy items: A level, chalk (for outlining items), talcum powder (if footsteps or areas are disturbed), motion sensor activated night lights, any other item you can adapt to gather evidence of the events you are attempting to study and be sure to bring plenty of business cards!

Don't bring what you don´t need. It wouldn´t look good if you brought luggage to a pre-planned two hour visit (might make the person a little uneasy). Things to avoid bringing: alcohol, other beverages, food, your music, strong perfume or cologne, anything that common sense would say is inappropriate.

For a list of links to look for tools please go to our Links section.