Scientific approach. That's the approach that many groups want to have and many feel that by weilding expensive equipment this statement is being served, not so. Science is not using tools it's a method, it's how you do what you do and most importantly how you record what you do! The scientific process is about placing controls on what happens as well as documenting what you do, what you use as well as the approach used with it.

On this page I will share with you my forms and how I use them. Over the years I have used several different types of forms and logs. If you search the internet you will find different approaches using different amounts of information either with paper or online data collection. In my opinion the computer stuff sounds neat, but I've lost a lot of data over the years becuase of computers and I no longer keep all of the data stored there nor will I rely on having to lug my laptop to every case to log data. There's nothing wrong with writing out data and information (as long as its legible!). The real key with moving this field past amateur status is by bringing in standards of information gathering techniques. This is happening in the field slowly and is definately moving in the right direction.

In the past I used to use various forms for all of our activities and equipment, now I have created a pre-investigation checklist that ensures that the initial data is collected and the equipment is sound. With this checklist I evaluate the environmental data prior to the investigation. Have you seen the Moon phase information on paranormal group websites? Or maybe the "space weather" data? Why do groups use these on their sites? Do they actually keep track of this information when they receive a case or when they do a case? Where did this information come from? The belief that the sun and moon control ghost "energy" is a myth in our field. There has been no valuable research done on either of these claims, but, we do collect this information so that we can see if there is a potential for this to have some effect. If we do see a trend we will have the data to support the claim and will publish this information for all to see (this is true science).

My Pre-investigation checklist also includes other weather data that occurs when the form is being filled out as well as tracks changes throughout the period of the investigation. We keep track of indoor temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity levels separately (and soon with the aid of data tracking equipment) to help aid in potential future information that may help in the mystery of ghosts.

What is the biggest part of any investigation? Batteries! So true, but the equipment that is powered by these batteries are our most valuable addition to the field of paranormal investigation in recent decades. Our Pre-Investigation Checklist keeps track of what tools are used by whom and some other handy information. Also on the form you will note we keep an eye on what type of battery is used. A rechargable battery will not last as long as a traditional battery and can run down unexpectedly.

The form also insures that the person using the equipment is well aware of how to use the basic settings and that the equipment is ready to operate. The final part of the form takes the physical environment into consideration. What noises are being heard inside? (does the heater kick on at intervals? AC? Sump pump?) What noises are heard outside? (cars, airplanes, people, dogs, etc.) Lastly, what is the mental state of the client? Investigators? Are they ready for an investigation (focused, healthy).

Checklist is Copyright © 2009-2010 GhostHelp.Net/Ohio Paranormal Investigation Network. It may be used or altered by other investigators, but any other distribution must have credit to GhostHelp.Net.