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ABOUT THE JOURNAL
The Journal of Paranormal Research is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the scientific

exploration of claims of the paranormal. It was founded in 2007 by Tonya Keyser. The first
issue was released in September of 2007. For more information or to submit an article for
inclusion in future issues, please visit our website at www.journalofparanormalresearch.com.
The Journal of Paranormal Research and its Editorial Board make no claims regarding the
validity of the research presented. Ownership of the articles and the research belongs to each
individual author. We welcome article submissions that focus upon attempts to replicate
research, regardless of whether or not the findings corroborate the findings of already published
work. Opinions and positions expressed in articles are those of the author and do not necessarily
reflect the opinion or position of the publication, or of individual Editorial Board members.
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS
Tonya Keyser, Managing Editor
Michael Abess
Bobbie Atristain
Kenneth Biddle
Scott Crownover
Irina Geiman
Guy Jackson
Andrew Keyser
Veronica Rice
Dave Schumacher
Andrew Shatte
Frederick Sineath
John Strong
Tom Vranas
Patty Wilson
The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1
Table of Contents
Editors Corner
Tonya M. Keyser
Psychological and Parapsychological Aspects of Electromagnetic Fields
Timothy M. Harte
Electronic Voice Phenomena and Local Sidereal Time: A Pilot Study
Cindy Heinen and Dave Schumacher
Review of Ancient Chinese Science of Feng Shui to Evaluate Properties with Paranormal
Activity
Carol Baker, M.S., B.A.
Digital Photography Has Lost Its Last Bit of Credibility
Kenneth Biddle
WWPRC Worldwide Paranormal Reporting Center
Cliff S. Williams
Analyzing Spirit Communication Devices
David M. Rountree
The Humanistic Approach
Steven LaChance
Digital Infrared Photography
Scott A. Crownover
The Ouija Board Experiment
Kenneth Biddle
The Relationship between Belief and Paranormal Experiences: A Literature Review
Tonya M. Keyser
Editors Corner
The following is the viewpoint of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of members of the Editorial Board.
Tonya Keyser
People have believed in life beyond the grave for centuries. Belief in an afterlife is a
comforting, sometimes romantic, reassurance that it doesnt all end the day we die. It gives hope
and alleviates fear. Many a skeptic will admit that, given proper evidence, they would be very
happy to know we live on beyond the grave. Who wouldnt? Belief in an afterlife helps give this
life meaning and purpose.
The reality of the situation is, however, that there is no strong body of scientific evidence to
support the existence of ghosts. There is no evidence in existence that proves that houses are
haunted by the spirits of those who have died. This is, however, a valid line of research. Strange
things happen often enough that we should be questioning them. Finding an explanation for these
occurrences is a valuable pursuit. The scientific community as a whole scoffs at the notion that
people investigate these matters. They laugh at the methods that paranormal researchers utilize
and label our efforts pseudoscience. This is the reality of the situation that faces paranormal
investigators everywhere. And we deserve it.
Paranormal research, as it stands, is a pseudoscience. There is no organized mechanism for
sharing data, for establishing Best Practices, or for improving the quality of our work. There is
no sanctioned governing body, no board of ethics, or any established way to review one anothers
work as a community. True science encourages and embraces these ideals and this structure.
Scientific disciplines have an established and organized way to improve the way they conduct
research. There is no such mechanism in the hunt for ghosts.
If the efforts of investigators are ever to be taken seriously, changes need to be made.
Changes need to occur not only in the techniques and methods that are used in the field, but also
in the ways that investigative reports are written. Massive change needs to occur within the field
as a whole if investigators truly want to be taken seriously. Research needs to adhere to strict
protocols and be heavily documented. It needs to be shared, peer reviewed, and replicated. There
need to be multiple scientific journals dedicated to the publishing of research. Most importantly,
the disagreements that are inherent in any type of research need to be discussed openly,
respectfully, and constructively. Disagreements need not be resented; they are what can
essentially move us forward.
The Journal of Paranormal Research is for paranormal investigators who are serious about
their work. The information and research published in the journal is meant for researchers who
want to continue to improve not only the quality of their work, but also the quality of the work of
their colleagues. Our intended audience is not those who are merely thrill-seekers, or those
hoping to cash in on the fame and fortune they perceive as their birthright. These attitudes and
agendas do nothing to move our community closer together. More importantly, they do nothing
to move us forward.
It is a harsh reality that, in spite of years of research, there is still no conclusive
evidence that proves that the spirits of the dead remain behind to haunt our houses. There is no
substantial body of validated and replicated research to support that ghosts exist. What is behind
the claims of the paranormal that are so prevalent in our society today? And, more importantly,
how can these claims be investigated in a more productive, scientific, rational manner? I believe
that these two questions need to be at the forefront of our thoughts as we struggle to take
paranormal research out of the shadow of mainstream science. Furthermore, I believe that we
need to work together as a community to move closer to the answers. It is my hope that The
Journal of Paranormal Research will be a positive step in that direction.
Psychological and Parapsychological Aspects of Electromagnetic Fields

Timothy M. Harte
Abstract: The primary purpose of this study is to match psychological complaints in
anomalous (target) environments with measurements of electromagnetic fields (EMF)
and geomagnetic (GMF) energy. Infrared (IR), visible (Vis), and ultraviolet (UV) light,
60 Hz dynamic AC electromagnetic fields, 0 - 0.5 Hz static magnetic (geomagnetic)
fields, and vibration will be measured. The interaction of these energies and
psychological effects will be studied. The overarching hypothesis is that fluctuating
electromagnetic and geomagnetic energy cause a variety of psychological complaints,
and possibly parapsychological phenomena. Control sites will also be measured, to
create a baseline for comparison to the target data. Sites will be chosen randomly by
complaints, and researchers will be blind to the conditions of each site.
An overview of some of the research on electromagnetic and geomagnetic fields
and effects on health are presented. More research is needed in this epidemiological area.
Physical, psychological, and parapsychological aspects of the phenomena will be
discussed.
Over one hundred sites have been investigated utilizing MESA in the course of a
preliminary study. Many of the sites had multiple areas that were measured within a site,
and some control sites were measured as well. MESA (Multi-Energy Sensor Array,
Harte, Black, and Hollinshead 1999) is a laptop computer system that can measure up to
eight different frequency spectra in the electromagnetic domain. It is primarily used to
study environments where people have had strange, or anomalous experiences, and
identify if these experiences could be caused by known physical energy.
Project Background and Conception
Introduction
There is a long history of spontaneous cases and on-site investigations of
hauntings and poltergeists. Interpretations of these phenomena range from complete
dismissal by skeptics to fanciful supernatural interpretations. In recent years, on-site
investigations of these phenomena have established that in many cases there are
measurable, energetic effects that may either be directly causing anomalous
environmental consequences (such as the movement of physical objects, changes in
ambient temperature, etc.) or may be directly affecting the perceptions of observers via
direct brain stimulation, or both.
If we accept the premise that haunted areas actually exist, i.e., that there are
physical locations where anomalous energetic effects are large-scale and aperiodic, and if
such effects can directly affect proximate humans, then these phenomena may well
represent a potential human health threat. Invisible (to our senses), high energy magnetic,
electromagnetic, or radio-frequency fields that may be generated terrestrially may exist as
a form of ground-level weather that may affect persons and objects in its path. If
certain physical locations are prone to harbor these invisible fields, it is likely that over
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time such places would come to be known as haunted. By the same token, such areas
may be labeled as sacred by observers who have chronicled the strange and
inexplicable consequences of exposure to these places.
Previous work on haunted areas (Persinger, Tiller, & Koren 2000; Roberts, Gorman,
Lee, Hines Richardson, Riggle, Varney, 1992) as well as putative recurrent spontaneous
psychokinesis (RSPK) agents (e.g., Roll and Persinger, 1998) have shown symptoms of
complex partial seizure (CPS), which means that their brains were prone to involuntary
electromagnetic discharges. Such persons may be more susceptible to environmental
electromagnetism, which may kindle micro-seizures or cause direct-brain stimulation
leading to hallucinations.
There are other indications that electromagnetism is implicated in both RSPK and
haunt situations. The onset of RSPK tends to occur during geomagnetic disturbances
(Roll & Gearhart, 1974; Gearhart & Persinger, 1986). The decline in the number of
incidents with increased distance from the RSPK agent and the concentration of incidents
in certain areas and with certain objects, suggest a wave process (Roll & Persinger, 1998;
Roll & Joines, 2004).
If we are correct in our assumptions, haunted sites not only represent potential
interest for their role in parapsychological phenomenology, they may also represent an
as-yet unrecognized source of medical and psychological pathology. Research geared
toward the demonstration that these phenomena are real and have real human
consequences is both necessary important for reasons of health.
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and static geomagnetic fields (GMFs) continue to
be linked to psychological complaints in buildings, and other places (Braithwaite, 2004;
Persinger et al., 2001, Persinger & Koren, 2001). They are also being studied for their
links to cancer (www.mcw.ed/gcrc/cop/static-fields-cancer-faq; Milham, 1979; Mevissan,
et.al. 1993; Jankovic, et.al, 1994). Allegedly, there is a higher incidence of
lymphoreticular tumors, an increase in growth of chemically-induced tumors, and
possible adverse effects on fetal development (Narra, 1996). There are also studies that
have shown a higher incidence of childhood leukemia (Doll, et. Al., 1992; Angelillo &
Villari, 1999), brain cancer, and testicle cancer (Washburn, 1994; Kheifets, 2001).
Neuroblastoma (Jones, Shih, Thurston, Ware, & Cole, 1993) remains another cancer
thought to be caused by electromagnetic fields, along with breast cancer (Gammon, et.
al., 1998) and prostate cancer (Goldberg, 1998). The results of these studies remain
problematic (Brainard, 1999) because of different levels of exposure, measurement rules
used, and the times studied. The interaction of these energetic fields may also need to be
studied to see their effects (Savitz, 1993). There may be underlying patterns in the
interactions that could make EMFs more dangerous than one frequency or type of EMF
alone. EMFs are also being studied as possible beneficial resources for human health
issues (Browner, Jupiter, Levine, & Trafton, 1998), such as facial nerve regeneration
(Byers, Clark, & Thompson, 1998), arthritis (www.ama-assn.org/med-sci/csa), multiple
sclerosis (www.intergate.bc.ca/enermed), and migraine headaches (Lappin, 1998).
Geomagnetic activity (static magnetic fields) has been blamed for hallucinatory
episodes, especially during REM sleep (see Randall and Randall, 1991). This energy is
primarily from the Earth, but also mediated at times by energy from the sun, as well.
Other researchers think the sleep states themselves may be the cause of the hallucinatory
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behavior (Blackmore, 1998; Nickell, 1997; Persinger, 1993). If the effects of EMFs are
this powerful, the reports of the phenomena should be prevalent within the population.
Housing, offices, and other places where human activity near large transformer stations,
power lines, and fault lines may play a key role in studies of hallucinatory episodes (Sisir
& Millis, 1986). This phenomena includes apparitions (Konig, Fraser & Powell, 1981;
Halgren, Walter, Cherlow, & Crandall, 1978; Persinger, Tiller, & Koren, 2000). At
times, people experience seeing forms, shapes, but at times the experiences are mistaken
for seeing a real person. Sensed presences, which include the feeling of being watched,
not alone, or being stared at (Smith, Choy & Munro, 1986; Smith & Best, 1989; Halgren
et al., 1978; Persinger, Tiller, & Koren, 2000; Ruttan, Persinger, & Koren, 1990;
Sheldrake, 1998). Sleep paralysis has been recorded in cases where high or fluctuating
EMFs are present (Persinger, 1999, communication with Roll & Nichols, 2000).
Depression, aggression, or other heightened moods or states of consciousness (DeLorge
& Grissett, 1977; Persinger, 1974b) can also be present. Tactile sensations such as being
touched, or tingling sensations (somesthesia) can be produced by EMFs, or in the
presence of an electrostatic field, or by direct electrical stimulation of the brain by
complex magnetic fields (Persinger, 1999, communication to Roll & Nichols, 2000).
Acoustic or aural phenomena such as footsteps, knocking, human voices, or one=s
name being called out have also been experienced when these fluctuating EMFs are
present (Burke, 1986, p. 264). These subjective auditory experiences could be caused by
electrical stimulation of the auditory cortex, or to the induction of localized electric
seizures within the limbic system (Persinger, 1989; 1988; 1985). Erratic functioning or
malfunctioning of electrical or mechanical equipment has been reported in sites where
fluctuating EMFs are experienced (Burke, 1986). A magneto-restrictive process may
deform the ferrite components in electrical equipment, causing light bulbs to blow, and
telephones to ring or malfunction. Cold spots and spontaneous fires have been known to
be experienced (Persinger, 1974a). Sudden drops in temperature might be caused by a
voltage increase between two dielectric plates, e.g., slabs of limestone below a site that
are separated by a thermoelectric material (the Peltier effect, Persinger, 1974a). Floating
globes, or orbs of light, also known as ghost lights, have been recorded on 35mm,
Polaroid, Kodak infrared, and black and white Tri-X film (Radin & Roll, 1994; Roll,
Moody, & Radin, 1996; Roll & Nichols, 1999, 2000); also see Internet web sites
http://www.prairieghosts.com or http://www.ghostweb.com. Both professional and
amateur photographers and investigators, at some sites, have also recorded other
anomalous images. Strange responses by animals have been recorded which could be
high or low frequency sound, also known as infrasound, inaudible to humans, and could
be produced by anomalous magnetic fields. These fields can also directly affect the
hippocampus and amygdaloidal complex of the brain, and the temporolimbic system (the
most electrically sensitive structures in the brain) and evoke affective responses in
animals, and humans as well (Persinger, 1985,1988,1989). Movement of objects such as
doors, windows, rocking chairs, suspended lamps, and pictures on the walls of sites have
been known to occur.
Several researchers have measured EMFs, GMFs, and ion concentrations in sites
where there have been anomalous activities, EMFs, and strange psychological reports
(Radin & Roll, 1994; Roll & Nichols, 1999, 2000; Braithwaite, 2004). Usually,
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anomalous EMFs, GMFs, or high ion concentrations may have been the culprit in those
cases.
Computers continue to be used to investigate EMFs and GMFs in the field (Harte,
Black, Hollinshead, 1999; Braithwaite, 2004). This author and another individual (David
L. Black) co-designed a laptop computer system, known as Multi-Energy Sensor Array
(MESA; Houran, Lange, & Black, 1998; Harte, Black, & Hollinshead, 1999) that will
continue to be utilized in these studies. It is a portable, laptop computer system designed
to measure low-frequency electromagnetic field and geomagnetic field fluctuations in
different environments. This system presently measures infrared (IR), visible (Vis), and
ultraviolet (UV) light; geomagnetic (0-0.5 Hz) static electromagnetic fields; 60 Hz
dynamic electromagnetic fields from wiring, vibration, and galvanic skin response of a
human subject, infrasound, and gamma ray particles.
MESA is fitted with a data acquisition board that contains eight channels, and up
to eight sensors can be utilized in a sampling period. The data are then analyzed directly
on the laptop computer, and displayed as graphs. Readers are referred to previous articles
(Houran, Lange, & Black, 1998; Harte, Black, & Hollinshead, 1999) for technical
specifications not mentioned here. MESA has been used to measure and record
electromagnetic energy in approximately 100 sites, both where anomalous activity has
occurred, and in control sites, or sites where there has not been anomalous activity.
Preliminary findings indicate changes in the static magnetic (geomagnetic) fields may
cause people to label experiences as anomalous, or paranormal. This may occur when
a person walks from one room to another, and fluctuations, or changes in the
geomagnetic fields cause the effects.
More time, resources, and funds are needed to do this research. The
experimenters will continue to study sites where fluctuating electromagnetic energy
occurs, and also measure control sites. We hope to develop data for scientific publishing
in peer-reviewed journals (such as European Journal of Parapsychology, Journal of the
American Society for Psychical Research, Journal for Scientific Exploration, and others).
A large part of the grant money needed will go to tuition for the project leaders PhD
candidature at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. A smaller part will go to
consultants, Dr. William Roll, Dr. Rick Berger, and David L. Black. Another part will go
to expenses for the project.
Objectives
The specific aim of this study is to match psychological effects in environments
with measurements of electromagnetic and geomagnetic energy. The electromagnetic
energy to be measured includes infrared (IR), visible (Vis), ultraviolet (UV) light; 0-0.5
Hz static geomagnetic fields, 60 Hz dynamic AC (alternating current) electromagnetic
fields, and vibration. The interaction of these energies and psychological effects will be
studied. The overarching hypothesis is that fluctuating electromagnetic energy will cause
a variety of psychological and parapsychological effects. These effects might include
apparitions, sensed presences, sleep paralysis, depression, aggression, or onset of other
unexplained moods, tactile sensations, acoustic phenomena, olfactory phenomena,
electrical disturbances or malfunctioning of electrical equipment, cold spots or
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unexplained spontaneous fires, floating globes or orbs of light, strange responses by

animals, and object movement. Control sites will also be measured. An independent
researcher will choose the sites randomly, and the other researchers will be blind to the
conditions of each site. Control sites will be those that do not have the strange
experiences reported by people.
Methodology
This study will be a concentrated effort to study the electromagnetic and magnetic
energy in different sites, while also reporting what people have experienced at each site.
Each site will be rated and chosen for 1) its reported psychological effects, the quality
and magnitude of effects, and 3) the lack of reported psychological effects. The
researchers will be blind to the conditions of each site. A simple checklist and extensive
interview will be conducted on each of the experients, and these will be checked with
sites and locations within the site to study the phenomena. Psychological and/or
parapsychological effects to be studied will be:
1) Apparitions: The sighting of a shadow, mist, fog, or anomalous shape or form, of
even a person that might be mistaken for real.
2) Sensed presences: Subjective feelings which include the feeling of being watched
(Sheldrake, 1998), or not alone in a room.
3) Sleep paralysis or other disturbances: In sleep paralysis a person may wake with a
feeling of immobility and fear. The experiences tend to occur before the onset of normal
dreams and may be facilitated by recent changes in brain function from closed head
injury or insufficient blood supply. The experiences are similar to dream-like states
(identified by specific EEG patterns) where normal subjects experience body weakness,
or decreased desire to move, when complex magnetic fields are applied across the brain.
The paresis is frequently associated with the feeling of a sentient presence (Roll &
Nichols, 2000).
4) Depression and aggression: Depression, heightened aggression, fear, sadness, and
other unexplained sudden onset of emotions have been reported in both humans and
animals by exposure to complex magnetic fields (DeLorge & Grissett, 1977; Persinger,
1974b). This has been known to occur at certain frequencies (Tandy & Lawrence, 1998).
5) Tactile sensations: The feeling of being touched, poked, pushed, scratched, tripped,
or tingling in the limbs.
6) Acoustic phenomena: This would include hearing phenomena such as footsteps,
knocking, human voices, or ones name being called out have also been experienced in
places where there are fluctuating electromagnetic or magnetic fields.
7) Erratic functioning or malfunctioning of electrical or mechanical equipment has
occurred at some sites. This would include electrical equipment such as VCRs,
microwave ovens, telephones, and light bulb failures.
8) Cold spots: These are reported and occur in a transient fashion, usually moving
around, but can also be stationery.
9) Floating lights: Orbs, globes, balls of floating light or other anomalous lighting
effects have been reported.
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10) Strange responses: By pets or animals at a site. This would include an animal not
going into a certain room, or showing fear, aggression, or another unusual response.
11) Object movement: This would include an object moving from one spot to another,
or setting an object down only to find it is not there upon returning.
Sites will be chosen before the experiment, by an independent trained rater, and
then randomized. The experimenter will be blind to each site. The experimenter will
measure one site a week, depending on available time. The checklist (see Appendix A)
will be filled out during interviews of the experients by the trained rater at each site. A
simple floor plan will be drawn, and experients will report where the psychological
complaints have been reported. The experimenters will then measure two (2) sites within
the target or control site. One will be a target site, where psychological complaints have
been reported; the other site will be measured for control purposes. Two sites will be
measured at control sites as well, but the researchers will be blind to this condition. The
energetic data will be reported in charts, one for each sensor.
MESA is a laptop computer system specifically designed to measure
electromagnetic fields in environments (see Houran, Lange & Black, 1998; Harte, Black
& Hollinshead, 1999). Each site will be measured for at least one hour, and then data
will be analyzed directly on the laptop computer. Each site will also be documented
using an infrared surveillance camera fitted to a VHS recorder, a Sony HyperHAD SL650BH low-light surveillance camera and 2-digital Kodak camera still-picture system
connected to a magnetometer. When the magnetic field changes as much as 5 mG, the
cameras are triggered electronically. The results will be reported in a peer-reviewed
scientific journal, such as The Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research,
and also to several popular magazines, such as Psychology Today. The results will also
be published in several large newspapers, if possible. Each grantor will receive a final
report of the findings of this study.
Statistical analyses will be performed, using SPSS (Statistical Package for the
Social Sciences) and Microsoft Excel. Further statistical data analysis is desired, and a
data-mining technique will be employed using signal processing software package
designed by the consultant, David L. Black. The team may also use a free engineering
and statistical software package from the Internet called SciLab.
Hypotheses
At places where there are changing, or fluctuating electromagnetic or
geomagnetic energy, there will also be more psychological complaints or negative reports
and symptomatology. At places that do not have these changes or fluctuations, there will
be less or no psychological complaints or reports. This study will be a significant pilot
study to investigate how electromagnetic and magnetic fields affect the human
brain/mind continuum. It will add to the body of knowledge by studying many different
types of environments, and to match psychological complaints with electromagnetic and
geomagnetic activity. Environments are important to study in terms of public health,
both physical and psychological. This study will provide scientists, researchers, health
practitioners, industrial and office designers, and the public in how to make environments
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they live and work in healthier. It may also provide new ways of studying EMFs, GMFs,
and how they affect people.
Analysis
Following the collection of data, a fast Fourier transformations analysis can be
implemented for frequency components and transferred to graphs for further analysis.
This analysis has been installed directly onto the hard drive of the laptop computer. Data
files are analyzed, and then printed as graphs. Following the collection of the data,
several strategies may be employed to improve the stationary qualities of the time-series
data.
First, a data mining technique will be utilized for large amounts of data. It will
look for particular trends, or patterns, that might appear in either or both the haunt and
control data. A comparison between haunt and control data will be done. A comparison
and correlation will also be done between channels, or interchannel correlation. This will
be done particularly on spectrum frequencies between channels. Basically, this process
takes a wave form, breaks it down into frequency components, and is represented as a
sum of component frequencies of the wave form. For example, there will be strong 60
Hz and 120 Hz frequencies in infrared light after analysis. The representation as a signal
by different frequencies will be on a three-dimensional graph, such that the x-axis will
represent frequency, y-axis will represent amplitude, and z-axis will be time.
Secondly, an ANOVA will be performed on the frequencies established in the
haunt data with the subjective results obtained. This may prove most useful to see if
certain frequencies may also cause subjective haunt phenomena to be reported. It may
prove there are types of haunts, as well.
Thirdly, epochs of data that are adequately stationary can be selected from the
time-series for spectral analysis and then, subsequently, combined, provided the segments
are taken from sites under the same conditions. A test for nonstationarity of time-series
data has been developed and tested by Weber, Molenaar, and van der Molen (1992). This
method essentially searches the time-series information for the longest stationary
segments, extracting only those segments, prior to submission for power spectral
analysis.
Fourthly, the time series data can be mathematically modeled into
components, separating nonstationary components, such as aperiodic linear trends, from
the stationary ones (Gottmann, 1990). An example of this strategy is found in the method
of Porges (Porges & Bohrer, 1990), which essentially generates a new, filtered timeseries, presumed to be devoid of undesired elements contributing to the data variability.
Another idea is to analyze the data to see if there is a footprint. Correlation of
multiple channels across energy/spectra may show how the various frequencies interact
with the human brain or physiological functioning. Haunt and control data must be
looked at closely to see if there are differences.
This analysis will be done using SPSS or Microsoft Excel, or a program called
LabSoft that is on the MESA computer.
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Persinger, M.A., Tiller, S.G., & Koren, S.A. (2000). Experimental simulation of a haunt
experience and elicitation of paroxysmal electroencephalographic activity by
transcerebral complex magnetic fields: induction of a synthetic ghost? Perceptual and
Motor Skills, 90, 659-674.
Persinger, M.A., Koren, S.A., and OConnor, R.P. (2001). Geophysical variables and
behavior: CIV. Power-field frequency magnetic transients (5 microTesla) and reports of
haunt experiences within an electronically dense house. Perceptial and Motor Skills, 3,
673-674.
Persinger, M.A., and Koren, S.A. (2001). Predicting the characteristics of haunt
phenomena from geomagnetic factors and brain sensitivity: Evidence from field and
experimental studies. In J. Houran and R. Lange (Eds.), Hauntings and poltergeists:
Multidisciplinary perspectives. (pp179-194). Jefferson: North Carolina: McFarland &
Company, Inc.
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Roll, W.G., & Nichols, A. (2000). Psychological and electromagnetic aspects of haunts.
The Parapsychological Association, 43rd Annual Convention, Proceedings of Presented
Papers, 364-378.
13
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www.mcw.ed/gcrc/cop/static-fields-cancer-faq Internet web site.
14
Appendix A
Researcher: Please check the appropriate box.
Apparitions
Sensed Presence
Sleep disturbances
Depression and/or aggression or other emotion
Tactile sensations
Acoustic phenomena
Erratic functioning of equipment
Cold spots
Floating lights (or other anomalous lighting effects)
Strange responses by pets or animals
Object movement
M.E.S.A. Investigation Form
The following personal information is to be considered confidential. It will not be
published or reproduced in any way without previous permission and/or consent.
Please answer the following questions completely and honestly. This information will be
used in our research and/or investigations. Names and locations will be altered on the
final report unless we receive permission and/or consent. If more room is needed, please
use the reverse side of the page and or attach a separate sheet of paper. Thank you for
your time and effort.
Please print all answers.
________________________________________________________________________
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: _______________ Zip: _______
Phone: __________________________ Alternate: _________________________
E-mail: _____________
Date of birth: ______________________________ Age: ________
15
List household members:

Name
Age
Relationship
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Referral source: (How did they hear about our services?)
_____________________________________________________________________
Occupation ___________________________________________________________
Interests,
hobbies______________________________________________________________
Pets? ________________________________________________________________
How long at this address? _______________________________________________
Any occurrences at previous address? _____________________________________
Education level ________________________________________________________
Please give a general description of the occurrences. What happened?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
When did this happen? _____________________________________________________
Where exactly did you experience the disturbance? ______________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What was the distance between you and the disturbance?
__________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Who witnessed the events? _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
16
Are there any stressors in the family, such as depression, mental illness, moving, loss of
job, major illnesses, etc.? ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Is anyone under the care of a psychologist, psychiatrist, doctor, or counselor for mental
illness or other disease?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Do you or anyone in the family think or believe they are psychic or have had similar
experiences? _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Belief system(s) of the household ____________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
What do you want to have happen? Do you want referral to a minister, priest, or other
person that could perform a ceremonial cleansing? _____________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Medications: ____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Health conditions: ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
List any major surgeries, major illnesses, head injuries, or neurological problems (give
dates).__________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
What time do the experiences take place? ______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Has there been an increase or decrease in frequency or severity of the experiences?
________________________________________________________________________
What do you feel when these occur? (Fascination, fear, dread, curiosity...)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Have previous owners noticed anything, or told you about it? ______________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Who has experienced the disturbances? Others outside the family? Friends? Relatives?
________________________________________________________________________
17
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Is the activity the same or different each time?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What do you think about what is going on?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Are there any ways to use ordinary explanations for the phenomena?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Visual phenomena
What did you see? _________________________________________________
Did it appear gradually or suddenly? __________________________________
Did it disappear gradually or suddenly? _______________________________
Was it solid or transparent? _________________________________________
Did you recognize the appearance, voice, or behavior of the phenomena?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Auditory)
What did you hear? (Voices, coughing, footsteps, creaking, what?)
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Smell)
What did you smell?
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________
Sensed presence)
What did you experience? Cold? ____ Hot? ____ Like you were not alone?
Tingling
sensation?_______________________________________________________________
Object movement)
What object moved?______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
How far? _____________________________________________________________
Did you actually see it move, or notice it later? ______________________________
______________________________________________________________________
18
Erratic functioning of electrical or mechanical equipment)

What malfunctioned or did not work correctly?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_________________________
What was your state of mind when you experienced it? (Going to
sleep, reading, routine, waking up?) _________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Has anyone reported sleep disturbances, problems during sleep, or strange dreams?
(Sleep walk, epilepsy, headaches, awakening many times, other?)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Have things happened when no one was in the area or room when the disturbances took
place? Describe.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Has anyone in the family played with Ouija boards, or been recently interested in other
psychic matters? (Indicate the area of interest, if any).
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
19
Research Center Where the Project Will Be Conducted

Name: MESA (Multi-Energy Sensor Array) Inc.
Address: 203 NW 7th Street
Fairfield, IL
Post Code: 62837
City: Fairfield, Illinois
Country: USA
Telephone: (618) 842-3164
Fax:
E-mail: tmharte@juno.com
Purpose of Research Center: Provide environmental testing and measurement of
electromagnetic, magnetic fields, and conduct haunt research.
Director of Research Center: Timothy M. Harte, MA, LCPC
International Affiliation of the Center: USA
20
Schedule of Project
This project will take approximately one year to complete. It will be comprised of
different sites, measuring one haunt and one control site per month, in the Tri-State
area of Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. Previous haunt and control sites may also be remeasured. The researchers will measure 12 haunt sites, and 12 control sites. The
research will begin on October 1st, 2006, and end on October 1st, 2007.
Consultants
William G. Roll, PhD has researched and studied haunt and RSPK phenomena for 60
years. He has invited the lead researcher of the project to present papers to the
Parapsychology Foundation, and has agreed to be a consultant for this project. He is
affiliated with University of West Georgia.
Rick Berger, PhD has specialized knowledge about magnetic and electromagnetic fields,
knows about the MESA system, and has agreed to be a consultant on this project.
David L. Black, BSCS is a co-designer of the MESA computer system. He presently
lives in Story City, IA., USA. He will be the software and engineering consultant for this
project. He received his B.S. in Electronic Engineering at the University of Illinois at
Champaign-Urbana.
Bryan Williams, BS will perform the statistical analyses of all sites. He is a student at the
University of New Mexico, recently receiving his BS in Physics and Psychology. He is
currently working at Kindred Hospital in Sandia, NM.
21
Electronic Voice Phenomena and Local Sidereal Time:

A Pilot Study
Cindy Heinen and Dave Schumacher
Southern Wisconsin Paranormal Research Group
Anomalous Research Department
Abstract-In order to understand the possible paranormal nature of Electronic Voice
Phenomena (EVP) it is imperative to elucidate the mechanism by which the voices are
recorded and what factors may contribute to successful recording sessions. There is
growing belief that EVP is produced via psi. If this is the case, then factors that affect psi
could also affect EVP. The purpose of the study is to determine if there is a correlation
between EVP and Local Sidereal Time (LST) and if LST affects the correlation between
geomagnetic activity and EVP. The results show there was no significant difference in
the mean number of EVPs or the proportion of EVP positive sessions when comparing
13:50 LST to 18:00 LST. A significant difference was found between the mean Ap-index
for 18:00 LST positive sessions vs. 18:00 LST negative sessions and there was a
significant correlation between the Ap-index and number of EVPs for the 18:00 LST
sessions. This result deserves further attention since it could indicate there are other LST
windows where the geomagnetic field affects EVP.
Keywords: Electronic Voice Phenomena Local Sidereal Time Psi Extrasensory
Perception ESP Anomalous Cognition Psychokinesis Geomagnetic activity
Instrumental Transcommunication
Introduction
Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) researchers, ghost hunters and paranormal
researchers believe that EVP is the recorded voices of the dead. However, others do not
believe in the paranormal nature of the phenomena and attribute EVPs to stray radio
waves or auditory pareidolia or apophenia. Apophenia is the perceiving of connections
and meaningfulness in unrelated phenomena while pareidolia is the misperception of
ambiguous stimuli as being something clear and distinct. Those who embrace the
paranormal nature of EVP claim the voices respond to questions and sound similar to
someone who has died. In order to understand the possible paranormal nature of EVP it is
imperative to elucidate the mechanism by which the voices are recorded and what factors
may contribute to successful recording sessions.
There is growing belief that EVP is produced via psi (Auerbach, 2004; AA-EVP,
2006). Psi contains two categories: Extra Sensory Perception (ESP) / Anomalous
Cognition (AC) and psychokinesis (PK). ESP is known as receptive psi or informational
psi while PK is mind over matter the ability to affect material objects and the
environment. PK and/or ESP could play a role in producing EVP. If this is the case, then
factors that affect psi could also affect EVP.
22
Local Sidereal Time (LST) is star time and differs from solar time. A solar day is
the time from when the sun is in any given location in the sky to the next time the sun is
in that location. A sidereal day is the time from when a star is in any given location to the
next time it is in the same location (see Figure 1). A sidereal day is approximately 23h
56m 4.1s and local values differ according to longitude.
Figure 1: Sidereal day vs. solar day.

Various studies have found that psi ability increased dramatically within a 1 hour
window of 13:50 LST (Spottiswoode, 1997; Spottiswoode & May, 2003; Radin, 2002;
Lobach & Bierman, 2004). In addition, a correlation was found between psi ability and
the geomagnetic index (ap or Ap) during the 1 hour window of 13:50 LST (Spottiswoode
& May, 2003; Radin, 2002).
Therefore, if EVP is a function of psi, then the data discussed above are important
for two reasons: 1) LST could be important in providing a condition that enhances the
ability to capture EVP and 2) A prior experiment which found no correlation between
EVP and geomagnetic fields (GMFs) could have been due to the fact that LST was not
considered (Schumacher, Heinen & Carter, 2006).
The purpose of the study is to determine if there is a correlation between EVP and
LST and if LST affects the correlation between geomagnetic activity and EVP.
The study was setup to address the following questions:
1. Is there a difference in the proportion of positive EVP sessions for 13:50 LST vs.
18:00 LST?
2. Is there a difference in the mean number of EVPs recorded for 13:50 LST vs.
18:00 LST?
3. Is there a correlation between the geomagnetic Ap-index and the number of EVPs
recorded for the entire experiment?
4. Is there a correlation between the Ap-index and the number of EVPs recorded
during 13:50 LST and 18:00 LST?
23
5. Is there a difference in the mean Ap-index for: a) the 13:50 LST positive EVP
sessions vs. the 13:50 LST negative EVP sessions and b) the 18:00 LST positive
EVP sessions vs. the 18:00 LST negative EVP sessions?
Materials and Methods
The following equipment was used during the course of the experiment:
Panasonic IC Recorder RR-QR160 (4); JVC TD-W354 Double Cassette Deck; Radio
Shack Electret Condenser Microphone 33-3014 (2); Maxell UR 120 Normal Bias IEC
Type 1 Cassettes; Hewlett-Packard Pavilion Personal Computer; Cool Edit 2000
(Syntrillium Software Corporation); Clear Voice Denoiser (Speech Technology Center)
and Radio Shack Noise-Reducing Race Scanner Headphones 33-1158
The experiment consisted of 60 sessions divided equally between 13:50 LST and
18:00 LST. A sample size of 30 in each group has a 95% power to detect a 45%
increase. Because of the subjective nature of EVP analysis and classification and the
associated chance of making Type I and II errors, it is necessary to maintain a high power
and a stringent alpha level.
The 13:50 LST time period was used because it showed the highest increase in psi
ability in prior studies while 18:00 LST had the greatest negative effect on psi ability
(Spottiswoode, 1997; Spottiswoode & May, 2003; Radin, 2002; Lobach & Bierman,
2004).
In general each session was started 5 minutes before the target time and each
session lasted approximately 12 minutes. The sessions were held in the same location
which was an office in the upstairs of the experimenters house. All sessions were
recorded on identical IC recorders and backed up with a cassette recording.
Time, weather conditions, environmental noise conditions, and statement of intent
(This is an experiment for the Southern Wisconsin Paranormal Research Group to see if
spirit voices can be recorded onto these recording devices better at different local sidereal
times, I welcome all those in spirit to help with this experiment and put their voices on
these recorders today) were stated at the beginning of each session. The rest of the
session was a basic question and answer format where a question was asked and a period
of silent time was left for a response. All extraneous noises - furnace, car, dog barking were voice marked on the recordings.
Because of the constantly changing recording times and the experimenters
schedule, the experimenter's home seemed the best solution for a recording location. For
example the first LST recording session for 13:50 started at 10:46 AM while the last
recording at this LST was at 2:28 AM.
The room used for the experiment was an upstairs office in which the equipment
could be left undisturbed for the duration of the experiment. The room was also quiet
compared to other locations in the house.
Although the experimenter had recorded EVP in other locations of the house, this
room had never been used for EVP recording before. Picking up EVP utterances in an
office, lab or home is not an uncommon occurrence. This method works on the
premise that you will attract entities to the location unlike field investigations where you
are recording in a claimed paranormal active location. Historically researcher
Konstantine Raudive was known to have recorded EVP utterances on demand in a variety
of locations that were not known to be haunted. Today Alexander MacRae has
24
successfully recorded in a double screened room at the Institute of Noetics Sciences in

Petaluma, California (MacRae, 2004).
Each session was analyzed for possible EVP. All audio editing was done on a HP
computer using Cool Edit 2000 to amplify if needed and Clear Voice Denoiser for noise
reduction. Noise reduction degrees ranged between 1 - 8 dB and 3 - 14 dB. This was the
only editing done to the recordings. All potential EVPs were compared to the back-up
cassette recording. The cassette comparison was used to verify that an EVP recorded on
the IC recorder was an actual utterance or a distortion of natural sound. EVP accepted
for the study could not be heard on the cassette recordings. All EVP that fell into the A, B
or C category were accepted for this experiment. Only B and C quality EVPs were
found.
The experimenter analyzed the recordings. During the initial round of analysis,
the experimenter did know the LST recording times because they were stated at the
beginning of each recording. After the initial grouping of possible EVP were collected
they were put in an audio editing program file that did not list the times they were
recorded. After several days of not listening to the potential EVP the experimenter went
back and re-listened to all the potential EVP not knowing what time they were recorded.
From these re-listening sessions the EVP that would be accepted for the experiment were
determined.
Geomagnetic activity.
Magnetic field variation can come from currents caused by solar radiation
changes. Solar winds can interact with the magnetosphere. Various magnetic activity
indices provided by the National Oceanic Atmosphere Association (NOAA) are used to
describe variation in the geomagnetic field.
The a-index is a 3-hourly equivalent amplitude index of the local geomagnetic
activity. The A-index is the daily index of geomagnetic activity derived as the average of
the eight 3-hourly a-indices. The Ap-index is an average planetary A-index based on data
from a set of specific stations.
The estimated Ap-index for this study was obtained from the NOAA
(http://www.sec.noaa.gov/ftpmenu/indices/old_indices.html).
All statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad InStat version 3.05
(GraphPad Software, San Diego, California USA, www.graphpad.com). Analysis of the
difference in the proportion of positive EVP sessions was done using Fishers exact test.
Differences in the mean number of EVPs and Ap-index were determined using a
nonparametric Mann-Whitney t-test. Correlation analysis was done using a
nonparametric Spearman r analysis. All analyses were performed at the 0.05 alpha level.
Results
Accepted EVP in the experiment were predominately of C quality (with a few
class B) meaning they were faint or more in the background sound of the IC recorders.
25
Table 1 below provides a summary of the results.
13:50 LST
18:00 LST
Total number of sessions
30
30
Positive EVP sessions
18
13
Negative EVP sessions
12
17
28
9.22
25
11.84
12.66
7.05
Total number of EVPs recorded

Mean Ap-index for positive
EVP sessions
Mean Ap-index for negative
EVP sessions
Table 1. Summary of results.
Table two below shows the results of the statistical analysis for the various comparisons and correlations.
Comparison/Correlation
P-value
Significance
Portion of positive EVP sessions

for 13:50 LST vs. 18:00 LST
0.30
Not Significant
Mean number of EVPs recorded

for 13:50 LST vs. 18:00 LST
0.51
Not Significant
Mean Ap-index for 13:50 LST

positive EVP sessions vs. 13:50
LST negative EVP sessions
Mean Ap-index for 18:00 LST
positive EVP sessions vs. 18:00
LST negative EVP sessions
Correlation between Ap-index
and number of EVPs for the
entire data set
0.27
Not Significant
0.04
Significant
0.43
(95% CI = -0.17 to 0.36)
(r=0.10)
Not Significant

and number of EVPs for 13:50
LST sessions
0.15
(95% CI = -0.58 to 0.11)
(r=-0.27)
Not Significant

and number of EVPs for 18:00
LST sessions
0.03
(95% CI = 0.02 to 0.66)
(r=0.39)
Significant
Table 2. Summary of statistical analyses.
26
Figures 2, 3 and 4 below show the various correlation analyses for number of EVPs and
estimated Ap-index.
Figure 2. Correlation between number of EVPs and estimated Ap-index for entire data
set. Spearman r=0.10 (95% CI = -0.17 to 0.36; P=0.43; Not Significant).
Figure 3. Correlation between number of EVPs and estimated Ap-index for 13:50 LST
Sessions. Spearman r=-0.27 (95% CI = -0.58 to 0.11; P=0.15; Not Significant).
27
Figure 4. Correlation between number of EVPs and estimated Ap-index for 18:00 LST.
Spearman r=0.39 (95% CI = 0.02 to 0.66; P=0.03; Significant).
Discussion
This study attempted to determine if there was a correlation between EVP and
LST and if LST affects the correlation between geomagnetic activity and EVP.
Based on the results of prior studies (Spottiswoode, 1997; Spottiswoode & May,
2003; Radin, 2000; Lobach & Bierman, 2004) and if psi plays a role in EVP, then more
positive EVP sessions and more EVPs overall at 13:50 LST vs. 18:00 LST would have
been expected. Additionally, more EVPs would have been expected when the Ap-index
was low during the 13:50 LST sessions. Put another way, there should have been an
inverse correlation between EVP and the Ap-index (ie: lower Ap-index = more EVP).
However, the data does not support this hypothesis.
Though the number of positive EVP sessions and the total number of EVPs
recorded trended in the right direction, the results never reached statistical significance
when comparing the 13:50 LST window to the 18:00 LST window. There was also no
significant difference in the mean Ap-index when comparing the 13:50 positive sessions
to the 13:50 negative sessions. The lack of significance in the correlation (even though
the trend was in the right direction, r=-0.27, P=0.15, not significant) between the Apindex and number of EVPs for the 13:50 LST sessions provides further support for this
result.
The correlation between the Ap-index and number of EVPs for the entire data set
was not significant. This supports data from a previous study that found no correlation
between EVP and geomagnetic fields (Schumacher, Heinen & Carter, 2006).
The significant (P=0.04) difference in the mean Ap-index for 18:00 LST positive
sessions vs. 18:00 LST negative sessions and the significant correlation (r=0.39, P=0.03)
between the Ap-index and number of EVPs for the 18:00 LST sessions is interesting.
This is in contrast with prior studies which found no significant correlation between
18:00 LST and the geomagnetic index (Spottiswoode & May, 2003; Radin, 2002). This
result deserves further attention since it could indicate there are other LST windows
where the geomagnetic field affects EVP.
28
There are various possible explanations for the data obtained in this study.
First, does EVP involve psi (ESP/AC and/or PK)? EVP may not be due to psi at
all. This would explain the conflicting results of this study when compared to other psi
studies involving LST (Spottiswoode, 1997; Spottiswoode & May, 2003; Radin, 2002;
Lobach & Bierman, 2004). The other possibility is that EVP does not involve ESP/AC,
but it does involve PK. A recent study involving Instrumental Transcommunication
(ITC) and a random yes/no generator provided a significant result (Baruss, 2007). This
result could indicate a possible mind-matter interaction. This would provide a possible
explanation for the results of this study when compared to prior studies since the before
mentioned studies looking at LST were focused only on the ESP/AC component of psi. It
is also possible that EVP involves both ESP/AC and PK. It should be kept in mind that
there is little if any research regarding PK and LST. However, there is data to support a
correlation between geomagnetic fields and PK (especially Recurrent Spontaneous
Psychokinesis RSPK) and haunt phenomena that may involve a psi component (Roll &
Gearhart, 1974; Persinger & Koren, 2001; Roll & Persinger, 2001; Persinger, 1988).
Second, there may be other factors besides or in addition to the 13:50 LST
window and the geomagnetic field that have an affect on psi ability. Spottiswoode & May
(2003) found that, AC performance is modulated by a parameter that varies with solar
activity. Another study, (Sturrock & Spottiswoode, 2007) used a Lomb-Scargle power
spectrum analysis and the results indicated a possible lunar modulation effect and a
potential annual modulation effect. These factors should be explored for their potential
role in affecting EVP.
Third, the existence of EVP itself. Though there is considerable support and
evidence for EVP, some peer-reviewed published studies have been unable to completely
confirm (or deny) the existence of EVP (Baruss, 2007; Baruss, 2001).
Fourth and finally, this is one study with a small number of samples (though it
had enough statistical power with the 30 samples per group to have a 95% power to
detect a 45% increase with alpha = 0.05). It needs to be replicated with a larger number
of samples. More samples would enable the experiment to have more power to detect
smaller significant differences. The current study had a 95% power to detect a 45%
increase with alpha = 0.05. It is possible to lower the power or alpha level in order to
detect a significant change. Also, the level of change could be decreased. However, none
of these options are advisable. The 45% increase is very acceptable considering a prior
psi LST study has shown a 340% and 450% increase in effect size (Spottiswoode,
1997). Also, because of the subjective nature of EVP analysis and classification and the
associated chance of making Type I and II errors, it is necessary to maintain a high power
and a stringent alpha level.
In conclusion, this study showed there was no affect or correlation between the
13:50 LST window and EVP, nor was there any affect or correlation between EVP and
the Ap-index during the 13:50 LST window. Additionally, there was no significant
difference in the mean number of EVPs or the proportion of EVP positive sessions when
comparing 13:50 LST to 18:00 LST. A significant difference was found between the
mean Ap-index for 18:00 LST positive sessions vs. 18:00 LST negative sessions and
there was a significant correlation between the Ap-index and number of EVPs for the
29
18:00 LST sessions. This result deserves further attention since it could indicate there are
other LST windows where the geomagnetic field affects EVP.
30
References
AA-EVP. Retrieved April 16, 2007, from
www.aaevp.com/research/research_geomagnetic_fields.htm
Auerbach, L. (2004). Ghost hunting: how to investigate the paranormal. Oakland, CA:
Ronin Publishing, Inc.
Baruss, I. (2001). Failure to replicate electronic voice phenomena. Journal of Scientific
Exploration, 15(3), 355-367.
Baruss, I. (2007). An experimental test of instrumental transcommunication. Journal of
Scientific Exploration, 21(1), 89-98.
Lobach, E. & Bierman, D. (2004). Whos calling at this hour? Local sidereal time and
telephone telepathy. 47th Annual Parapsychological Association Convention.
McRae, A. (2004). EVP and New Dimensions. Sanctuary Press.
NOAA. Glossary of Solar-Terrestrial Terms. Retrieved April 23, 2007, from
http://www.sec.noaa.gov/info/glossary.html
Persinger, M.A. (1988). Increased geomagnetic activity and the occurrence of
bereavement hallucinations: Evidence for melatonin-mediated microseizuring in the
temporal lobe? Neuroscience Letters, 88, 271-274.
Persinger, M.A. & Koren, S.A. (2001). Predicting the characteristics of haunted
phenomena from geomagnetic factors and brain sensitivity: Evidence from field and
experimental studies. In J. Houran & R. Lange (Eds.), Hauntings and poltergeists:
Multidisciplinary perspectives (pp. 179-194). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Company,
Inc.
Radin, D. (2002). A dog that seems to know when his owner is coming home: Effects of
geomagnetism. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 16(4), 579-592.
Roll, W.G. & Gearhart, L. (1974). Geomagnetic perturbations and RSPK. In W.G. Roll,
R.L. Morris & J. Morris (Eds.), Research in parapsychology (pp. 44-46). Metuchen, NJ:
Scarecrow.
Roll, W.G. & Persinger, M.A. (2001). Investigations of poltergeists and haunts: A review
and interpretation. In J. Houran & R. Lange (Eds.), Hauntings and poltergeists:
Multidisciplinary perspectives (pp. 123-163). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Company,
Inc.
31
Schumacher, D., Heinen, C., & Carter, C. (2006). EVP and geomagnetic fields: Is there a
correlation? Retrieved April 16, 2007, from
http://www.aaevp.com/research/research_geomagnetic_fields.htm
Spottiswoode, J.P. (1997). Apparent association between effect size in free response
anomalous cognition experiments and local sidereal time. Journal of Scientific
Exploration, 11(2), 1-17.
Spottiswoode, J.P. (2003). Anomalous cognition effect size: Dependence on sidereal time
and
solar
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parameters.
Retrieved
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16,
2007,
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performance in free response anomalous cognition experiments. Journal of Scientific
Exploration, 21(1), 47-66.
Author contact information:
Cindy Heinen
EVP Specialist
www.SWPRG.com
Cheinen22@aol.com
Dave Schumacher
Science & Technology Advisor
www.SWPRG.com
Davidschumacher5@sbcglobal.net
32
Review of Ancient Chinese Science of Feng Shui

to Evaluate Properties with Paranormal Activity
Carol Baker, M.S., B.A.
Abstract
Paranormal researchers use technological advances to aid their research into collecting
evidence of paranormal activity. Tools such as high-end video and audio recorders,
thermal imaging cameras, etc. are becoming essential tools of this trade. It is with these
tools that researchers hope to collect an overwhelming amount of evidence to prove these
experiences as real.
Activity is often recorded with tools that can capture, record or a measure a change in
energy. Equipment failure during activity, such as batteries being drained of energy, is
commonly reported. Activity of fluctuations in the electromagnetic field is often cited as
a characteristic during an occurrence. But why would a haunting only occur on some
properties and not others? Whether you accept the evidence as real or not, evidence
alone can not explain why paranormal activity, such as a haunting, exists.
Perhaps the answer lies in an ancient Chinese science, better known as Feng Shui (pron
fng shway). The traditional practice of Feng Shui has many parallels to modern science
including binary mathematics and physics. Feng Shui uses calculated methods to
determine energy pattern of a building, as well as rules for evaluating the effects of the
physical environment, inside and outside to determine if the property is a healthy
environment for the living. In this article, Feng Shui is used to evaluate properties
recently investigated for paranormal activity. Conclusions will show that these properties
consistently violate Feng Shui guidelines and may provide clues to the environmental
conditions appropriate for paranormal activity.
Paranormal researchers use technological advances to aid their research into
collecting evidence of paranormal activity. Tools such as high-end video and audio
recorders, thermal imaging cameras, etc. are becoming essential tools of this trade. It is
with these tools that researchers hope to collect an overwhelming amount of evidence to
prove these experiences as real.
Activity is often recorded with tools that can capture, record or a measure a
change in energy. Equipment failure during activity, such as batteries being drained of
energy, is commonly reported. Activity of fluctuations in the electromagnetic field is
often cited as a characteristic during an occurrence. But why would a haunting only occur
on some properties and not others? Whether you accept the evidence as real or not,
evidence alone can not explain why paranormal activity, such as a haunting, exists.
33
Perhaps the answer lies in an ancient Chinese science, better known as Feng Shui
(pron fng shway). Most available information to the public on Feng Shui is misleading,
citing it has an interior design technique, religious belief system, or mythology. All of
which are untrue in its original form, an ancient science.
The Relevance of Feng Shui to Modern Science
Feng Shui is practiced through observation, repeatable calculations and
methodologies, including analyzing an energy pattern of a building. Traditional Feng
Shui takes into consideration the measurement of the magnetic field using a Loupan
(Chinese compass used in Feng Shui.) Precise calculations are used to determine the
energy pattern of a building. Additionally, physical evaluation of the property is required.
Well over 3,000 years ago, Feng Shui Masters were concerned with the impacts of rivers,
trees, mountains, underground water veins, and the close proximity to a property in which
people lived. In modern times, Feng Shui practitioners also have to be concerned about
surrounding roads, electrical transformers, and other buildings when considering the
influence it has on the occupants of the property being evaluated. (Larry Sang 1999)
Feng Shui approaches the environment that would be familiar to modern physics
professionals. Feng Shui is concerned with energy contained in and around a property
and uses space, time and relativity to understand the energy pattern and how it impacts
the occupants of a property. Once a building is constructed and its roof is put into place,
from a Feng Shui point of view, it has been imprinted with the energy at the time of
construction. Energy changes, enters and exists the property everyday, but the pattern
itself is like a building DNA imprint.
Physicist and systems theorist, author of The Tao of Physics, Fritjof Capra (1999)
has extensively studied eastern philosophies and the parallel to modern physics theories.
Quantum theory forces us to see the universe not as a collection of physical
objects, but rather a complicated web of relations between the various parts as a
unified whole.
The concepts of space and time are so basic for the description of natural
phenomena that their modification entails an alteration of the whole framework
we use in physics to describe nature. In the new framework, space and time are
treated on an equal footing are connected inseparably.
Mystics were criticized by science for their beliefs about the existence of parallel
universes as an explanation for soul travel, haunting and so forth. It turns out the mystics
may have been closer to the truth then originally thought. Under the latest theory, mtheory, which stands for membrane-theory, scientists believe there are 11 parallel
universes. It is speculated by various respected physicists that each of these universes are
extremely close to ours, yet we are unaware of their presence. In fact, they estimate these
universes are closer to each of us then the clothes are our backs. Physicists have even
contemplated that there could be parallel universes that are like ours, but with different
outcomes, such as Elvis Presley still being alive (Parallel Universes, 2002; Briane
Greene, 2003; Michui Kaku, 2005). They also say parallel universes may be governed by
different laws of nature then our own, whiles others may be made of pure energy. The m-
34
brane theory is the latest of many theories proposed in the last 50 years, as many
physicists try to discover what Einstein sought after until his deatha theory that
explains everything.
Remarkable History of Advanced Ancient Technology in China
Cosmologists of ancient China approached and a similar theory in which it deals
with a universal energy that connects everything. Somewhere between 2852-2737 BC,
legendary figure Fu Hsi (pron. Foo Shee) is accredited with the development of the eight
trigrams arrangement that explained nature as existed prior to mankind (perhaps their
version of the big-bang theory). In this arrangement, the symbols are in perfect symmetry
with their polar opposites. About 300 years later, a second sequence of the trigrams is
developed called post-heaven arrangement that describes change after creation of earth
and mankind. This sequence represents constant change and is used in Feng Shui
calculations.
Feng Shui approaches the environment by looking at the balance of five basic
elements, water, metal, earth, wood, and fire. The Chinese have demonstrated through
history their knowledge of these elements is beyond just symbolism of the five elements.
Few Westerners realize today, that for much of Ancient times, and the Middle Ages,
China was significantly more advanced than Europe, in which most of Western Science
has its roots. As early as 2665 B.C, astronomical observatories were set up to regulate
calendars in ancient China. (They have both a lunar and solar calendars.) The Solar
calendar was used for agriculture. Landform Feng Shui, method of evaluation of property
by observation of the surrounding environment, was devised between 2150-1557 BC.
The blast furnace was produced as early as 770 B.C. to expand manufacturing production
of steel. (They were manufacturing steel in quantity about 2,000 years before the west.)
By first century B.C., the Chinese were drilling for natural gas using similar oil drill
technology used today. They even had their own version of a seismograph that accurately
detected locations of earthquakes by 220 A.D and shortly after, the first needle-pointed
compass was developed. The Shang Dynasty built the first astronomical computer in
1092 A.D. that was powered by water. It tracked the movement of the earth, stars and
planets through space. By 1127 A.D. Feng Shui concepts of space-time calculations using
a special compass (Loupan) were established. (Stephen Skinner, 1993; Ancient Chinese
Technology, n.d; Ancient Chinas Technology, n.d; Ancient Discoveries: Machines
III,2007). By comparing the periods in which Feng Shui was developed with the many
advances in technology, it becomes harder to discount Feng Shui as just mysticism or
superstition. Unless of course, you considered todays physicists as mystics, and the
theories they test as superstition. In that case, Albert Einstein may be considered a
legendary figure, like Fu Hsi some day.
Feng Shui Analysis of Properties with Paranormal Activity vs. Non Paranormal
Activity
Feng Shui includes a host of knowledge that helps us understand the impact of our
environment through observation collected over thousands of years. Key themes between
physics and Feng Shui can be simply described as magnetism, space-time influence,
duality, and energy. Today, physics is taking the approach that everything is some how
connected and Feng Shui assumes that everything is connected. Therefore, paranormal
35
activity such as a haunting is not discounted in Feng Shui. A haunting is viewed as a

result of energy that is connected to the property. The following research will be broken
into two Feng Shui schools. First, space-time calculations to determine energy patterns of
buildings with reported paranormal activity. With the assistance of Missouri Paranormal
Research (MPR, 2006), Balance Feng Shui was given access to cases that were
investigated by MPR. Evidence of activity was captured in forms of pictures, videos
EVPs,(Electronic Voice Phenomena) and activity experienced by paranormal
investigators. A total of 11 cases were analyzed where property records of building
construction could be obtained. These cases were compared to 31 other properties with
no activity reported that Balance Feng Shui had collected separately.
The first part of the analysis was to calculate the energy pattern of each property.
Of the 216 possible patterns that could be calculated, there is a 22% probability of a
negative (weak) energy pattern being present compared to a 78% probability of a positive
pattern. The negative pattern is referred to as reverse pattern. Reverse properties are
considered to have the weakest energy pattern, and impacts the occupants negatively. The
type of negativity that occurs is defined by the details in the pattern. However, in this
research we are concerned with knowing if negative patterns are more frequent in houses
with paranormal activity then those without paranormal activity.
The following Chart shows that in the 11 buildings with activity, 55% of the
patterns were reverse, as opposed to only 16% of activity in the 31 properties with no
activity.
35
Amount
of Cases
30
25
20
Paranormal Acvity
Chart 1.
Comparison of
paranormal
activity in
properties with
good energy
patterns and bad
energy patterns.
No Paranormal Activity
15
10
5
0
Good Energy Pattern
Bad Energy Pattern
36
Because the sample size for

Categorical Comaprisons
No Activity
Activity
buildings with reported paranormal
Reverse Cases (p1, p2)
5
6
activity is 11 cases, and 31 cases with
Total
cases
(n1,
n2)
31
11
no activity, t-distribution method was
Sample Portions
0.1613
0.5455
used to statistically demonstrate that
Difference betweensamp. p1, p2
-0.3842
there is enough evidence to show that
Overall sample portion
0.2619
homes that have activity are more
Standard Error
0.1541307
likely to have a weak pattern such as a
test statistic
-2.49
reverse. When comparing the two
Standard Score
-2.5
populations of homes (homes with
p-value (t-distribution)
0.02
0.01
activity and homes with out) the pTable 1. Showing the statistical significance of the research.
value is between .02 and .01 showing
that there is an association between a weak energy pattern and paranormal activity.
As periods of energy cycles change, the energy of the previous cycles become
weaker, and future cycles become stronger. There are nine energy cycles, each lasting 20
years. The most recent change was February 4, 2004. As a period changes it causes some
energy patterns of a building to become locked. A locked property also weakens an
energy pattern, making reverse patterns worse and good patterns weak. The impact is
only temporary, lasting 20 years. A house built in the current energy cycle cannot be
locked. But the buildings constructed during the remaining eight periods have a 25%
chance of being locked.
The research properties were reviewed to see the percent of locked patterns in
paranormal and non paranormal cases. The cases were reviewed for properties currently
with a 20 year lock. Patterns locked during the last period were also noted because we are
only 3 years into a new energy cycle and the impact of a change can be gradual. Of the
cases with no activity, there was a 26% lock, but there was a 67% lock on properties with
paranormal activity.
Other factors can also be identified by just plainly understanding some of the
Feng Shui guidelines used in evaluating the physical environment. This includes having
an environment that has very passive energy (considered yin) effects. Yin is
considered passive energy, and all homes have a balance of yin and yang (active energy).
While all buildings have yin and yang energy, a building that has overly yin energy is
considered more appropriate for the dead, and more likely to draw this type of activity.
A property considered to have too much yin energy may include the following
characteristics:
1. Building or lands where violent deaths occurred.
2. Living next to a cemetery or on top of a burial ground.
3. Buildings in their "dead" cycle in terms of the quality of energy pattern. The dead
cycle meaning that the home is built in a period in which the energy cycle has
decreased to no momentum. It is basically at a halt until future energy cycles
come and go.
4. Electrical transformers close to the building (not just the pole and electrical wires,
but the actual transformer is on the pole). The larger the transformer (and relative
37
closeness to the property) is considered harmful. Additionally, this was a

characteristic noted in several of the properties reporting paranormal activity.
5. Underground water veins from natural spring/cavern type formations also carry
energy away from the property, not to mention possible health impacts. This
characteristic was also noted in several of the properties reporting paranormal
activity.
6. Over grown trees, or abundance of trees, very close trees to the building. In these
cases, the trees absorb most of the energy needed to keep the building with a
supply of new energy. Several properties with activity included old large trees
that are deeply rooted in the ground and close to the building.
7. Buildings that have windows and doors boarded or closed most of the time. These
are typically dark inside most of the time, and/or do not have fresh energy coming
in and out. Energy has become very stale with no new energy getting to the inside
of the building on a regular basis.
8. Buildings that are on hills and unprotected are exposed to the elements. They
often are unable to gather new energy because it quickly moves away from them.
9. Buildings close to rushing rivers, highways, railroads also have a hard time of
being replenished because energy is often carried away to quickly away. This also
includes most buildings that at the intersection of T and Y-Junctions where the
energy is fast and directly aimed at a building.
10. Renovations are often sited as a trigger for haunting experiences. In Feng Shui,
untimely renovations and construction to a building or property stirs up energy
that has negative influences such as accidents, delays, and all-around bad luck.
11. In Feng Shui, floor plans with square or rectangular shapes are better. Buildings
with multi-levels (like split level floors) unconventional shapes are typically
avoided because the flow of new energy through the building is typically weak
and the energy pattern is complex because of missing parts of the pattern.
Usually a combination of various elements as described above were noted on
paranormal properties and are contributing factors to creating a Yin environment.
A separate study was done in Asia on the relation of Feng Shui and haunted
buildings. Dr. Ong Heat Tatt (2003) approached his research as a geographic study of the
environment, and concluded that specific types of landform give rise to a haunting. The
author collected as many authentic stories as possible for the purpose, identifying170
haunted sites in Malaysia and Singapore. Using the landform principles (as described
above 1-11), he evaluated properties for these characteristics. In his research on
properties with paranormal activity, he concluded that:
34% of are on hill tops
39.9% end of hill spurs and road bends
12.4% promontories (peninsulas, capes, etc.)
7.8% underground instability (ex., water veins)
5.9% included large old trees
Tatt also noted various swings in the compass on properties where there should
not have been a shift in the magnetic reading. Tatt indicated that a swinging compass
indicated a disturbance in the magnetic field. Magnetic readings in the Balance Feng Shui
38
research were focused on building direction in order to calculate the energy pattern of a
house only. Because metals, electricity, etc. can interfere with a compass reading,
property, building analysis calculations were verified by using satellite pictures, a graphic
compass overlay, and the precise magnetic declination reported by the National
Geophysical Data Center for that specific location to confirm on-site reading accuracy.
Based on experience, this approach is typically accurate within 1 degree of the on-site
calculations using the compass to measure the direction.
Conclusions
Both studies show that Feng Shui is relative in determining the influence it has on
a property. Overall, both studies show that environments that are considered very passive
or weak are contributing factors to paranormal activity. In Feng Shui, this would be
considered very Yin properties.
Most people identify Yin and Yang with the Tai Ji Symbol, shown right. The Tai
Ji symbol represents the play of opposites. The dots in the center
represents that nothing is 100% yang or 100% yin, as you must
find the root of one in the other. The symbol represents the
process of change and how these two opposites form a whole. In
Yin-Yang principle, all beings interact with each other.(Sang,
1999) Nothing can be 100% yin, but can be have too much yin
energy and such a small amount of yang energy it creates an
imbalance. The opposites of yin and yang do not co-exists
without the other. Below is a chart that simply explains duality
as it exists in Yin and Yang principles, representing opposite
forces depended on each other:
Yin
Black
Death
Winter
Cold
Female
Passive
Night
Left
Even
Water
Moon
Yang
White
Life
Summer
Hot
Male
Active
Day
Right
Odd
Fire
Sun
In Feng Shui, each of the eight trigrams takes on yin and yang properties. Patterns
that are heavily yin, are passive and weak. In fact, Yin House Feng Shui, is a specific
field of Feng Shui, and it is used in grave site selection. Hence, this is why properties that
are overly yin are considered appropriate for the dead. Duality as presented in Yin-Yang
theory, was also discovered in 1860 by Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell in
electromagnetism (Kaku, 2005). Maxwell showed that light consists of vibrating electric
and magnetic field constantly changing into each other. If we exchange the electric field
39
and interchange the electric charge the equations remain the same. This means that if the
magnetic charge is high, it is precisely equivalent to a low electrical charge. This is also
called duality. Because Feng Shui analyzes a property based on its yin and yang
properties as determined through calculations based on magnetism, and its environmental
properties, one must speculate that this approach may provide insight to the imbalance of
electromagnetic energies where there a paranormal activities. Furthermore, the
electromagnetic field meters used to detect anomalies by many paranormal researchers
additionally support an anomaly in the magnetic field at the time of the occurrence. (Troy
Taylor, 2004; Vince Wilson 2005, 2006)
This research presents evidence to support the use of Feng Shui as a resource in
evaluating properties with paranormal activity. The ultimate question remains, can we
apply traditional remedies to balance the property and minimize the impact of activity in
the property? Typically, the costs of corrections for a reverse property can be beyond the
budget of the property owners so it is difficult to test whether this is an option that would
remove the activity. Further research could be done on the type of haunting being
reported and the specific patterns to see if there are any pattern connections between the
categories. Finally, is it possible to recreate the type of environment that would cause this
activity? It would be worthwhile for serious paranormal researchers to collect data on the
environmental characteristic of buildings and properties following Feng Shui guidelines.
Some day, we may learn that a haunting is just a result of an environmental condition that
makes it possible for us to peek into one of those many universal parallels that physicists
seek to prove really exist. Perhaps m-theory, which describes parallel universes existing
in a very close range, provides the frame work for understanding the possibilities of
haunting, and Feng Shui provides clues to the environmental conditions for which these
universes can be accessed.
40
References
Sang, Dr. Larry. (1999), Principles of Feng Shui, (3rd ed.)
Skinner, Stephen. (2003) Flying Stars Feng Shui
Capra, Fritjof. (1999) The Tao of Physics (4th ed.)
Kaku, Michio. (2005) Parallel Worlds
Greene, Brian. (2003) The Elegant Universe, (2nd ed.)
Tatt, Dr. Ong Hean (2003) Haunted Buildings: Science and Feng Shui
Taylor, Troy. (2004) The Ghost Hunters Guidebook
Wilson, Vince. (2006) Ghost Science
Wilson, Vince. (2005) Ghost Tech
Parallel Universes. (2002) Retrieved April 7, 2007
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/horizon/2001/parallelunitrans.shtml
Ancient Discoveries: Machines III. (2007): Broadcasted March 28, The History Channel
Ancient Chinese Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2007, from
http://library.thinkquest.org/23062/index.html
Ancient Chinas Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2007, from
http://east_west_dialogue.tripod.com/id1.html
Author Contact Information:

Carol Baker
1256 Clinton Hill Court
OFallon, MO 63366
636-293-3589
carol@balancefs.net
41
Digital Photography Has Lost Its Last Bit of Credibility

Kenneth Biddle
Paranormal Investigators & Research Association
Abstract
The digital camera, since its consumer level debut on February 17, 1994 (Apple
QuickTake 100), has become a standard tool of the ghost hunter. There is hardly a
paranormal investigative team around that does not include at least one of these devices
within their inventory. However, with easy access to knowledge of photography and a
flare for fraud, the digital camera has lost its ability to produce credible evidence.
In the following article, I will demonstrate how simple tricks can produce believable
paranormal photographs. I will further demonstrate how a digital photograph may be
manipulated without disrupting the EXIF file contained in the Image Properties, which
contains all of the information about each specific digital photograph. This significantly
decreases the effectiveness of the digital camera as a device to capture paranormal
phenomenon.
I will give examples on how the Image Properties File has helped debunk mistakes and
hoaxes in the past. However, I will also demonstrate how a few individuals have found a
way around this file, allowing the photo to be manipulated without changing the details. I
will also explain how this precious information can also be changed or deleted, to further
hide details of manipulation. This type of trickery has effectively rendered the digital
photograph an ineffective tool for presenting quality evidence.
Keywords: Digital Camera, Digital Photography, Image Reflection, Adobe Photoshop
Elements, Shadow People, Fraud, Legal System, EXIF file, Metadata file, Image
Properties, Shadow People
Digital Photography
The digital camera is a very handy device, allowing hundreds or thousands of
photographs to be taken on a single camera card. Since its consumer level debut on
February 17, 1994 with the Apple QuickTake 100 (1), the digital camera slowly worked
its way into becoming a standard tool of the ghost hunter. There is hardly a paranormal
investigative team around that does not include at least one of these devices within their
inventory. Along with its inclusion into the ghost hunters arsenal, there has been an
explosion of evidence that can be seen all over the internet.
However, with easy access to knowledge of photography and a flare for fraud, the
digital camera has lost its ability to produce credible evidence. In the following article, I
will attempt to demonstrate how simple tricks can produce believable paranormal
photographs. I will further demonstrate how a photograph may be manipulated without
42
disrupting the details contained within the Image Properties file, also known as the EXIF
file, which contains all of the information about each specific digital photograph. This
significantly decreases the effectiveness of the digital camera as a device to capture
paranormal phenomenon. With the ability to manipulate digital photography, and hide the
details, there will be no concrete evidence to prove these photographs have been staged.
Digital Photography in the Legal System
When it comes to using photography as evidence of the paranormal, many ghost
hunters and paranormal investigators will make comparisons to our U.S. Legal System,
stating that digital images are used as evidence by both prosecutors and defense teams.
The common misconception is that if digital photographs are good enough to be used in
court, then theyre more than sufficient to be used as evidence of the paranormal.
However, the use of digital photography in a court of law has been continually
questioned, even though it has been used by some law enforcement agencies for almost
15 years (7).
In our Legal System, its not any old photograph that is allowed to be submitted
as evidence. There are two main requirements for submitting a photograph as evidence;
Relevance and Authentication (6). The meaning of "relevance" in U.S. law is
covered in Rule 401 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, which states "Relevant evidence
means evidence having any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of
consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it
would be without the evidence (5). In other words, if evidence (a photograph in our
case) were to have no bearing on the truth or falsity of a conclusion, it would then be
legally irrelevant.
However, the authentication of the photograph is the more important of the two
requirements. The team introducing the photograph as evidence needs to give testimony
that the photograph is accurate in what it portrays. Whether it is the photographer or
another qualified individual, someone will need to be able to back up any statements in
regard to the photograph, as well as be ready to field any questions concerning the
validity of that same photograph and/or their own training/experience with each piece of
equipment used in the processing of the image (7).
Keep in mind that with any collection of evidence, there are specific protocols and
procedures that must be closely followed by each investigator. It really comes down to
the training, experience and knowledge of the expert giving the testimony that
determines whether a digital photograph is actually evidence (6,7). In my research on the
internet, it seems that the digital photographic evidence used in court cases are of the
forensic documentation type- recording the scene of the crime (layout, fingerprints, etc.).
When viewing photographs that include the claim of a paranormal image, we
should consider the same course of action as our legal system. However, there are
obvious differences that set a paranormal photograph apart from a photograph used as
evidence in a court of law. For one, the vast majority of people submitting ghost
photographs are not trained in the use of their camera, in photography or in the use of
editing software. Honestly, many barely crack open the manual to read up on the many
features included with todays digital cameras. Testimony to the validity of paranormal
43
photographs cannot be verified when specific control factors are not followed by
inexperienced, ghost hunting photographers.
Another factor to consider would be the Controls used or neglected during
investigations. The majority of photographs used in trial cases are from forensic
investigators. These photographs adhere to strict protocols for evidence processing that
are followed by image-enhancement and/or image analysis procedures (7). Attention to
details such as proper focus of the subject, proper lighting, multiple angles, multiple
images at the same angle, and even the inclusion of measuring devices for proper size
are the basics for forensic photographers. In contrast, serious investigators that adhere to
strict controls are far and few between. The majority of ghost photographs are taken at
random, with no particular subject as the focal point (especially those taken in the dark,
outdoors). In addition, ghost photographs are rarely focused (sharply) on the suspected
anomaly. Some of these anomalies are due to a normal object captured before the
Depth of Field, while others are caused by the use of camera features of which the
operator is unfamiliar.
The Image Properties Menu and the EXIF File
Once in a while, there may come a time when a truly interesting photograph is
captured; one that could possibly carry the claim of Unexplained. Such photographs
demand intense scrutiny, in order to verify its authenticity. It is under this scrutiny, that
accidental mistakes and deliberate hoaxes are discovered. Well explore this area briefly
in order to give the reader a clearer perspective on this subject.
The Image Properties Menu can be viewed by using the following procedure;
open Windows Explorer and Right Click on a digital photograph. Another window will
pop up, and the word Properties will appear at the bottom of that window. Clicking on
that will bring up another window with two Tabs; General and Summary. Click on the
Summary tab, then on the Advanced button. The window will now display various
details of your photograph, which is called the EXIF File (3). The details include Camera
Make & Model, Flash Mode, Exposure Time, ISO Number, F-Number and the Date &
Time the photo was created and modified. It will also show the Creation Program used to
download the photos onto a PC, or that was used to make modifications to the
photograph. You can also view the EXIF information through Adobe Photoshop CS by
opening the image in question, clicking on File and choosing File Info from the dropdown menu. Another window will open, allowing you to view detailed information about
the photograph, including the EXIF, PDF, TIFF and XMP files for that specific image
(2).
With this information, we can gain clues as to what was going on at the time the
photograph was taken, from the amount of Exposure Time to the type of camera that was
used (which allows us to research what features are available on the camera used). We
can even see if the software used is capable of effects that could pass off as believable.
Photographs which make use of a Long Exposure can produce images containing
Motion Blur. This type of photograph shows transparent people that seem to blur and/or
lines of light that will zigzag all over the photo. Some amateur ghost hunters will mistake
these images as Dimensional Shifts or Streaks of Light. A quick look at the EXIF file
44
will show the actual Exposure Time, perhaps 2 seconds or more, as the cause of the
anomalies.
Another example, using such a long Exposure Time, would be when a person
places their leg on the bottom step of a stairway. The shutter release is pressed and after
about 2 seconds, the person removes his leg from view. Another 2 seconds of the
cameras open shutter absorbing the light in the area, will produce an image of a
transparent leg on a solid stairway. Usually, a quick look at the Properties would reveal
the actual Exposure Time, giving us a clue as to how such an effect was produced.
The Image Properties Menu has been a very useful tool, by displaying the
information that can explain the examples described above. Under certain circumstances,
any modification of the image would effectively wipe-out this information. Once you
modify or add to a photographic image, the details of the original photo no longer apply,
so they are erased. This occurs when photos are enhanced, re-sized and/or re-named for
use on websites, as well as when modified with less powerful software.
However, it has come to my teams attention that there are a few people in our
community that have found a way around this hurdle. One of the most important jobs of a
Paranormal Investigator is to question evidence, looking at it from every possible angle,
in order to strip away the natural causes until youre left with an unexplainable piece of
evidence. My team questions all evidence, which brought us to several posted
photographs that simply did not look right.
Rise of the Shadow People
The photographs in question were of what looks to be an old road with trees and
bushes all around, a cemetery scene and an abandoned prison. The paranormal aspects of
the photographs were the various Shadow Figures posing within the scene. The reason
for choosing a Shadow Person as the focus of this section of the article is that the
photos in question were found on professional paranormal investigative sites.
Sightings of Shadow People have been on the rise in recent times, which in turn increases
the interest among the general public.
When I viewed the EXIF Files of the photos in question, I found the Exposure
Times were listed between 1/30 and 1/80 of a second, which would normally tell us that
it was not a long exposure. While I can not use the photographs in question, I can offer a
duplicate that was created for this purpose.
45
This photograph, taken at Eastern State Penitentiary (Cell Block 12), was created
in about twenty minutes, and included some extra work to position the Shadow Person
behind the railing. The simple explanation is this; I made a duplicate layer of the image. I
then cut out a section of the railing, positioned my Shadow Person, and replace the
section of railing. I now have a Shadow Figure, behind the railing, at the entrance to a
cell.
If we look at the EXIF file information, found in
the Image Properties Menu, we can get a run down
of the details associated with this photograph.
Lets take a look at some of the important
details
Equipment Make
Camera Model
Creation Software
Windows
Flash Mode
Exposure Time
Exposure Compensation
Date Picture Taken
Olympus Optical
C830L, D340R
Adobe Photoshop CS
Flash (Fired)
1/30 Second
0 Step
1/18/2001 12:18 AM
With these few items of information, we could

normally determine if any manipulations have
46
taken place. Creating a shadow person with a long exposure is quite easy, but as you can
see here, the Exposure Time was a quick 1/30 of a second.
What really stands out is Adobe Photoshop CS Windows, which is named as
the Creation Software. Although this software could have simply been used to organize,
crop and/or enhance (brighten/sharpen) the image it causes concern when seen
attached to a photograph with the claim of displaying a ghost.
With a few minutes of manipulation, the digital image file on
the previous page was re-saved by using the original downloading
software that came with the camera, under a slightly different name.
According to this information, the photo was taken in 1/30 of a
second, on January 18, 2001 at 12:18 AM and downloaded with the
original software that came with the camera. All of the original EXIF
information is still intact, except for the Creation Software, which
now displays Olympus Master 1.42. Research on the Olympus
website, under Camedia Master 4.0 FAQs, does not reveal this
software having the ability to introduce layers or manipulate a
photograph as more powerful programs are able to, nor could it serve
our purpose here (4).
However, with more powerful software and high-end
cameras, its possible to view additional photograph information,
such as the Date-Time Picture Taken (also seen in Image Properties),
Date-Time Original, Date-Time Digitized and the Metadata Date all
of which is embedded within the file when the image was created.
Although I have not found a way to manipulate these items in
Photoshop, there are plenty of programs that can. Microsoft Photo
Info 1.0 is a free download that allows users to add, change or delete
common Metadata properties from Windows Explorer (8). Another program, by the name
of AttributeMagic Pro utility, allows the user to change all of the Date-Time stamps and
the Make & Model of the camera used (3)! A quick search revealed several programs that
could perform the same functions. Within a few minutes, a modified photograph could
have all of the dates match up, further erasing any clue to image tampering.
47
One Procedure for Producing a Shadow Figure on a Digital Image

Although it may seem that by providing this information, I will be opening the
door to ghost hunters being able to stage any type of photograph, any time they go out
on an investigation. This may be true, but this type of imagery is already being displayed
on various paranormal websites thus my motivation to write this article.
Ive included the instructions for producing a Shadow Figure, just as Ive
included references at the end of the article. In my opinion, the references are included
within articles such as these for two reasons; 1-to give credit to those who have been a
part of my research and, 2-so that you, the reader, may look up the information and verify
it yourself. By explaining just how I accomplished the images youll see within these
pages, youll be able to reproduce the same effects on your own.
For the purpose of this article, the program Adobe Photoshop CS (version 8.0)
was used for 2 reasons; first, the majority of photographs that motivated me to write this
article presented Adobe Photoshop as the Creation Software used to make modifications
(specific modification could not be identified, only the fact that modifications were
made). The second reason was the cost of research into the workings of similar editing
software. At several hundred dollars per program, it is simply not in the budget. The
bottom line is that manipulation of digital images CAN be done with ease and without
leaving an evidence trail.
All you need to create a realistic looking shadow figure is;
1 - A photograph of the full body of a person
2 - A nice spooky background (preferably a separate photo then the first)
3 - Photoshop Editing Software
4 Some free time (about an hour or two)
The first step in the process involves making a copy of the background layer, so
you will not lose your original photograph. Select the body you wish to transform into a
Shadow, and then proceed to outline that person in the photograph by using the Lasso
Tool. This allows you to trace the exact shape of the figure, which will make a more
believable Shadow.
Next, you will select the inverse of your selected area from the Select dropdown menu (this is what you used the lasso tool for). After you have selected the inverse,
youll push the Delete button on your keyboard. This allows you to delete all of the
background information from the image, except for your cut out of the person.
The next step can be done in several ways. For the purpose of this article, we will
present the easiest method (experimentation is always encouraged). With your future
Shadow Person on-screen, go down to the Colors and select black. Using the Paint
Bucket, fill in the shape of the person until it is completely black. After you get the entire
procedure down to a science, you can experiment with different colors and shades. After
you have the layer with just the shadow man, delete the copy layer of the original photo.
You then save your Shadow Person as a PDF file so you can place it into your spooky
background. Files such as a PSD or a JPEG wont work for this project, it must be a PDF.
48
At this point, youre ready to insert the shadow man. Close all of your other
images and open your spooky background photo. Go to the File dropdown menu and
select Place. This allows you to set your Shadow man into this new photo, wherever
you choose. With imagination and proper placement (such as by a headstone or off the
side of a road) you can achieve a more convincing image. Depending on your version of
the software, your Shadow Man image may be placed with a white background. If this
occurs, simply highlight the white areas with the Magic Wand and hit Delete. The
white background will be removed.
Once you have your ghostly figure in place and sized to your liking, its time to
add the special effects in order to achieve a more believable Shadow Person. Under the
heading of Filter, there are many effects to take your Shadow Man into the realm of
transparent figures. Blur effects can determine how clear, or unclear, the image will be.
The Gaussian Blur effect places a nice aura around your Shadow Man, making it appear
to glow. Under the filter Texture, you can add a grain effect, which simulates photos
taken in low light conditions. A grainy texture will allow your Shadow Man to blend in
to the rest of the photograph.
With the special effects in place, you can now adjust how transparent you
would like your Shadow Man to be. Drop the Opacity of the Shadow Man to anywhere
between 20% and 45%, depending on the amount shadow (darkness) youre looking for.
This allows for a ghostly figure which is see-through. The background can easily be
viewed through the figure, thus giving the effect that you captured an entitya Shadow
Person (2).
Once all of this has been completed and youre happy with your image,
remember to save this new image as a JPEG file. Most cameras save their files as a
JPEG, since it is a universal file. Keep in mind; saving it as a JPEG in Photoshop will
imbed Adobe Photoshop XXXX within the EXIF file under Creation Software, giving
a clue as to what may have created this ghostly photograph. The way around this is
simple; open the software that came with your camera, which is usually software that is
for Organizing & Sharing (and not powerful enough to perform the techniques described
here). By saving your modified photograph as a JPEG, with this software, youll wipe out
any trace of using Photoshop (or other comparable software).
By saving your photograph using the method above, no one will be able to see
that you have added separate layers. Now that everything is put together, youll have a
photograph that is unidentifiable as a forgery, unless you run across someone else who
knows how to use Photoshop.
With more time, you can explore various other effects that can be added to your
images. Shadow Men, women and children are only the beginning. Antique vehicles, old
furniture and toys can be added to specific scenes in an attempt to convince you of a
situation or experience.
Summary
Digital Photography is an excellent tool for documentation. However, in regards
to this type of media producing credible evidence of paranormal activity, it falls short.
Our technology (cameras, software and PCs) have progressed well beyond the point
where anyone, given enough time, can produce a ghost photograph. The only thing
49
separating the good fakes from the bad one would be the creativity and patience of
the creator.
By sitting down and experimenting with the software, I was able to learn, and
perfect, this technique to the point where they looked too perfect. This too perfect look
is the only thing we will have left to give us any indication of whether a photograph has
been manipulated or not. With this look, comes yet another problem; your perspective
may deem a photograph looking great, while my perspective sees something that is too
Perfect.
If a person has knowledge of photography, a free Metadata changing download
and powerful editing software (and can afford such expensive software), theres no
telling what can be created. Mixing, distorting, bending, adding, shadowing, coloring and
tweaking become rather easy once you get the hang of it. Before you know it, you can
become a magnet for ghost photographs.
My purpose in this article was not to show off how easy it is to make a ghost
photograph or damage the reputation of paranormal enthusiasts (unless, of course, they
are deliberately manipulating photographs). My purpose is to pass along what I believe to
be important information to the paranormal community. There are individuals within our
community who are using such techniques, and gaining respect to which they do not
deserve and promoting additional misinformation that will continue to keep paranormal
research in the realm of the pseudo-sciences.
By sharing this information with you, I hope to raise your awareness of the
photographic images that are being presented as genuine evidence of the paranormal.
Perhaps you will take a second, third and fourth look at those photographs that look too
good to be true. Are there photographs that truly display apparitions? Perhaps.
In the end, it will be up to you to decide what youre looking at.
50
References:
Bellis, Mary. History of the Digital Camera - About.com:Inventors
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bldigitalcamera.htm
Adobe Photoshop CS for Windows, Tutorials; Create an Image Using Layers
AttributeMagic Pro Utility Website, What image properties can be changed?
http://www.attributemagic.com/amp/change-image-metadata.html
Camedia Master 4.0 FAQs, Olympus of America Website,
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/camediamaster4_faqs.asp
Federal Rules of Evidence, Rule 401. Definition of Relevant Evidence, December 31,
2004
http://judiciary.house.gov/media/pdfs/printers/108th/evid2004.pdf
McCarvel, Roderick T. Digital Photography as Legal Evidence; You Wont Believe
Your Eyes, April 15, 1995. http://www.seanet.com/~rod/digiphot.html
Reis, George Admissibility in Court Published in Evidence Technology Magazine
Sept/Oct. 2004
http://www.imagingforensics.com/admissibilityincourt.pdf
Microsoft Download Center, Microsoft Photo Info 1.0 Overview
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=B038D4B5-1D88-437C9F54-1FB0D210B5EF&displaylang=en
Windows XP
Windows Explorer, Properties Menu
51
WWPRC Worldwide Paranormal Reporting Center

Cliff S. Williams
The Worldwide Paranormal Reporting Center (WWPRC; www.wwprc.com) is an
online database dedicated to archiving all the paranormal activity in the world. Users
have the ability to enter information about any activity that they have witnessed. Users
can also view all the entries by date, state, city, and/or type of activity. Sounds like a
huge undertaking, huh? Well, it is!
You may ask, Why would anyone want to do this? Well, we want to collect all
the data we can on paranormal activity so that we can try and formulate statistics and
theories to help explain any and all types of paranormal activity. We would also like the
database to be used by other paranormal researchers.
Just think if everyone who ever experienced a paranormal event were to log it in
our database; we would be able to generate statistics on (just to list a few):
- Frequency and duration of different types of activity
- What times of year do different types of activity happen
- Where do different types of activity occur
- Who witnesses different types of activity
These are just a sample of the kinds of answers we could begin to answer if
everyone logged their experiences. Of course, we do not expect everyone in the world to
know of us, and also have access to the internet. But, the more entries, the larger the
sample size, and thus the more accurate the statistics will become.
WWPRC will also be adding another database to our site where we will store
information on all the paranormal groups out there so that:
- people know where who to contact if they need an investigation
- groups can network together
- there can be a central database for all the groups out there (and there are many!)
So, if you have ever experienced a paranormal event (or if you experience one in
the future) we urge you to go to www.wwprc.com, and help out the paranormal research
community by logging your experience. Your personal information will never be
displayed on the internet. You may also ask for someone to contact you, and we will try
to reply in a timely manner. If you have any digital data of the experience that you would
like to share, you can email it to wwprc@wwprc.com. We will not release your email
address or digital data to anyone.
WWPRC was developed by Cliff S. Williams and is maintained by Cliff, Donna
LaCroix and Paula J. Donovan. Donna and Paula are both former members of The
Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS), and have appeared on the SciFi show Ghost
Hunters. Cliff is a member of New England Paranormal (NEP) and TAPS. The
WWPRC also has a MySpace profile at: http://www.myspace.com/wwprc.
52
Analyzing Spirit Communication Devices

David M. Rountree
Abstract
There are several models of electronic devices available to the general public that
claim the ability to communicate with the dead. This statement in itself is
theoretical as there is currently no empirical scientific evidence that
communication with the dead is possible. This article contains an analysis of a
selected unit currently available, and gives an overview of the circuit design and
function, as well as offer a comparison to similar devices previously evaluated.
Additionally, several unit tests were performed with the results described.
Conclusions are based on scientific theory and fact. Comparisons are made with
common equipment currently in widespread usage. A hypothesis is proposed
concerning the operation.
It has recently come to my attention that a new electronic device is making its
debut across the paranormal circles and is being hailed as a huge break-through.
Called Franks Box the device is a hot item on the paranormal circuit, and currently
being campaigned by famous psychic investigator and psychic, Chris Moon.
When I read about these devices I take it as a personal challenge to discover the nature of
the operation of the device, recognize it for what it is, and to reveal the truth in what is
presented, whether it is pro or con. In the past I have debunked such similar devices as
the Spriritcom1, and the Psychophone2 as devices that easily receive interference and due
to the meshing of unstable frequencies, create beat frequencies in the audio range that
often make some sense. They also are unshielded, and are prone to receiving stray audio,
both modulated and unmodulated.
The question is, "Is it voices from the dead?"
I have seen absolutely no scientific proof of that claim whatsoever.
In 1979, George Meek and his colleague Bill O'Neil developed the Spiricom
device, a set of 13 tone generators spanning the range of the adult male voice. O'Neil
claimed to be psychically gifted, and also claimed he collaborated with his spirit friends
while developing the large radio-like apparatus, which gave off a droning buzz that filled
the room. When O'Neil spoke in its presence, you could hear his voice getting wrapped
up in the buzzing noises of the Spiricom machine. He supposedly worked on the machine
for months, after which he reported a most amazing thing occurred. According to Meek
and ONeil, another voice began to get wrapped up in the radio sounds. A voice they
believed belonged to someone who was present in the room, but invisible. The voice of a
spirit.
53
In 1967, Franz Seidel, Vienna, developed the "psychophone". Theodore Rudolph

developed a goniometer for Raudive's experiments. Thomas Edison reputedly spoke
through West German clairvoyant Sigrun Seuterman, in trance, about his earlier efforts in
1928 to develop equipment for recording voices from the beyond. Edison also made
suggestions as to how to modify TV sets and tune them to 740 megahertz to get
paranormal effects. (Session recorded on tape by Paul Affolter, Liestal, Switzerland).
What I really find fascinating is the motivation to build these devices. A common
theme runs through the development of all of these communicators. They were
reportedly inspired through information gleaned from someone reportedly dead.
I have heard the "voices" these boxes produce, and they are more often than not
electronic signatures, modulations of noise, and in some cases mechanical sounding. In
the case of what sounds like it could be real voices, it sounds more like a radio
transmission, than a live voice.
Empirically speaking, when you can capture a class A EVP with a microphone
and a recorder, why add additional opportunities for a scientist to debunk your work by
using noise generators, AM tuners and oscillators and varying the bias on the control
amplifier, or interjecting ANY foreign noise onto a recording medium?
There are also psychological aspects to take into consideration. Pareidolia, for
instance,
"Pareidolia is a psychological phenomenon involving a vague and random

stimulus (usually an image) being mistakenly perceived as recognizable"
(Explore Dictionary of Psychology)
"Pareidolia is a type of illusion or misperception involving a vague or

obscure stimulus being perceived as something clear and distinct"
(Skeptic's Dictionary)
"Misperception of an ambiguous stimulus as something specific" (The
Folklorist)
"The erroneous or fanciful perception of a pattern or meaning in
something that is actually ambiguous or random" (Word Spy)
As well as the phenomenon of apophenia, a very close cousin of pareidolia.

Apophenia is a common perceptual phenomenon whereby we spontaneously perceive
connections and find meaningfulness in unrelated things. (James Alcock, psychologist).
Are people listening to what they wish to hear? I am not a psychologist, but it bears
further study.
There are also those in the ITC/EVP community who claim that white noise is
essential. White noise is a random signal (or process) with a flat power spectral density.
In other words, the signal's power spectral density has equal power in any band, at any
54
center frequency, having a given bandwidth. White noise is considered analogous to

white light which contains all frequencies. There is a belief that random noise is required
for spirit communication. There is an assumption that what-ever produces an EVP needs
background noise in order to produce the EVP. After collecting thousands of EVPs since
1976, none of which required any background noise generated to assist in their
generation, I propose this is not a requirement. I have also produced an apparatus for
measuring the frequency of Electromagnetic Fields present during an EVP, and they have
matched precisely, indicating that EVPs are electromagnetic, not audio, therefore not
reliant on audio, by nature. My white paper draft, Electronic Voice Phenomena Project,
Phase 1, June 25th, 2006, outlines this apparatus, as well as the experiments conducted
and results recorded.
All of the communications boxes built and tested are essentially crude
synthesizers by design, very similar to the one invented by MOOG in the early 1960's,
which combines multiple oscillators together to intermix, creating a new sound from the
sum of the mixed frequencies. A key difference is a commercially built synthesizer is
well shielded, keeping stray oscillations and interference down to a minimum. I have an
old synthesizer here in the lab and I can make it produce a voice. It certainly is no proof
that the dead are communicating with me, although I can make it appear as such. All it
requires is proper manipulation of controls.
So the mystery deepens.
As an engineer, I want to believe it is possible to build an electronic device that
will enable us to communicate with the dead. But as a scientist, I have to be able to
quantify this action with documentary proof. Much like in a criminal investigation,
eyewitness accounts alone are weak proof, anecdotal at best in the scientific community.
Before we can state we can communicate with the dead, we have to be able to identify,
scientifically, a correlation between the dead, and the message, eliminating any possible
rational explanation. What determines the source is a dead spirit, and how can you
quantify that? While many researchers are working on this, as of yet, the method has not
been discovered.
It has been suggested that the AA-EVP 4-cel experiment is proof positive. I
disagree. It is flawed in that it assumes the existence of something referred to as an
etheric contact. The ether is an omnipresent cosmic substance filling all space and is the
vehicle or medium by which all physical-etheric forces contact the earth and ourselves.
Ether is a concept that was widely held as a legitimate scientific entity by Nicholas Tesla,
but since disproved as fantasy by Quantum Mechanics. The term is currently used as a
metaphysical definition. While I believe the relationship between physics and
metaphysics is closer than commonly believed, specific scientific evidence tying them
together is fleeting. M-Theory may hold the key to bringing a merger of sorts, but that
remains to be proven. In my view, the 4-cell experiment is interesting, but makes
assumptions rather than proving source. Baruss, on the other hand, has been cited as
proof against EVPs being related to voices from the dead. I believe Baruss was flawed in
his research as well. Imants Baruss of the Department of Psychology at King's College,
University of Western Ontario in Canada performed an experiment to replicate EVP. His
findings were published in the Journal of Scientific Exploration Vol. 15, No. 3, p. 355-
55
367, 2001. Unfortunately Mr. Baruss used the Raudive Inter-Frequency methodology of
EVP study - this style of EVP requires a constant white noise to be present - the white
noise traditionally used is a radio tuned in between channels. Mr. Baruss put forward that
the voices people were recording were the result of stray radio signals. Mr. Baruss
engaged in a common logical fallacy known as the self-fulfilling prophecy, using a
flawed methodology to reach his preconceived notions of the origins of EVP. Each of
these experiments represents the two extreme ends of the spectrum. The reality is
somewhere between these two examples. We commonly analyze the effect of something,
not the cause. I propose the answer lies in the interface. What I mean by that is, in any
environment here on the physical plane we are surrounded by noise. This noise is of two
basic types for our purposes in EVP research; Electromagnetic, and electric. Under
normal circumstances, these two forces, or noises, do not interact. However, there is an
interface. That interface is conductance. If conductance increases, suddenly an interface
occurs, and the high frequency electromagnetic noise interferes with the high frequency
electrical noise, and a beat occurs the net result of the beat is the difference in the
frequencies. That difference can be an audiop signal, derived from two high frequency
noise signals.
And it is electromagnetic in nature.
Bearing this in mind, we here at the SPI lab decided to build a third device,
Franks Box. Franks Website is mysteriously no longer in existence.
http://franksumption.tripod.com/index.html
In spite of this little setback, we were able to secure the plans, schematics and
theory of operation, and we built it. We have operated it and analyzed it. The schematic
of this device is on the next page. Close examination and comparison to similar devices
we have tested listed in the references will show the similarities in design. I will present a
series of schematics or diagrams that are representative of each communication device we
have tested. We will begin with the current device, Franks Box, and add the Spiricom
and Psychophone as references for comparison.
56
Franks Box
57
Spiricom
Note: In 1986 the author built a Mark IV Spiricom device and analyzed its design scope
and operation. The device did not perform as advertised. When the author contacted the
Metascience Foundation inc. to report the results of his experiments, i.e. the lack of
results matching the advertised performance, he was sent a copy of the above quoted
work with this statement:
58
Tens of thousands of hours spent over 25 years by hundreds of EVP

(electronic voice phenomenon) researchers in Europe have clearly
shown that some form of supplemental energy must be utilized to
permit even individual words or short phrases to reach a level of
audibility detectable even by a researcher with a highly acute sense of
hearing.
Eleven years of effort by 'Metascience researchers has established that
the energies involved in the different levels of the worlds of spirit are
not a part of the electromagnetic spectrum as science presently knows
it. To have any chance of sensing or detecting such energies it is
necessary to create some means of coupling the spirit energies to the
devices at our disposal - transceivers, speakers, microphones, tape
recorders, oscilloscopes, etc. Hence it seems that some form of
transformer, coupler or transducer must be utilized to serve as an
interface between the energies of the "dead" and the energies used in
our electronic devices.
Of the five different system design concepts explored by Metascience
researchers, only one has so far resulted in prolonged, two-way, normal
voice conversation. That system, which we call Mark IV , uses the
energy input from 13 different audio tones in what seems to be a more
effective and constant energy source than the miscellaneous energies
used by EVP researchers past and present. It also seems to use the
auric energy field of one of our technicians who is such an advanced
psychic that his clairaudient and clairvoyant abilities have on occasion
allowed him, to converse with and see the " dead " person. His energies
have, on at least one occasion, been utilized in a full body
materialization of a spirit form. To date, our only extensive two, way
conversations have been obtained when this technician is present in the
room in which the equipment is located.
Because of the above fundamental factors, we caution that merely
building equipment according to the diagram for Mark IV may result in a
waste of effort and money unless there is some form of highly charged
human energy field available for use in combination with the mixture of
13 audio tones.
In an effort to eliminate the need of a human energy field, three other
types of transducers are already being investigated by Metascience
Foundation researchers - electrically activated quartz crystal utilizing
ultraviolet light, living plants and the plasma of an open flame. These
are outlined in Chapter 10.
One of the principle reasons for releasing this technical manual now is
to encourage you and other researchers throughout the world to use
your inventive talents to explore and solve the many mysteries which
still separate us from the desired quality of communication.
The author was never able to get any viable results from the device, and as a
result, labeled the machine as a hoax. These conclusions were later reached by the
recently completed additional research of S. Rorke, P.H.D., Professor of Physics for
Loyola College, a BA in Communications Theory, a Master of Science degree, and is
currently pursuing post-doctorate research in the cognitive sciences. His theory,
Spiricom or Spiricon was featured on Ghostly Talk Paranormal Radio in 2006. The
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entire article is available at the Ghostly Talk website,

http://www.ghostlytalk.com/node/989
The Psychophone
This device is very similar in nature to the Spiricom, essentially using a series of
oscillators to generate random noise. The author built a device based on this schematic
and photo. Experiments were unable to produce any communication with the dead.
In this field of research we have to be very careful where electronics are
concerned. It is too easy to knowingly or unknowingly manipulate a device to get it to do
whatever your heart desires, and attribute it to some mysterious force. In our case, we
wanted to see how it performed, if it performed as promoted, and then what we could do
with it through manipulation. I spent some time with my Father-in-Law going over the
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schematics and we dissected Franks Box from beginning to end. My father-in-law is an

electrical Engineer, a P.E. in the State of New Jersey, and works for a major lab in the
Northeast. He is also a rocket scientist. He has been a great inspiration to me in the
debunking of some, investigating the reality of other paranormal phenomena, and finding
some answers. We noted after our analysis that the current device shares a lot with its
infamous predecessors, the Spiricom, and the Psychophone, which we have previously
debunked. We read through the theory of operation and discussed it in detail.
First of all we were highly entertained by the technical write up. The author
claimed to have little technical knowledge, and coined a term "Random Voltage
Generator". The correct term should be Gaussian Noise Generator. The designer employs
a simple reversed bias transistor circuit that generates Gaussian (White) noise.
A high gain amplification circuit then amplifies the noise. There are filter circuits
that effectively maintain the white noise operation firmly within the audio spectrum.
While there are many paragraphs dedicated to this circuit in the designers write up, the
simple reality is, it's a noise generator. It begins oscillating based on the first noise that it
picks up, which due to the unshielded design can be anything. The circuit continues to
randomly oscillate, with no particular order to its wandering. To further muddy the water,
an AM tuner is added to the input section. The entire input section is a mix of various
uncontrolled noise generators. Additionally, there is a speaker that is mounted in an
"Echo Chamber". This "chamber" is very small, so the echo is more imaginative than
quantitative.
My father-in-Law and I agree that what the BOX is electrically is a very crude
synthesizer. It beats AM, noise, background audio, and who knows what else that is
present and spits out uniquely modulated and demodulated audio. In fact, my Father-inLaw believed it would produce voices anywhere, haunted or not. I agreed with him in
theory, and we decided to build it.
I made a trip to the local supplier, as well as a few items purchased form MCM
Electronics, Digi-Key and the likes, until I had all of the parts required to build the box.
Since packaging wasnt a huge concern, I used an old bud box left over from my early
days of project building and spent a weekend putting the thing together. At last I was
ready to fire it up.
Power was applied, the switch thrown, and let there be noise. And there was.
The kid up the street with his GFRS Walkie-Talkie came through clear as a bell. My
neighbors cordless phone had no problems being received. I could clearly make out their
pizza order. The box performed admirably. It picked up every stray noise and broadcast
in the area. By manipulating the controls we could make it emulate a somewhat human
sounding voice. By mixing the various oscillators and noise inputs we also discovered
real voices. Talk radio shows, and other commercial broadcasts were detectable, although
we only got bits and pieces. At one point we duplicated the sound of Peter Frampton in
Do you feel like we do. We did not, however, hear anyone we could prove was dead.
As I stated, the device lacked proper shielding. As a result, it was an open door to
various stray signals, both modulated and unmodulated. This created obvious confusion
in determining the exact nature of what we were hearing.
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The antenna employed by the device is problematic as well. It is too small to

receive audio from the spirits, as a quarter-wave antenna for the 100 Hz in the audio
spectrum would be 2,460,000 feet long. Thats around 465 miles for a wave dipole.
It is also far too short for the AM receiver built in. Much to our astonishment, it is about
the size required to be a quarter wavelength for 2.4 GHz, which is the most active
frequency range in the RF band. This region contains wireless microphone transmitters,
cordless telephones, WiFi networks, and essentially everything covered by FCC
regulation 802.11.
However, as a result of our analysis, we are both deadly certain people are hearing
voices from this box. Is because of some new technology? No.
The basic truth is, this technology in various combinations exists in mass
quantities today all over America, and for that matter, the world. Early in my career as an
audio engineer we called them "Rock Concerts". Every day of the week, 24 days a week,
somewhere in the world all of this equipment in various configurations, is plugged in to a
huge amount of amplification, and sitting on a stage in front of thousands of people
complete with uncontrolled feedback (Although, todays synthesizers have significantly
more shielding than any of these communications boxes do). And while in my thirty
years of doing sound for live performance and designing large facility P.A. systems, I
have heard many forms of interference come through the various systems I have worked
with or designed, I have never once heard a dead relative, demon, or anything else
unnatural (although some of the music was questionable). I did hear a lot of CB radio
operators and Cab drivers, and lately, pizza orders.
It has been stated recently that only thirty people will ever be able to make
Franks Box work. As a scientific researcher who firmly believes in Newtonian and
Quantum Physics, a statement like this sets off bells in my head. As a test, for two weeks
I operated the box at different times of the day, under different conditions, in haunted and
non-haunted locations in an attempt to be one of the proposed magic 30 individuals that
Franks Box will function properly for. This logic would suggest that selective physics is
at work here, and according to Quantum Mechanics, it isnt operating on my brane.
So far, no verifiable dead persons voice has been recorded.
The fact remains that the truly astounding thing is I have talked to witnesses that
are firmly convinced that they have spoken to a dead loved one through this device.
Whether this is due to psychological factors, or psychic ability, people believe it works. It
is my belief, however, based on my own experiments, that the ability of the operator,
psychic or otherwise, is more responsible for this than the properties of the device itself.
After reviewing the design and operation, the same results would most likely be achieved
using a white noise generator, an AM radio tuned off frequency, and a crystal ball. Just to
prove a point, I arranged those devices together and ran a series of operations and
achieved the same results I recorded with Franks Box, the Spiricom, and the
Psychophone. No voices from the dead. Perhaps I should run all of the boxes at once to
improve my statistics for success.
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Editors Note: The following is the first in a series of articles outlining different
approaches to paranormal investigation. Inclusion of these articles is meant to spark
discussion between research groups and is not intended to endorse one particular
approach to research. We welcome additional submissions from individuals and
groups describing their methods of paranormal research.
The Humanistic Approach
Steven LaChance
The team at Missouri Paranormal Research takes a humanistic approach when
investigating paranormal phenomena.
What do we mean by humanistic? We use human dignity, reason, and scientific methods
to discover underlying causes for events that appear to be paranormal. When there are no
normal, logical explanations, what we have left is paranormal phenomena which needs to
be further investigated. We treat every investigation and client with dignity and respect
while using reason and science to research and understand a paranormal event.
My personal background has given me the opportunity to see this topic from both sides of
the fence. I have seen how difficult it is to be the client asking for help, and I have seen
how difficult it can to be offer help to clients. I would like to be able to say that finding a
respectable investigative group is an easy thing to do, however, in reality, it is completely
the opposite. There are many groups in existence with whom any one of us would be
ashamed to be associated. Their tactics are rude. They treat their clients like lab rats than
humans. Their assessments often lack logical reason and sometimes border on the
absurd. And, the use of science in their findings either can be completely lacking or to
the other side of the spectrum using science as their only means of research. They
completely ignore the human factors of dignity and reason.
Often the clients are not only left feeling more confused and frustrated, but also abused
and neglected by the wrong type of investigative group. What is hard for most so-called
investigative groups to wrap their minds around is that the clients are the experts on their
particular event. The investigative group should go in with an open mind and understand
that one of the biggest resources they have at hand the clients. In most cases, clients are
pushed to the side, and their input is ignored because the group is not able to set aside
their own preconceptions, baggage, and egos to take the time to listen to and learn from
the clients and, possibly earn the clients trust and respect.
I have personally been subjected to some nightmare situations involving investigative
groups, but please understand that there are some very good groups. However, as the
client, you need to sift through the bad groups to find the good.
Here are examples of some of the comments and/or bad behavior I have seen or heard
about involving the wrong type of investigative groups. These are direct quotes from
different clients of MISSOURI PARANORMAL RESEARCH.
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The woman wasnt in my house for more than two minutes before she took off shoes
and began rubbing her feet on my carpeting and furniture. And to make things worse
her feet smelled.
The investigator after about twenty minutes sat me down and told me that I needed to
institutionalize my 15 year old daughter. I dont know why. My daughter wasnt even
present. The investigator went as far as to give me a list of institution names.
My investigator told me that they would not be coming back to my house because they
were angry when they saw some photos of my house online.
Shortly after arriving at my house, one of the investigators was thrown against a wall
by something unseen. The investigation lasted about ten minutes longer and then
they left. That was three weeks ago and I still havent heard back from them.
My investigator would call me at 4am every night to discuss the situation with me.
They would wake my family up with their calls even though I requested that a more
normal business hour would be better for discussions.
They told me my house was possessed by a demon. And then they left.
When I tried to tell them what was going on in my house, they told me to please sit
quietly on the couch and let them make up their own minds.
The investigator went through my dresser drawers, leaving my bedroom a complete
mess.
The investigation team seemed more concerned about where they were going to eat
than the actual investigation at hand.
The investigation team arrived with over twenty people. They told me they were only
bringing two.
Two of the investigators were sitting across the street in their car smoking pot during
the investigation.
The team arrived and with them two cases of beer and various bottles of hard liquor.
They told me my house was being haunted by six different ghosts which they gave me
names for. The next group to come in told me that my house was haunted by five
different ghosts and then they gave me a set of different names. The next
investigation group said my house was haunted by seven different ghosts and then
gave seven completely different names from the others. Must have been a haunting
party at my house.
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The dowsing rods told them a great place to eat for barbecue?
The investigator gave my child a set of dowsing rods and told them to use these to
talk with the ghost?
Two of the investigators ganged up on my daughter and told her that she was
practicing witchcraft. When I asked them how they knew this, I was told they had a
psychic impression.
What is wrong with the paranormal research field when one sees and hears of this type of
behavior happening over and over again?
Not only do I feel that too many researchers treat their clients poorly, there is the
territorial issue which needs to be address. The MPR team believes in sharing
information gathered during investigations. This is the best way for all paranormal
researchers to understand the paranormal world around us. MPR has actually seen an
investigator give a client a guest list of who would be present during the investigation.
This list did not include the clients teenage daughter. Who was this investigator to
actually tell a client who could and could not be present in that house? The child was not
welcome in his/her own home? Was this respectful?
There are also stories of investigative groups that completely dismiss clients because they
have approached another group for advice. What is this all about? Are these
investigators so uncertain of their abilities that they dont welcome input from other
groups? Why do stories like these keep coming up over and over? How much damage is
done to the respectability of the field for the rest of us?
One of the biggest hurdles facing paranormal investigators is convincing ourselves that
we offer a service to our clients. Our pay for this service is the experience and knowledge
that we gain. We must remember that we are part of a service industry. We should offer
clients the same level of service they would expect from any other service industry. We
need to develop and adhere to a code of conduct that serves the best interest of our clients
and assures them that they are working with paranormal investigators whose
professionalism is beyond reproach.
Let me end on a positive note. There are many excellent groups working in the field of
paranormal investigation. Some of the best investigators are those who have personally
experienced and lived through an unexplained paranormal event themselves; those that
do find it easier to understand the client/investigator relationship.
The Ghost Stalkers of West Tennessee are an excellent investigative group with a heart
complemented with a certain southern charm. Another excellent group is S.I.G.H.T.
Although they travel in large numbers, the compassion and respect they show their clients
puts a big feather in their cap. I have also found The Mesa project is an excellent
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resource for investigators who need answers to their questions on the science of
investigation.
I could continue this list, however, until all groups understand the simple precepts of
dignity, reason, and science, until all groups understand that it is in the best interest of
their field to operate under a code of service, there will be groups that continue to damage
the reputations of ALL paranormal investigators by their behavior.
The hope for the future of this field is that all groups will come to this understanding and
open their minds to work together with others without territorial issues and bias. In the
end, we are all searching for the same thing: The Truth.
Final Editing by Lara Helbig.
Copyright 2004-2007, Steven LaChance, Founder of Missouri Paranormal Research
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Digital Infrared Photography

Scott A. Crownover
It has long been speculated that if ghosts do manifest, they do so slightly within
the infrared spectrum. This is a possibility considering that infrared is a longer
wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum and requires less energy than light that is
visible to our eyes.
We can see from about 400 nanometers to about 700+ nanometers. Infrared
extends past this. Near infrared is what we are working with. It ranges from just over
700 nanometers to past 1500 nanometers.
We get orbs of light that are not visible to our eyes when the photo is taken.
Many of these can be explained away as dust or moisture, but a few may not be dust or
moisture. If we cant see them, then why do they show up on our photos? This is
possibly due to the fact that film and digital cameras can see longer into the infrared
spectrum than the human eye can. This is easy to prove with a digital camera. Point any
remote control from a TV or VCR toward the lens of the camera. Push any button on the
remote and if you see a light in the view screen, your camera is sensitive to the near
infrared spectrum.
If the supposition were true that some of these orbs are visible in the infrared
spectrum, then it would stand to reason that infrared photography would be useful in
capturing images of apparitions. While there is no hard and fast data to prove this, it
would stand to reason that this is an area for exploration.
Infrared photography, however, is fraught with problems. Infrared film is
expensive. I have found it on Amazon.com for $11.49-$11.99 per 36 exposure roll.
There is no guarantee that it will be in good condition when it arrives. It is difficult to
handle, as it must be kept cool at all times. It must be loaded and unloaded in complete
darkness. Much experimentation is necessary to find what works best in your camera.
Unless you have your own darkroom, finding a lab that will develop it is very difficult.
All of these problems make the practical use of infrared film very difficult for
the average person. Infrared photography did hold promise, however. There are two
photographs that proved that there was merit to the concept.
Paranormal investigator Dale Kaczmarek and his team captured a photograph of a
woman sitting on a bench in Bachelors Grove cemetery in August of 1991. The team
that caught the photograph was using black and white infrared film. This image is
unusually clear and defined. This photograph has been the subject of much debate, but to
date no one has offered a rational explanation for this photograph.
In 1978, an unlikely haunting was happening in Sunnyvale, California. A ToysR-Us store was experiencing a great deal of paranormal phenomena. Finally they
contacted psychic Sylvia Brown who attempted to contact the entity there that she called
Yohan. She brought with her, on the night of the sance, a videographer and a still
photographer using infrared film. The resulting photograph shows what appears to be a
person standing in the aisle looking toward the group that was present. There are many
differing opinions on the photograph, some supportive, some critical. If this photograph
is genuine, then it is one of the best shots ever taken of a supposed apparition.
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All of this was running through my mind as I considered the dilemma of how to
use infrared photography in our work as paranormal investigators. I was further
frustrated by the fact that one of my favorite sites, the Gettysburg National Military Park,
was being restricted for nighttime photography. Night access is very restricted on the
field and most investigators take their photos at night. At Gettysburg, this leaves only
about an hour of darkness during the summer and slightly more during the off-season.
Most investigators use infrared cameras such as a Sony NightShot to film at night.
They can shoot infrared video and poor quality infrared stills with this camera, but what
about day video and higher quality infrared shots? We see moving orbs at night on the
video cameras that we use because the NightShot is specifically designed to record in
infrared when switched to the NightShot mode. Again, there are many explanations for
these orbs and you are entitled to your own opinion. But, how do we film this
phenomenon during the day? Those images were still only possible with the use of
standard infrared film, or were they?
My thought was that if a digital camera is infrared sensitive, I could possibly
block out the visible light and leave only infrared. I looked over literally hundreds of
websites on photography and discovered that it is possible to take infrared photos in
daylight without having to buy and process expensive infrared film. The solution was
simple, use an infrared filter on a digital camera. How did I arrive at this conclusion?
Digital cameras use CCDs, or charged couple devices to record the image instead
of film. They are sensitive to the infrared spectrum. If you place an infrared filter such
as a Wratten 87B or Hoya R72 on the camera, you can filter out most visible light. By
doing this, you are now able to take infrared photos in broad daylight.
There are some drawbacks to this system, however. With digital still infrared
photography, you need bright sunlight and a tripod. The filter (I use a Hoya R72)
requires a time exposure of to 1 second. This is too long for taking a freehand photo.
If your camera does not support the threads on the filter, simply use plumbers Teflon
tape to secure the filter in front of the lens. It will not leave any adhesive residue when it
is removed.
In addition to placing the camera on a tripod, it is necessary to take multiple
photos from the same angle in order to compare them with others in the series. It is also
imperative to have at least one other person with you while you are taking photographs,
that way; there is verification that no one was in the frame when the photo was taken.
Because of the distances involved, anyone in your frame, even at a distance will be
visible. Anyone moving in the distance will appear as a blur. This is where multiple
observers are a great asset to the session.
If you set a video camera next to your still camera, you can have a record of
everything that transpired during your photography session. This will also serve as
verification of the events in front of the camera.
The first person outside of the Ghost Research Foundation to evaluate this new
technique was Mark Nesbitt. Mark is an author, historian, paranormal investigator and
the foremost authority on the history and hauntings in Gettysburg. I had taken a photo at
Devils Den in Gettysburg that showed two apparitions that were not visible in the frame
at the time the photo was taken. Mark was kind enough to give us his opinion and
permission to use it.
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No longer are ghost investigators limited to time restraints placed by historical sites;
paranormal photographs can be taken in broad daylight and results can be seen practically
instantaneously. The technique more than doubles the amount of time an investigator can
work a site, increasing the odds of capturing the elusive full apparition, and proving, as
we all know, that ghosts dont just come out at night.
--Mark Nesbitt
I have not been the only person to use this technique successfully. Craig Rupp
took a photograph on Little Round Top that shows an apparition looking over the rock
that is home to General Warrens statue. A comparison photograph taken later, shows
that the ground is currently too high to reproduce a similar effect.
Still cameras are not the only way to work with infrared in the daylight. There are
filters available for video cameras as well. Most video cameras will accept a threaded
filter. I personally use a Sony TRV-480 with an M&K 1000 filter. This allows me to use
the NightShot feature in broad daylight without damage to the camera.
Using infrared filters now gives paranormal investigators the ability to conduct
investigations during the day at sites that are normally inaccessible at night. Once more
investigators start using these methods, I believe we will see some surprising results.
I would like to thank Mark Nesbitt for his support and professional opinion as
well as his vast knowledge of the history and hauntings of Gettysburg. I do believe that
as researchers, if we share our knowledge, the field will definitely benefit from it. Of
course, as with any new methodology, more use and testing will be required to see what
the full capabilities are.
To view some of the photographs that we at the Ghost Research Foundation have
taken, go to our website at www.ghostsrus.com
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Devils Den Apparition
Taken on March 18th, 2006 by Scott A. Crownover. No one was visible in the frame when the picture was
taken. Confirmed by Mark Davis of the Ghost Research Foundation
Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum Apparition
Taken on April 6th, 2006 by Scott A. Crownover. No one visible was on the platform. Confirmed
by Scott Cessna, Executive Director of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum. Mr. Cessna was
standing inside the doors and verified that no one was outside on the platform.
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Little Round Top Apparition
Taken by Craig Rupp, 2007. Craig used a different camera, but the same filter, a Hoya R72.
Notice the apparition is semi-transparent.The following confirmation photos were taken on Little Round
Top on June 9, 2007. They show Scott and a Re-enactor standing next to the rock. Notice that the base of
the rock has been built up and does not correlate to Craigs photo.
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IR and Color Comparisons
These were taken in Bedford County of an abandoned railroad bridge. They show the difference between
infrared and color photographs.
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The Ouija Board Experiment

Kenneth Biddle
The Ouija Board, whether we like it or not, is a part of our culture. You would be hardpressed to find someone who didnt know what the Ouija Board is, though the actual
definitions will vary. Ouija is the belief that on can receive messages from the deceased
by use of a Ouija Board during a sance (Wikipedia, 2007). Some true believers claim
that a spirit is contacted, which then spells out messages. Skeptics hold the belief that
those using the board are either consciously or unconsciously moving the pointer to the
desired answer (Carroll, 2007). Religious fanatics claim that the Ouija Board (as well as
Tarot, Crystal Balls, Psychics, etc) are of the devil and are evil (Stewart, 2007). Some
believe that the Ouij Board really does work, but only evil spirits can be contacted
(Peters, 2005) These devices have also been known as Talking Boards, witch boards,
oracle boards, spirit boards, and most recently, channeling boards.(Museum of Talking
Boards, 1996).
The board usually consists of a simple design in which all the letters of the alphabet are
listed. In addition, numbers from 0 to 9, and the words Yes and No are also
included. These simple designs can be found on the vastly popular game produced by
Hasbro, or extremely elaborate designs made by custom designers. The designs really
have no bearing on the activity, just how the board looks. The basic use of a Ouija Board
is as follows; volunteers (also known as Users) sit around a table on which a Ouija Board
is placed. The Users place their fingers lightly on the planchette and begin moving it
around the board in a circular motion. This act warms up the board (Wagner, 2007).
The Users can begin asking questions with the assumption that a spirit will make contact,
spelling out messages by manipulating the planchette.
There is debate about whether the messages come from supernatural entities or are some
form of psychological phenomenon originating from the players (MTB, 1996). A
controlled experiment would help us to settle the dispute of whether the reputation of a
Talking Board is from years and years of false claims or if there actually is something to
it. The only way to do this, for us, would be to set up a controlled experiment, document
the results and come to a logical conclusion.
The History
The first Ouija, or Talking Board was invented...well, no one seems to really know the
answer to that one. Some sites and experts claim that the Ouija Board has been around
since the time of the Roman Emperor Valens, back in the fourth century. It's also thought
to have been used by the Greeks since before the time of Christ (Crystal, 1997). The first
historical mention of a device that matches the description of a Ouija Board can be found
in China sometime around 1200 BC. It was a method of divination called Fu Ji
(Wikipedia, 2007) Others claim the device is much younger than that (Whitaker, 1999).
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The roots of the modern Ouija Board can really be traced back to year 1848, when two
sisters named Kate and Margaret Fox made headlines and would change the world as we
know it. They were the infamous Fox Sisters, which anyone with an interest in the
paranormal should be aware of (to some degree). It was inside a small cabin in
Hydesville, New York that an event took place that would soon become a world-wide
movement (MTB, 1997). They claimed to have contacted the spirit of a deceased peddler
by the name of Charles Hayne (Church of Living Truth, 1999). It was not long before
word spread of their communication with the other side. The Fox sisters became famous
practically overnight, showing off their powers in public forums. And so began an
obsession that spread all across the United States and Europe. This obsession was what is
now considered the birth of modern Spiritualism (Darroch, 2000)
The sisters used a series of knocks and raps that answered yes and no. Eventually
they assigned a code that corresponded with the letters of the alphabet. Using this code,
they were able to spell out longer and more detailed messages (Wikipedia, 2007). The
code was soon developed into a technique called Table Turning (also called Table
Tilting) by other mediums, which were now popping up everywhere. The medium, along
with the attending sitters, would lightly rest their fingers on top of a table. Before long,
the table would begin to tilt and move, knocking on the floor to spell out messages from
the other side (Fodor, 2007). This form of communication was further developed into an
easier (and less noisy) form of communication with a primitive planchette, which was
made of a small basket with a pencil through the middle. The Medium would place their
hand on the basket and make contact with a disembodied spirit. The basket would begin
moving, using the pencil to spell out messages (Ask Yahoo, 2002). The basket gave way
to other devices in an attempt to make communication between the spirits and the living
much easier. Eventually, the devices actually became a burden, and so it was simply
dropped from use by many mediums in favor of the trance state (MTB, 2007).
However, there were still many out there who were determined to build new and
improved devices. Things got out of control for a while, with devices that were much
too complicated to be used in a practical sense.
The earliest known patent for a talking board is located in the patent offices of London,
England. The patent was filed on January 23, 1854 by Adolphus Wagner, who was a
professor of music and resident of Berlin of the Kingdom of Prussia. Mr. Wagner
described his device as a Psychograph, or apparatus for indicating persons thoughts by
the agent of nervous electricity. The patent plainly identifies the device as a Taking
Board. However, Mr. Wagner, by the full description he submitted for the patent,
clearly believes that it was the unintentional movements of the participants, and not the
spirits of the dead, that created the messages spelled out on the board (AAC, 2007).
The Ouija board was first introduced to the American public in 1890 as a parlor game
sold in novelty shops. In 1891, U.S. Patent 446054 was granted to Elijah J. Bond and
Charles Kennard for the first modern Ouija Board. With the help of E.C. Reiche, the
three men had created an entirely new alphanumeric design. They sold their novelty as
a package, a planchette and printed board together (Wikipedia, 2007). This gave the
Board its classic double arcs of letters. Numbers from 0 to 9 were in a line below the
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letters, and the words YES and NO were placed in the upper corners. The word
Goodbye was at the bottom of the board, and used when the spirit was finished
delivering messages. Mr. Kennard eventually lost his company and it was taken over by
his former foreman, William Fuld, in 1892. William reinvented the history of the Ouija
Board, making himself the actual inventor of the Board. He claimed that the name came
from the French word "oui" for yes, and the German "ja" for yes. Whether he believed
these claims himself or was simply amused by his stories is lost to history (Spirited
Ventures, 2002)
In 1966 the Parker Brothers purchased the rights to the Ouija Board and shifted its
manufacturing facilities to Salem, Massachusetts. The Ouija Board ended up outselling
the game of Monopoly in its first full year at Salem. Over two million copies of the Ouija
Board were shipped (MTB, 1996). Today, these boards can be found in a variety of
different shapes, sizes and colors. You can find ones printed on the back covers of certain
books, or in antique shops and everywhere in between. The Ouija Board has been fused
into our culture, and it doesn't look like it'll fade away any time soon.
Method
Participants
There were eight participants included in executing this experiment. Two participants are
deemed the Experimenters, as they were charge with setting the guidelines. Six
volunteers were chosen by their willingness to participate under the guidelines set forth,
as well as their individual beliefs on the validity of whether the Ouija Board is actually a
communication device.
Experimenter #1 is a 35 year old Male who was in charge of the experiment.
Experimenter #2 is a 25 year old Female, chosen to assist
Volunteer #1 is a 34 year old Female
Each member of the Female team held a belief that these devices worked, in varying
degrees, as the reputation states they do. All had related stories of how the boards
worked when they were young.
Volunteer #4 is a 26 year old Male
Each member of the Male team expressed serious doubt in the validity of the boards
claim as a communication device between the living and the deceased.
Ok, let's go over the details of the experiment. Several members of PIRA set up in a
location where activity has been documented on several investigations conducted by my
team. The name and exact location of the site must remain anonymous, out of respect for
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the owners who allowed the experiment to take place. Documented activity from this site
includes apparition sightings, EVP recordings, objects moving on their own and
unexplained alarm triggers. The site was chosen due to this activity, under the assumption
that this would be our best chance of having the Board function as it is expected.
Procedure
1- The Board we used was made specifically for this experiment. Kenny (the author)
made the board himself, using a design that was unique. After much research, the design
does not resemble anything used in the past or the present. Kenny also made the
planchette that was to be used. The purpose was so that none of the participants working
on the board could have had any prior knowledge of what the board looked like or even
a general layout of the letters, numbers and words (additional words were included on our
board that had a significant connection to the site).
2- The volunteers, when seated, were blindfolded during the entire time the board was
out. This was done to prevent anyone from manipulating the planchette, either voluntarily
or involuntarily. Aside from those who whole-heartedly believe these devices work, there
are just as many who believe that the movements that appear to be "from a spirit" are
really the participants moving the planchette themselves...just on an unconscious level.
Absolutely no prior knowledge of the layout prevented unconscious manipulation.
3- The board was not shown to anyone who volunteered to work the board itself. In
other words, if they were sitting there with their hands on the planchette, they never got
to see the board until the entire experiment was officially over.
76
4- There were two participants designated to ask the questions, both of which were NOT
working on the board. They stood near the board or sat at the table, but did not put their
hands on the board itself. This was to prevent the volunteers (working on the board) from
manipulating the experiment with questions to which they already knew the answers.
5- For this experiment, I used two teams of three participants. The teams were further
divided up by gender. Upon review of interview notes taken prior to testing, it was found
that the females in the experiment shared a belief that these devices really worked, even
relating past incidents to back up their belief. The male on the second team had shared a
belief of neutrality. They were not convinced one way or another if the Ouija Board is a
genuine tool for communicating with the deceased. Future testing will include mixed
teams of different gender and beliefs.
6- The entire experiment would be documented by photography, video and audio
recordings. This would not only allow us to go back and review the experiment with
greater detail, but would also allow us document any other activity that might be going on
at that time.
7- Questions during each session include general interview types, as well as site-specific
types. Site-specific questions made use of the vast amount of research that was done on
the building and the significant people who had been involved in its history. The idea
behind such questions was to increase the chances that the device might yield positive
results.
Brief Transcript of Questions;
Weve left a chair open, would anyone like to join us?
Can you spell out your name?
What is your age?
Where are you from?
Can you tell us the number of people sitting at the table?
Were you employed by this establishment?
What was your occupation?
How long were you employed here?
Are you a man? A woman? A child?
Were you present during the fire which partially destroyed the building?
Are you the little girl thats been seen on the balcony?
My name is Kenny; can you spell my name out on the board? (I called out the letters
of my name)
Of the colors listed on the board, what would be your favorite?
There are two names listed on the board, do you know either one?
Which name do you know?
Did you work for either of these people?
What faith do you follow?
Are you married?
What is the name of your spouse?
What year do you believe it is?
77
Are you able to control the planchette? (the planchette was introduced prior to
questioning)
Experiment
The teams were separated and the experiment began with the female team. They gathered
around a table, took a seat and got comfortable. The blindfolds were put in place and they
were checked to be sure that the participants could not see anything. After all seemed
secure, the board was brought out and placed between the ladies. We started by having
them simply rest their fingers on the planchette. They did the customary few circles
around the board to "warm it up", then stopped. The Experimenter spoke up, announcing
the name of each participant, than began asking simple questions.
We attempted several types of questions, along with different ways of working the board.
Research into how the Ouija Board is supposed to be operated shows that techniques vary
depending on the person or team you consult. We tried the most popular methods during
the several sessions conducted by the women.
After several minutes of questioning, the only thing the happened was that the planchette
would stop moving. The girls had begun moving the planchette in a figure 8 as the
questions were being asked. At times, it would simply stop moving. Unfortunately, it
never landed over any letter, number or word. Being able to view the scene from outside
the "circle", it simply appeared that the girl's arms were getting tired from holding them
up off the table for so long.
Next, we had the male team come in. They set up in much the same fashion that the
ladies had done; they were seated, blindfolded and checked. The board was brought out
of hiding again and placed between the guys. The rules were again explained to them and
we began. We went through more questions, even having the guys ask some questions
themselves. The results were basically the same as the session with the women. The only
difference was that the planchette was not stopping at random. The guys kept the
planchette moving in a circle until they were asked to stop. They also did the figure 8
motion and even had it sitting still...all with no effect.
The Results
We spent about 45 minutes on each session, altogether lasting a little over an hour and a
half. We took every precaution we could think off in order to prevent any possibility of
human manipulation. We held the experiment at a known, haunted location. We asked
approximately 35 questions during each session, which were a mix of general and sitespecific. We tried various methods in setting up, delivery of questions and manipulation
of the planchette. After the more popular methods were used, we continued with any and
every technique we could recall.
78
However, even being in a location to which I am convinced there was activity, the board
displayed absolutely no mystical powers. None of the participants reported feeling the
planchette attempting to move on its own at any time during the sessions. In fact, the
participants didnt report anything out of the ordinary, even though other teams were
reporting activity in other sections of the site.
Now, some may argue that because we blindfolded the participants, we actually hindered
the spirit's ability to use the "mediums" to get the message across. In fact, the majority of
those we interviewed, who shared a total belief that these devices are genuine, claim that
the spirits must use the mediums eyes to see the board and manipulate the planchette in
the proper manner. However, if we stick with this train of thought, there would be no way
to determine whether a spirit was the cause, or if it was actually the medium. In order to
verify that the messages from beyond are actually from the other side, the participant
variable must be controlled. If you can see the board, and you have even the slightest
amount of imagination, you can develop a decent spirit and an entire background. Who
would be the wiser?
It may be questioned why I have not attempted a similar experiment at a location without
any reported activity. This condition will take place during a future experiment.
However, I find this to be counter-productive to the purpose of the experiment. It was our
intention to verify if the board could relay messages from the other side. Setting up in a
location with no known activity would be fuel for true believers, allowing them to state
that there simply were no entities present during our experiment. By setting up the
experiment in a location where I have confirmed (in my own opinion) paranormal
activity, this at least provides the best possible situation in favor for this device to work.
Discussion
My experience with this device, both during the experiments and playing with them in
my youth, have shown me that they are simply toys; nothing more than a flat piece of
wood and a plastic slider with a hole in the middle. There is nothing mystical about them
in any sense, save for the power they have to easily convince the gullible that a spirit is
present. Many years ago, I sat down on the floor with several friends to play with one.
For the first few minutes, nothing was going on. I became board, and so decided to spice
up the night. With gentle pressure, I was easily able to manipulate the planchette across
the entire board. I spelled out the name of a spirit - Jesdin and proceed to spin a tale that
shocked my audience. Jesdin described himself as an older man who passed away due
to a heart attack. He had come forward to warn my friend John that he would soon die
as well, if he did not do something about his lifestyle. Jesdin also mentioned that John
would die because of his heart. My friends were completely convinced that we were
speaking with a spirit. They would jump back and inhale sharply when bad news would
be spelled outfrightened to continue, but they did. We all left that night, all convinced
that they had made contact with the other side. I never told them it was me, and my
buddy John became a Paramedic.
79
The power that this toy has over the human psyche is amazing, even bordering on
mystical. However, the cause of the power has nothing to do with the supernatural; its
purely the product of either of two conditions. The first condition is the need that certain
individuals have; a need to believe in something. This need over-rides rational
thinking, allowing one to disregard facts and common sense in order to make what they
want to believe... true. The second condition pertains to the Frauds; those people who
attempt to gain your money by pretending that their Ouija Board is communicating with
the dead. These people spin wild tales about spirits in the house that explain why a
house may be haunted.
I had posted on several message boards asking for anyone who had had a Sance at their
house, conducted by an outside medium, that made use of an Ouija Board. I received 23
e-mails from individuals with very similar stories; they all were having activity in their
houses and had called on a psychic, Medium or other individual to help. These
individuals arrived and set up their Ouija Board in order to make contact with entities that
were thought to be residing in the residence. All 23 contacts related to me similar stories,
in which contact with a spirit was made and the cause of the entitys presence had been
identified and resolved. Each house was declared free of spirits. All 23 accounts reported
no change in the amount activity.
Now, I did receive reports of these boards working fantastic conversations and helping
lost souls to cross over. However, these reports were from those who made a business of
using these boards to contact the other side. These reports could not be used for my
survey, since there was an obvious bias involved. Of course, 23 accounts does not cover
the world-wide use of these devices, but I was unable to obtain any further personal
stories (I only accepted first-hand accounts).
The bottom line is that the Ouija Board is a tool, but not one for speaking with spirits of
any kind. Its a tool for people who desperately need to believe in something. Its a tool
for relieving gullible people of their hard-earned money. The only power this toy has is
what people give itnothing more. Decades of trickery, gullibility and consumer
promotion has ingrained the Ouija Board into our culture and imagination as a device of
the dead.
80
References
All About the Occult website, 2007
Ask Yahoo (2002). What is the History of the Ouija Board?
http://ask.yahoo.com/20020715.html
Belanger, J. (1999). Ouija Boards- Just a Game?

Carroll, R. T. (200), The Skeptics Dictionary, http://skeptic.com/ouija.html
The Church of the Living Truth, (1999). The Fox Sisters and the Spiritualism
Movement.
Crystal, E. (1997). Ouija Boards.
Darroch, S. (2000). The birth of spiritualism The story of the Fox sisters.
www.pararesearchers.org/Psychic/fox/fox.html
Fodor, N. Encyclopedia of Psychic Science.
Museum of Taking Boards, 1996 (Also refered to as MTB)

Peters, J. S. (2007). Catholic Answers
www.catholic.com
Spirited Ventures, Cryptique website, 2002
http://www.cryptique.com/history.html
Stewart, D. J. (2007). Ouija Boards are of the Devil.

Wagner, S. (2007). Paranormal.About.com
Whitaker, D. (1999). History of the Ouija Board.
Wikipedia website, 2007
81
The Relationship between Belief and Paranormal Experiences: A Literature

Review
Tonya M. Keyser
Abstract
The role that belief plays in the field of paranormal investigation is often overlooked.
This article examines some of the issues that field researchers face, both as a participant
in investigating haunting and in interpreting information given to them by witnesses. The
relationship between belief in the paranormal and a variety of personal characteristics is
examined. While not intended to be inclusive of all literature focused upon the
relationship between belief and perceived paranormal experiences, this article provides
an overview and introduction to the topic.
Belief is so much a part of the personality of individuals, so much a part of their
entire experience as a human being, that it is easy to be unaware of its impact upon our
perceptions. A good researcher who wants to conduct responsible, scientific
investigations of reportedly haunted locations needs to be aware of the power of belief to
cloud judgment. The investigator needs to be aware of beliefs power to change
perceptions. Most importantly, he needs to understand that belief does not necessarily
change when evidence that is contrary to that belief is presented.
It is very difficult to remain objective in the face of strong beliefs. Reasoning
objectively about data and arguments that contradict prior beliefs is often seen as the
quintessence of critical thought (Stanovich & West, 1997, p. 342). Belief is powerful
and can permeate all aspects of an individuals life. Therefore, it is a very important
consideration when investigating claims of the paranormal. Many of those claims
originate with the belief that the paranormal is reality. Therefore, understanding the
relationship between belief and the reporting of paranormal experiences is important
when investigating these claims. Paranormal researchers should have a basic knowledge
about factors that correlate with belief in the paranormal. A degree in psychology is
certainly not necessary for effective research in this field, but a basic understanding of the
relationship between belief and paranormal experiences is critical. This article outlines
many of the factors that can influence belief, as well as some of the ways that belief can
influence our experiences.
There has been a great deal of research regarding traits that correlate with belief in
the paranormal. People who have such beliefs are more likely to attribute life outcomes
to things out of their control (Adams & Shea, 1979). For example, such a person would
say that they dont have enough money because their electric bill was more than usual
due to a harsh winter. They might not attribute their lack of funds to the new computer
they chose to purchase. One researcher suggests that belief in the paranormal may
support individuals in satisfying their need to understand life events and to give them a
sense of control over the world (Irwin, 1992). For example, paranormal belief has been
correlated with childhood physical abuse. Victims of abuse may have such a sense of
lack of control over their lives that they seek out ways to gain this sense of control and to
understand life. One study looked at the correlation between specific types of paranormal
82
belief among victims of abuse. The strongest relationships were found among those
types of belief most strongly associated with a sense of control, such as witchcraft,
spiritualism, precognition, and psi (Perkins & Allen, 2006).
People who have a high need for affiliation with others, and those who report
lower levels of self-esteem are more likely to be believers in paranormal phenomena
(Adams & Shea, 1979; Tobacyk et al, 1984; Tobacyk & Milford, 1983; Killen et al,
1974). Intelligence and education are related to supernatural belief. Research indicates
that lower scores on tests of intelligence correspond with a greater likelihood of belief in
the paranormal (Smith et al, 1998). Education level, along with denial of analytic
knowledge, has been shown to negatively correlate with belief in the paranormal (Sjoberg
& Wahlberg, 2002). However, other research suggests that there is no correlation
(Goode, 2002). It is important to note that mere correlation between these factors does
not equal causation. For example, low scores on intelligence tests do not necessarily
cause or automatically lead to belief in the paranormal. They have merely been shown to
be statistically related.
There are a variety of other personal characteristics that correlate with belief in
the paranormal. There is a positive correlation between creativity, sensation seeking, and
belief in the paranormal (Davis et al, 1974). One study examined the relationship
between activity in the right hemisphere of subjects brains in relation to paranormal
belief. The right hemisphere of the brain has been associated with creativity. They found
that individuals who had stronger belief in paranormal phenomena showed greater
activation of the right hemisphere during rest periods (Pizzagalli et. al., 2000).
According to the authors, in this region of the brain it is more likely that uncommon
associations will be made while processing information for meaning. In a later study,
Pizzagalli et al (2001) suggest that there is a relationship between formation of
paranormal beliefs and the formation of more distant semantic relationships. The
formation of these distant semantic relationships is also a characteristic of creativity.
However, making these uncommon associations may make an individual more likely to
jump to a paranormal explanation for an experience, using these distant associations.
Fantasy proneness is also a factor that influences the likelihood of labeling events
as supernatural (Irwin, 1991). Psychopathology has been linked to paranormal belief;
individuals with psychiatric diagnoses are more likely to believe in paranormal events
(Thalbourne, 1998; Jackson, 1997). Psychological profiles, whether through the use of a
formal instrument or an informal profile, of those who have experienced paranormal
phenomena in a location should be a part of the documentation and report from any
haunted location. It would be irresponsible to not include this information, or at least
make note of its absence.
While there are formal ways of obtaining this information, such as through the use
of the Magical Ideation Scale or the Paranormal Belief Scale, a great deal of relevant
information can be obtained through the use of interview techniques and observation.
The Magical Ideation scale is a 30-item questionnaire that includes items related to belief
in paranormal phenomena. Scores on the MI scale range from 0 to 30, with higher scores
indicating more pronounced magical thinking. The scale is published in full in Eckblad
and Chapman, 1983 (Mohr et. al., 2003).
It is not necessary to have a psychologist or psychiatrist involved in an
investigation regarding reports of ghostly activity. It is merely important that
83
investigators have an understanding of the current research regarding the relationship

between the human brain, belief, and the reporting of paranormal experiences.
Furthermore, it is important to include relevant information regarding current research in
this area in an investigative report.
The emotional state of an individual can also be an indicator of their propensity to
believe in the supernatural. An increase in paranormal belief is linked to negative
emotional states (Dudley, 1999; Pizzagalli et al, 2000). When in such a state, our ability
to think critically and process information declines (MacLeod & Mathews, 1991). It is
possible that working memory overload is responsible, at least in part, for this (MacLeod
& Donnellan, 1993). Therefore, when we are in a negative emotional state, it is more
likely that we will not think critically. Since the absence of critical thought is linked to
labeling events as paranormal, it follows that a negative emotional state could lead to a
greater likelihood that we will think we are experiencing something that is supernatural,
or to an increased willingness to accept claims of the paranormal (Dudley, 1999). One
example of this could be the large number of people who experience grief apparitions, or
apparitions of someone in their life who recently passed away. Those people are
typically in a negative emotional state, and therefore more likely to label an event as
paranormal. Their judgment has been impaired by the strain placed upon their working
memory. While it is possible that they have experienced something paranormal, their
emotional state at the time lessens that possibility and should be noted in an investigative
report.
Postmortem, or grief, apparitions do have some additional possible natural
explanations. The chemistry in the brain also offers some explanations that are
alternative to the paranormal ones. Persinger (1993) studied brain functioning and its
link to postmortem apparitions. When we grieve, there is an increase in corticotrophin in
the brain. There is also a suppression of nocturnal melatonin levels, typically occurring
between midnight and 6 am. There is also a normal decrease in melatonin before normal
dreams. When combined with the suppressed melatonin, and an additional geomagnetic
trigger, the likelihood of experiencing an apparition increases. When you combine this
increased likelihood with the decreased judgment described earlier, it is easy to
understand why this phenomenon is reported with such frequency! A responsibly written
report of an investigation into such reported phenomena would include this information.
Regardless of evidence to the contrary, people continue to hold onto what they
have always held to be true. Studies have found that people adhere to their beliefs when
the original evidential basis of the beliefs is shown to be flimsy, false, or nonexistent
(Davies, 1997, 562). People tend to retrieve or attend to evidence that confirms their
beliefs (Ross & Anderson, 1982). This then helps to maintain beliefs even after evidence
has been discredited. Once relationships have been established and causal connections
made, they become independent of the evidence itself. When this evidence is discredited,
the explanation nevertheless remains intact and available to sustain the belief (Tversky
& Kahneman, 1973).
An example of the continuation of belief in spite of discredited evidence is the
belief that photographs of orbs are good evidence for ghosts. The appearance of orbs in
photographs coincides with the advent of cameras that have the lens and flash in close
proximity. The angle of reflection increases the chance that dust particles will be
illuminated close to the lens of the camera. When this occurs, white spots can appear in
84
photographs. There are many paranormal investigators who discuss this fact, but still
post numerous orb photos on their websites as evidence for ghosts. Their belief is
independent of the evidence.
It is critical that researchers remain aware of the perseveration of beliefnot only
in themselves, but also when investigating the claims that others have made. Belief can
cloud the perception of events and the reporting of those events. Prior belief biases
human reasoning (Baron, 1995; Broniarczyk & Alba, 1994; Evans et al, 1993; Markovits
& Nantel, 1989; Oakhill et al, 1989). Bias is one of the most significant areas that
paranormal researchers tend to ignore when conducting investigations and preparing
reports of those investigations.
Belief in ghosts, in fact, has been shown to lead to an increase in experiences. In
addition, it is more likely that those people will attribute those experiences to ghosts.
Prior belief could increase the likelihood that people report unusual experiences
(Wiseman et al, 1997) or believe the experiences that others have reported, regardless of
the logical explanations that might very well exist. A glaring example is the popularity of
the paranormal on television today. There are several programs in which people
purportedly are investigating haunted locations in a scientific manner. People who
believe in ghosts are more likely to believe that what they are seeing on television is
actually occurring as they see it. It is very easy to manipulate video, sometimes in very
subtle ways, to influence the experience of the viewer. What you see presented by the
media is often inaccurate and sensationalized.
Lange et al (1996) analyzed over 900 reports of ghostly experiences. About 60%
of those reports overtly stated there was some form of suggestion prior to the report of the
experience. These suggestions included advertising, rumors, and knowledge of reports of
previous experiences. Would you be more likely to attend a ghost investigation at a
popular, well-publicized location that had been featured on documentaries and television
shows, or an investigation at the local trailer park? Not only does suggestion play a role
in reports of hauntings, but it also plays a role in locations that are being investigated.
Not only is it more likely that investigators will report experiences as paranormal, but it is
also more likely that more investigations will occur there, adding to the stories and
popularity, and therefore the likelihood of additional suggestibility.
Wiseman et. al. (2003) examined the role of suggestion in evaluating an
experience. Subjects took part in a fake sance. During the sance, it was suggested that
a table levitated, when in fact, it did not. About one-third of participants reported that the
table levitated. There was a correlation between subjects belief in the paranormal and
whether or not they confirmed the levitation of the table.
Prior belief increases suggestibility (Wiseman et al, 1997). Suggestion can also
lead to reports of experiences. When given a suggestion that paranormal activity has
occurred in a location, there is an increase in the number of reports of physical,
emotional, psychic, and mystical experiences (Lange & Houran, 1997). While giving
ghost tours at Fort Mifflin in Philadelphia, members of the Philadelphia Ghost Hunters
Alliance typically related a story to tourists during the tour. This story centered around a
man kept prisoner in that location, and included reports that women frequently felt as if
they were being choked. Without exception, on each tour at least one woman reported to
the tour guides that she had felt as if she could not breathe while in that location. The
power of suggestion, coupled with their belief in ghosts, and topped off with the
85
physiological changes in the body that fear can cause, all contributed to this choking
sensation. If this had occurred on an actual investigation, any mention of these
phenomena in a report would need to include the information that individuals had been
told a story mentioning the same phenomena. It cannot be considered good evidence.
Many people believe that cleansing rituals can rid their homes of ghosts. There
are many evidential cases that suggest that experiences often dwindle or completely stop
following a ritual conducted by a person who claims to be an authority. While this
evidence cannot entirely be discounted, it is important to note that other factors could
play a role in the perception of decreased paranormal experiences following a ceremony.
The cessation of the experiences following a communal cleansing ceremony could be
accounted for by a suggestion effect, coupled with a persons belief that such rituals can
rid a place of paranormal activity (Terhune, 2004).
Belief is a very powerful construct, with complex underlying psychological
processes. In order to be able to present data that skeptics and the scientific community
will find worthwhile, it is imperative that one understands how belief influences our
perceptions. As researchers, we need to always be aware of the power of our words and
our actions. We need to be careful regarding claims that we make. We need to be
sensitive to the nature of the study of paranormal phenomena and how our beliefs and the
beliefs of others can influence this study. This is not, however, our only area of concern
when investigating claims of the paranormal. We also need to follow strict protocols and
gather data in an ethical and scientifically sound manner, incorporating knowledge from a
wide range of fields, of which psychology is only one. When this information is reported
in a public forum, such as on a website, at a conference, or in a published report, it needs
to be accurate and complete.
86
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ABOUT THE JOURNAL

The Journal of Paranormal Research is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the scientific

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

Psychological and Parapsychological Aspects of Electromagnetic Fields

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The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

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unexplained spontaneous fires, floating globes or orbs of light, strange responses by

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

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List household members:

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

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Erratic functioning of electrical or mechanical equipment)

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Research Center Where the Project Will Be Conducted

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Electronic Voice Phenomena and Local Sidereal Time:

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Figure 1: Sidereal day vs. solar day.

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successfully recorded in a double screened room at the Institute of Noetics Sciences in

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

Table 1 below provides a summary of the results.

Total number of sessions

Positive EVP sessions

Negative EVP sessions

Total number of EVPs recorded

Portion of positive EVP sessions

Mean number of EVPs recorded

Mean Ap-index for 13:50 LST

Correlation between Ap-index

Correlation between Ap-index

Table 2. Summary of statistical analyses.

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

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The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

Review of Ancient Chinese Science of Feng Shui

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The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

activity such as a haunting is not discounted in Feng Shui. A haunting is viewed as a

Bad Energy Pattern

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

Because the sample size for

The Journal of Paranormal Research Vol 1, Issue 1

closeness to the property) is considered harmful. Additionally, this was a