So You Want to Be a Paranormal Investigator

Ever since the “Para-TV Boom” of the early 2000s, the field of paranormal research has grown in popularity, despite the fact that it often draws a great deal of criticism and doesn’t exactly provide a sure-fire way to earn a living. Although parapsychology encompasses many areas, we choose to focus specifically on ghosts and hauntings, feeling that focusing our efforts and education on one specific area of interest is the most effective way to further our research. We tend to receive two common inquiries, so we will address them both here. One is where you can get an education in this field, and the other is what skills you need to be a paranormal researcher and investigator.

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

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

Regardless of which suits you, you do need to be willing to educate yourself on the basic methods. Even the most casual of ghost hunters needs to exercise responsibility, respect, critical thinking, and common sense. However, if you are looking are to do more….

Where can you “go to school” to be a parapsychologist? While there is no accredited post graduate degree in parapsychology in the United States, some colleges DO offer courses in the field that can be taken while majoring in another area (such as psychology, or anthropology). One place that is renowned worldwide for its work in parapsychology is the Rhine Research Center in Durham, NC (rhineonline.org). It is often mistakenly referred to as part of Duke University but it has not been officially affiliated with the University since founder Dr. J.B. Rhine’s retirement in the 1960s. They offer online courses that are distinguished in their teaching of scientifically acceptable methods of investigating and researching the paranormal. They also often host seminars and guest speakers in many areas of parapsychology.

Be careful of quick fix certifications whose main requirement is that your check is good! These offer little or no skills or prestige in this field. Make the effort to find a course or a seminar in your area. The cost is negligible versus what you can learn.

Another way to learn is to self-educate. There are numerous books and publications (again, the Rhine Research Center offers a subscription to the Journal of Parapsychology), and websites. Haunted North Carolina’s own Steve Barrell curates a large collection of books on varied subjects, and opens his library to the public on Sunday afternoons and by special appointment). It is feasible for someone to learn a great deal this way, however as you have probably already noticed there is a great deal of conflicting information! Think critically and be open-minded. But most importantly, read, Read, READ! Don’t confine your studies to parapsychology. There are numerous fields of study and interest that are invaluable to paranormal research. Want to be more certain of the photographic evidence you get? Study photography. Want to understand the nature of the soul and how it can exist after death? Study philosophy and religion. Want to write for publication? Study journalism. The point is that if all you read are books about ghosts, you are only looking at the field from one VERY limited point of view.

A third way is to work with, or be mentored by an existing organization. Having a relationship that allows you to ask questions and learn can be beneficial. Most organizations are open to assisting you in one form or another.

What skills do you need to be a paranormal investigator? first, you need the ability to examine problems scientifically and think critically (possibly even skeptically). This is not to say you can’t be a “believer”… most people in this field are here because of a paranormal experience of some kind and a great many of us believe there IS something else beyond what we current science can explain at this time. However, not EVERYTHING is paranormal in nature and it is up to you to sort the normal from the paranormal. To do so means taking a cautious view of things and making sure your investigations are thorough. You will not want to take a ‘shutter’ picture and call it an orb (hint: diamonds, octagons, etc. are NOT orbs…as a matter of fact, “orbs” aren’t orbs). You need to have good research skills…. you will be searching for bits of information from records, interviews, collected data and more. You will need to have a certain amount of tenacity… the answers do not come in a couple of hours of hanging out in some remote graveyard. If they did, we wouldn’t still be asking questions. You will need to collect lots of data, accurately keep records, and review your findings. You will need the willingness to suck it up and say, “Nope, that really cool photo was really a light reflection” when it’s a distinct possibility that that is what it is. We reject FAR more evidence than we accept.

You need to have the ability to share… it is only by sharing and exchanging information and ideas that each individual and organization can continue to learn and grow. Haunted North Carolina does not seek nor encourage “exclusive” contracts with any location or client.

It is our opinion that those that enter this field, either as a hobby or as a serious profession, need to be responsible, respectful, and cautious. Those that are irresponsible, disrespectful, or careless do tremendous damage to themselves as well as the reputation of others. We truly live or die by our reputation, and what one individual or organization does can reflect on us all.