A Single-Blind Study of the Results Produced by Modern Paranormal Investigation Methods in Reportedly Haunted and Non-Haunted Locations
AN UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY:
The BPG was approached by paranormal researcher and writer, Joe Durwin, about taking part in a paranormal experiment that has never been done before...
From Joe:
"The Purpose of this ongoing experiment is to provide an opportunity to examine, in a scientifically controlled manner, the relative success and data-gathering utility of investigatory methods common to modern ghost hunting and paranormal investigation. The study consists of initiating the investigation of various sites - some of which have seen reports by witness of apparently unexplained phenomena (Type I) and some of which have never been alleged by anyone to be plagued by such phenomena (Type II) - by the Berkshire Paranormal Group, without investigators involved being aware of which sites are which.
By comparing the data gathered at both sites, it is hoped that valuable insights may be gained into the extent to which expectation and pre-conceived ideas about allegedly haunted sites may or may not contribute to the evidence gathered and its ascribed importance. It is also hoped that a great deal of information may be obtained about the potential and relative efficacy of different types of methods and equipment used in modern paranormal investigation."
Joe's famous blog: These Mysterious Hills
PROCEDURE:
Very shortly prior to the actual date of a particular investigation, the BPG will be given a brief description of the site including a summary of legends or reports about anomalous activity at the site so the team will be able to guide the investigation.
In some cases, the locations will be control sites - buildings and other properties at which no paranormal activity has been previously reported, and the site descriptions in these cases will be plausible fictions invented by Joe Durwin. Until after the close of the experiment, no one besides Joe will know which sites are which. The evidence collected – photos, readings, temperatures, etc - will be compared.
When a full series of sites have been covered, the experiment will be concluded, and Joe will write up the results, which he will then submit for publication with peer-reviewed publications like the Journal of Parapsychology or the Journal of the American Society of Psychical Research. The BPG will be listed as co-authors.
When the results of the experiment are published, they will be posted here. Stay tuned!!
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