Veliska27 posted a very comprehensive list, recently, of tools and equipment an investigator might have in their kit or utilize on an investigation. Another important aspect of any thorough paranormal investigation is the preliminary research. Below is a brief outline of a case. What information or data would you find necessary before beginning an indepth onsite investigation. Please cite the data and the source where you would obtain it.


Disturbance type: unknown

Occupants: Five Member Family Unit...Father (47), Wife (45), Son (17), Daughter (14), Daughter (11)

Audible Disruption: scratching sounds, banging, walking sounds, moans, whispers in pillow, breathing

Visual Disruption: ashtray levitated briefly, shadows in the dark moving, tall black shape witnessed once in mirror of bathroom

Duration: began March. 15th, 07-present...started with scratching and progressively became worse

Structure: two story, 5 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, 2 car garage, w/attic and basement, 1 1/2 acre lot with fenced backyard

Environment: Rural, wooded area nearby, no neighbors

Additional Notes: In a nearby area of the woods, an old stone house foundation discovered. Age unknown, but a hundred year old tree grows in the midst of it. Also, in the same area, a clearing with rod iron fence with unrelated family graveyard. 12 stones, only one legible "Balasco" no other information.

What prelinary investigative data would you require, and where would you obtain this information?

Actually most of that is a misconception (LOL)..J/K..I honestly believe that all that is needed is someone who is sensitive to spirits, a camera and digital voice recorder. I know many small organizations of Investigators that dont have thousands of dollars worth of equipment, but get some pretty amazing evidence. As for me, I wouldnt want to know any information whatsoever, just go in cold and take it from there. Then again, I am not all that normal..However I would assume Professional Team would have to do reseach on the location in which they are going, have some history from witnesses, and perform a few interviews with ones involved and just go in and do it. It is always safe to know what you are walking into, so interviews are very important.. I think too much information could possibly influence the investigators..JN

I would prefer to only know a possible name or two of the ghosts present, then after the investigation get thge info, and maybe some pics of the people to see if any of your evidence replicates the persons face, all you would need is a tape recorder and a camera, or a video camera.

It is possible to solve a case with the right data and research, without ever stepping foot on the property. We once solved a case over the phone. Gathering evidence was never my primary mission. We predominantly only cared about helping the confused residents, and I always found it to be best, when armed to the teeth. That means doing my homework. Different tactics for different folks. It's all good, as long as the residents are satisfied, and hopefully the spirit too. ~Jackal

I work in a technical field so I love the new gadgetry currently being deployed in the hunt for paranormal proof, yet I feel that all the toys would be a distraction for me... I plan on making my quest to BG with the basics... a 5.0 mega pixel kodak digital camera and my cell phone for vids and (really bad) EVP attempts ....b




halfhandshuffle:Elvis costello-pump it up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fbhIzN9-p0

Here is what I suggest...

Environmental Study - The Weather, EMF Readings, Temp Readings, Moon Readings, Type of Area you are in ( Business or Residential ) Is it near a lake, mountain, valley?
Structure - Type of structure the facility or home might be made of. Marble, stone, brick, granite, wood etc; ( also list what kind of gas or water pipes it holds )
How many people are present - Include family, business, or Investigators involved
Interview the owners & write down their experiences
If an investigator experiences anything, mark it down

Those are your basics... every group is different, and I am sure you have your really extreme hardcore investigators who will go all out with every type of reading like ION Readings, and I am sure there are others I am forgetting about.

For myself I like keeping an absolute controlled environment, and keep it simple. Other wise there's a chance to overwhelm yourself with things and get unorganized as well as forget things.