Paranormal Research Tips

Fieldwork is only half the picture—research matters too. Libraries and databases hold a wealth of material that can guide your approach.

Some Types of Resources

  • Books: Great for deep dives (but sometimes outdated).

  • Journals:

    • Scholarly = peer-reviewed, rigorous, harder to access.

    • Popular = easy to read, widely available, good starting points.

Tips for Research

  • Use both broad and specific keywords.

  • Explore synonyms (e.g., “ESP,” “psychic ability,” “parapsychology”).

  • Mix resources for a fuller perspective.

Think of it like a salad—the more varied your ingredients, the richer the result.


Evaluating Credibility

Paranormal topics attract folklore, speculation, and sensationalism. That’s why credibility is key.

Things to Check:

  • Scholarly vs. Credible: A source doesn’t need to be peer-reviewed to be accurate.

  • Author: Do they have expertise? (e.g., Russell Targ was a physicist, but his paranormal claims still need checking).

  • Publisher: Is it reputable? (e.g., Watkins Books has authority in esoterica).

  • Content: Are references clear? Is it coherent and relevant?

  • Purpose: Was it made to inform, persuade, or just entertain?

Pro Tip: Blend credible popular works with scholarly studies. Even skimming abstracts or conclusions of long papers can save time.


The CRAAP Test (Blakeslee, 2004)

A quick checklist to judge any source:

  • Currency: Is it recent enough?

  • Relevancy: Does it answer your question?

  • Authority: Is the author qualified?

  • Accuracy: Are claims backed by data?

  • Purpose: Why was it written? Biases matter.

Not every credible source is scholarly—but both credible and scholarly sources have value. By combining field investigation with solid research skills, anyone can study the paranormal in a way that’s ethical, scientific, and trustworthy.

(will be adding more info later on)



Source: Researching the Paranormal by Courtney M. Block


More Information: Recommended Resources for Paranormal Researchers and Investigators


- Chris

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