Parasearch has been involved in many research projects over the years and continues to develop and implement new projects regularly. Our members have also written a number of articles which have been published in magazines. Some of those articles are reproduced here.
Articles
Spaces of Transition:
New Light on the Haunted House (by David Taylor)
Capturing the Spirit - An Examination of Photographic Anomalies (by Carolyn Adey & David Taylor)
Barrows in Folklore & Archaeology (by David Taylor)
Psychical Research - The Midlands Connection (by David Taylor)
The Nature of Ghosts - A Review of the Evidence (by Dr Paul Lee)
More Thoughts On Ghosts (by Dr Paul Lee)
Altered States of Consciousness: A Personal Perspective (by George Gregg)
A Checklist for Vigils (by Dr Paul Lee)
Phantoms in the Sky - Celestial Apparitions in Early Modern Europe (by David Taylor & Carolyn Adey)
Orbs - The Sceptical Approach (by Dr Paul Lee)
Haunting, Folklore and Spirit Path at Lodge Park, Sherborne, Gloucestershire (by David Taylor)
Parasearch Research & Fieldwork Team
Research is an important aspect of the work that Parasearch carries out. We have a Research & Fieldwork Team (RFT) that is comprised of five Parasearch members who are dedicated to the implementation of new research projects and scientifically based protocols.
To contact the RFT please click here.
Research Projects
Theories for ghosts, hauntings and poltergeists abound. At Parasearch, we always endeavour to keep up-to-date with the latest theories, and where possible try these theories in 'the field'. In recent years, three popular theories have been at the 'natural' end of the paranormal spectrum. These are:
Geology & Geomagnetism
The Canadian scientist Dr. Michael Persinger undertook a massive study of reports of anomalous phenomena which seemed to show that:
1) ESP & Precognition was more likely to occur on days of high geomagnetic activity.
2) Ghost & Poltergeist activity was more likely to during low geomagnetic activity.
Persinger found that paranormal activity, from ghosts to UFOs was more likely to occur near to geological faults, themselves centres of geomagnetic activity.
This research was followed up in Britain by researcher and author Paul Devereux.
On all of our activities, Parasearch checks the local geology of the area we are investigating to see if the phenomena being reported could be caused by geomagnetic activity.
Electromagnetic Hotspots
British researcher and author Albert Budden has done considerable research into the links between electromagnetic hotspots and anomalous phenomena. Albert has found that witnesses to paranormal activity are likely to:
1) Live near high levels of electromagnetic activity (pylons etc) and/or
2) Have been involved in an electromagnetic discharge (lightning strike etc)
These man-made electromagnetic fields are all around us, and with the correct equipment can be detected. Using this specialist equipment Parasearch has been able to establish links with electromagnetic activity and reports of paranormal phenomena in a few cases.
Infrasound
Infrasound refers to extreme bass waves or vibrations, those with a frequency below the audibility range of the human ear (20 Hz to 22 kHz). Even though these waves can't be heard by us, they can be felt and have been shown to produce a range of effects in some people including anxiety, extreme sorrow, and chills. Pioneering research by the late Vic Tandy of Coventry University suggested that infrasound could be a
contributing factor in more apparitional experiences, something which psychologist Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertfordshire and others agree with (see also this article from The Guardian.
Parasearch were honoured to be involved the initial research with Vic Tandy and to be part of the experimental procedure. Parasearch investigators carried out extensive tests with Vic Tandy and were able to field test equipment and make modifications. The assistance Parasearch gave was acknowledged by Vic Tandy in the esteemed Journal of the Society for Psychical Research. Parasearch are currently
conducting ongoing research by generating infrasound in a variety of alleged haunted and non-haunted locations. This is a complex research project as the 19Hz frequency is below the normal frequency range of the human ear. Part of the research involves subjective tests, by generating 19Hz and recording results. The use of a Biofeedback meter assists monitor results, as any anomalies may be recorded by changes in skin resistance. Experiments to date suggest a strong link between infrasound and physiological responses.
There's still more to come in the Research section!