Methodology of a Scientific Investigation Investigation Methodology The most important part of any investigation is the methodology involved in carrying it out.  Even if you are not sure what methodology really is, you can rest assured that while conducting an investigation you use some kind of methodology.  It is the methods or organizing principles underlying the investigation.  You always use one, whether or not you are conscious of it or not.  It may even be a poor one, but you use one.  This is to help you understand what one kind of scientific methodology looks like, and hopefully you take from this and modify it to fit your uses.  While talking about methodology of an investigation it is best to first cover the three basic rules of investigation.  1. Don't go anywhere alone. The reason that this is important is that if, god forbid; something was to happen during an investigation where someone got hurt, then it would be imperative that the other person is there to get help.  For investigation, this is also important in using this methodology, it is imperative to document all occurrences and personal experiences.  Working in tandem allows for any personal experience to be investigated as it happens, be it with video or still photos or even DVR (digital voice recorder) or EMF (electromagnetic field).  2. Always conduct the investigation in a professional manner. You do not want the client to see any thing that would make them think that you are not taking their claims seriously.  If you conduct yourself in a manner that is befitting the investigation then the client will be more willing to accept the results of your investigation if the results seem to contradict their experiences.  Also if the client has a good experience with you they will be more willing to work with you in the future, and to give you good reviews to their friends.  This will help with your reputation in the paranormal field in which you are trying to work. 3. Document everything.  You may think that something you experience during the investigation isn't really important, but you may find that it corresponds in part or parcel with an experience reported by witnesses later on.  It is important that you always document anything that happens.  If during review, it is found that the incident has no relation to the investigation then it can be dismissed. What you items you need for this investigation.  1. Clipboard Every investigator in the field needs to have a place to store the required paper work needed for investigation.  On this clipboard you need to have; Black paper, or ruled paper to make notes, Site layout diagram, and an investigator activity log. 2. Minimum Equipment needed for an investigation: Flash light, Audiotape Recorder (preferably digital, but analog works just fine with an external mic), camera (35mm or digital).  Standard equipment used in any MCPS, or APS investigation; 2 IR wireless cameras, 1 hardwired IR camera, 2 Digital Voice Recorders (DVR), and an EMF detector When approaching a serious investigation, one must have a scientific state of mind.  Make sure everything is documented.  Who is on the investigation?  What equipment is being used?  You must document all witness accounts, and claims of paranormal activity.  Then depending on your working hypothesis of investigation, you can document lunar cycle, ionization of the atmosphere, climate and weather, and any other ecological data that can be gathered.  This is to be done first, BEFORE YOU SET UP EQUIPMENT.  After the pre-investigation documentation is complete, you should follow the steps listed below. 1. Before nightfall, the lead investigators should take a complete walkthrough of the area to be investigated with the claimant.  Areas with the most reported activity should be noted.  Any possible hazards should be confronted and taken care of before the team enters the field.  This is to be done while there is enough light available to do so. 2. Before starting investigation, base line readings should be taken and noted for each location.  These should be documented on a site diagram and copies made available to all investigators. ** 3. After walkthrough, stationary cameras are set up in the high activity location.  Locations of the camera placement should be noted on all investigator site maps.  4. During investigation pair devices that would complement each other.  For example, a voice recorder with an EMF or video camera, or an EMF and a still camera.  This way you can use two different methods to investigate any activity that may occur. 5. Note locations of all activity as it happens, or as close as possible.  Do this only when it doesn't interrupt the flow of the investigation.  But documentation needs to be done, with times of occurrences.  6. EMF detectors will give you what is called a "False Positive".  Any time you get a high EMF check all possible places for natural occurrences.  Exposed or leaking electric lines or some unshielded equipment will give an EMF reading.  7. During investigation find any natural reason for your readings.  Make sure there isn't a mundane explanation.  This could range from vents located near a cold spot to flowers out side a window where you smell perfume.  If a claimant reports odd feelings in a certain room, also look for chemical stored nearby that could be leaking gasses that could result in such side effects. 6. Don't rewind any recording device until reviewing.  During breakdown, do so quickly and efficiently and make sure all equipment is secure.  7. Review should be done by people who know the quarks of the equipment.  Some cameras will have a grainy look so familiarity to the devices is a must. 8. During review, all times noted by investigators need to be cross referenced with equipment times to see if there is any recorded evidence to support the activity. **This should be with all investigators on site.  This will allow the investigators to document approximately where all occurrences and activity happened.  An extra piece of paper should be available to the investigators as well for any narrative they wish to add.  Techniques for EVP 1. Ask questions, and always allow more time than normal for something to answer.  2. Stand still if you are holding the voice recorder.  Movement can cause muffled sounds that could disrupt recording.  3. When asking questions make them simple.  For example, ask things like "Is there anyone here with us", or "Are you trapped here".  Say something that should provoke an answer.  4. During EVP work it may be easier to place the recorder on a table or something so movement noises will not interfere with the EVP.  5. When in a new area, always state who you are, where you are, and the time you are doing the EVP. 6. Refrain from sharp exhales around equipment, this can be misconstrued as valid EVP's and could contaminate possible evidence.   By following this methodology, you should be able to carry out a scientific investigation without issue.  Anything that you find should be valid, as long as the evidence is thoroughly examined and there is no evidence of tampering.  If there is enough documentation, recorded electronically and written, then you should have enough to back up claims and evidence of paranormal activity.  This, sometimes, will not change the minds of skeptics but you need to be as credible as possible when revealing any evidence found. we would like to thank Christopher Chambers of BSPS for allowing Richard to use and share this methodology with our readers .