Michigan's Otherside Paranormal Forums

What essentially creates a paranormal investigator? There’s no certifiable course to take (although some would have you believe there is). Many of us got our start from reading books, meeting people on the Internet, or like mentioned in other posts, inspired by a TV show.

- How did you get your start

- And what gives someone the title "paranormal investigator."

Amberrose

I think a paranormal investigator is someone who has knowledge in many areas!
Scientific or PHD being probably the most important. Also knowning many legends and historys as well. Must know alot about ghosts and what people have thought they represented from past times to current times. Should also be able to tell apart hoaxes from real cases.
I guess that would be the perfect paranormal investigator. And that probably really doesn't answer your questions...lol.
stv

HAHAHAHAH! Your answer is great Steve! What you said is basically a paranormal investigator can't be a dummy! He/She has to be someone willing, like you said, to learn a lot in many different areas. A lot of us seem to have been born interested in the paranormal and others became interested after a friend introduced us or something else.

I started thinking about this question from our previous topic on the “State of the Paranormal Today.” Kenny brought of the “certification courses” and the argument that has been circulating for years about what “certification” actually does for someone, if anything and who’s “certified to certify” in the first place. So that got me thinking in general, well what makes a paranormal investigator then? If you can’t take classes, you can’t become “certified,” how do you become one then?

Like Steve mentioned, I think it comes down to learning as much as you can, experience with time, talking and learning from other people who have been in the business longer then you. There’s a balance I think a paranormal investigator needs to have too. A sort of “mental balance.” Kind of going along with the open-minded skeptic mind frame paranormal investigators should have.


Amberrose

We at OHAP
Belive a ghost hunter always has to be able to admit being wrong.Always able to learn new things.A open mind is a must. Must have local and statewide knowledge alike.

Yeah that's one thing I agree with as well: having knowledge of your state or the main area you investigate and work in. I've always felt knowing the history is very important with paranormal investigation.

I also believe knowing your history is a very important thing when someone is investigating. Also not only the history of what took place in the past but also what other people past or present have experienced there. You can see if any of your experiences go along with what other's have experienced. Having common sense is a must to. Knowing that when a door closes on it's own and it's windy, it's probably just the wind -type of common sense-

It also takes patience and dedication. You dont always get a paranormal experience even if their is paranormal activity there. It takes time.

I agree with you 100% thats why if you read any of our case files off my site, the first half of the page to page is nothing but history. You can not do a proper investigation in my mind without knowing what your investigating.

.........

Yeah I have been in a few groups like that, why I started my own. I mean sure I have been and see things I can not explain, but that is far less then the ones I can

The main ingredient for a Paranormal Investigator, is to be " A open minded skeptic" ......Approach every investigation without any "front loading" or preconceived opinions. Consider it a learning exercise, where you go in with child like curiosity. This can be very difficult, especially now that there are so many movies and TV shows on the subject.

My humble opinion

LOL...

You said "front loading."

A paranormal investigator has to be willing to admit that his/her beliefs have the capacity to influence their work. We should all be better versed in brain research, research regarding belief and perception, and how those factors can influence people....including ourselves and people who have reportedly witnessed paranormal phenomena.

You wouldn't go into an investigation with a camera you didn't know how to operate.....and our brains are, undoubtedly, the most useful and important piece of equipment we carry with us. (Although I've been known to act as though I left mine behind sometimes....)

well put and welcome to the forums

That sounds like the best definition I've heard!

Exactly what Tom said, I couldn't have put it any better than that

With all the TV shows, it doesn't take much to be a paranormal investigator. Unfortunately there are lots of people calling themselves investigators who give all of us a bad name. What originally was posted should have read what makes a GOOD! paranormal investigator. I will ask can a person who has never experienced anything paranormal be a good investigator? Or would they go in with a closed mind. Next, people claim to be able to see and talk to the otherside. I have seen, and read some of these stories, that I have a hard time believing. Is it possible? I would say yes, in extremely rare instances. But not as often as I am reading in some other groups. I still see paranormal groups that are claiming orbs, camera straps, smoke, breath, as paranormal. Some of these are old school groups that you can't change there minds. These validate the fact that to be a good investigator you must be open minded. You must want to learn all there is to learn. I think I am learning more from watching all that other people are pushing off as paranormal. So much can be debunked. Drinking, and any mind altering item have no place at any investigation.

I agree learning new things sure does help but the most important thing is keeping an open mind. I got started in this field because I needed answers to questions I have and have expierenced.