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Most paranormal investigation groups conduct a standard range of field experiments as normal practice on most investigations. PSI's rationale in conducting such experiments is to test tenacious paranormal theories (TPT). PSI does not accept these theories to be correct, so seeks to falsify or measure correlations to inform future research.
Field experiments include:
Electro-voice phenomena (EVP) recording
Instrumental transcommunication (ITC)
Participants under the ganzfeld state are said to be prone to hallucination, introspective impression and extra-sensory perception.
The Ganzfeld state is achieved by affecting auditory and visual sensory deprivation. The participant is played 'white noise' through headphones, and their vision is restricted to a diffuse glow.
The primary methodological problem with the Ganzfeld field experiment is the lack of evidential validity. In formal experimental settings, conversely, robust results are achieved through use of zener cards and statistical analysis.
Ganzfeld experiments are only used under the most strict ethical guidelines.
Electro-voice phenomena (EVP) recording
Testing the TPT that noises of paranormal origin can be recorded when white noise is played, and recorded.
PSI extends this experimentation, using pink noise and brown noise, in addition to 'control' conditions and white noise.
Experiments are replayed and unusual noises analysed.
The main methodological problem with EVP experimentation is noise recorded, caused by natural means, which are not noticed by participants and experimenters.
Kinetic experiments comprise a camcorder trained on a 'locked-off area', typically also trained on 'trigger objects' and surrounded by motion detectors.
Tapes are analysed for any movement.
There are few methodological problems with kinetic experimentation, as the visual process is recorded. Ensuring suitable objects are selected, and that the video camera is set effectively eliminate many potential methodological problems.
To test the TPT that there is a correlation between phenomena and fluctuations in (spot and ambient) temperature, humidity, air pressure, levels of ionic particles and in the electromagnetic field.
Some methodological problems with environmental monitoring are discussed in the methodology section of this website. The most common problems are natural extraneous factors. It should also be recognised that a correlation but non-causal relationship may be established.
Instrumental transcommunication (ITC)
ITC tests the TPT that 'ghosts' can manifest through looped recording instrumentation. The form of ITC adopted by PSI is similar to an advanced form of EVP, using video as the medium.
A video camera is looped with a television; recorded tapes and anomalies are analysed.
The main challenge in the analysis of ITC experimentation are the face or body-like images 'recorded'. The concept of pareidola expounds that the brain unconsciously scrambles ambiguous data into the shape of a face or body, for evolutionary advantage.
DOE's tend not to relate to equipment, but to experimentation by varying the methods by which investigations are organised.
Such experiments include contrasting randomised selection of teams of participants against teams of participants selected by levels of paranormal belief as determined by Paranormal Belief Questionnaire. For example splitting groups into 'believers' and 'sceptics'. Other examples may include contrasting investigations conducted at day and at night.
Each DOE carries its own methodological issues, which are analysed in investigation reports.
In addition to the standard range of field experiments, PSI investigators from time to time conduct a range of other informal field experiments to inform research and theories.
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