Ghost-Hunting Mistakes

Millions of people are interested in ghosts.  A 2005 poll found that 37% of Americans believe in haunted house, and even more believe in ghosts.  These ghosts investigators think they are being scientific if they use the Electromagnetic field detectors or infrared cameras.  The main challenge for any ghost investigator is separating the facts from myths, and misunderstandings.  On the show Ghost Hunters, the successful show on the Syfy channel displays noises in which the “expert” ghost hunters hear, and run towards.  These noises may just be a creek in the old wooden house, yet they may think the noise is a ghost who is trying to talk to them. 

Throughout an article written by Ben Radford on the website called “The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry” he has some very good points, that a person who is interested in making valid “ghost” hunting claims must take into consideration.  These ghost hunters must use science for their claims to even be considered real.  With the use of new technology professionals using editing software can manipulate photos, this is another big question when looking into ghost pictures. 

·      Assuming that no specialized knowledge or expertise is needed to effectively investigate ghosts.

·      Failing to consider alternative 
explanations for anomalous or 
“unexplained” phenomena.

·      Considering subjective feelings 
and emotions as evidence of 
ghostly encounters.

·      Using improper and unscientific investigation methods.

·      Focusing on the history of a haunted location instead of the specific phenomena reported at it.