Secondary research is an essential part of any paranormal investigation. It allows you to gather existing information about a location, event, or phenomenon, providing context and insight into your investigation. While primary research involves collecting firsthand data, secondary research relies on analyzing already published materials.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to conduct thorough secondary research for your paranormal investigations, whether you’re a seasoned investigator or just starting out.
Understanding the Purpose of Secondary Research
Before diving into the techniques, let’s understand why secondary research is so crucial for paranormal investigators.
- Building a Foundation: Secondary research lays the groundwork for your investigation by providing a historical context, understanding previous events, and identifying potential patterns or anomalies. This information helps you develop focused research questions and plan your primary research effectively.
- Identifying Potential Leads: By exploring existing records and accounts, you might uncover previously unknown information or leads that could shed light on the paranormal activity you’re investigating.
- Comparative Analysis: Secondary research allows you to compare your findings with existing knowledge, helping you establish the significance of your observations and identify any inconsistencies or unique aspects.
- Gaining Credibility: By citing reliable sources and demonstrating a thorough understanding of the subject matter, you enhance the credibility of your investigations and findings.
Types of Secondary Research for Paranormal Investigations
There’s a wide range of materials you can use for your secondary research, each offering unique insights. Here are some key types:
1. Historical Records
- Local Archives: Delve into town records, historical societies, and libraries to uncover historical accounts, newspaper articles, and legal documents that might reveal past paranormal activity or unusual occurrences.
- Property Deeds and Ownership History: Investigating the property’s history through land records can uncover previous occupants, significant events, and potential connections to paranormal activity.
- Census Data: Census records can help you identify previous residents, their occupations, family structures, and potential events that might have influenced the location’s energy.
- Maps and Surveys: Examining old maps and surveys can help you understand the physical environment, potential building changes, and possible hidden areas that might hold clues to paranormal activity.
2. Media Accounts
- Newspaper Articles: Local newspapers often report on unusual events, crime, or social incidents that might have a connection to the paranormal.
- Online Forums and Websites: Paranormal forums and websites can be valuable resources for finding accounts of potential paranormal activity, personal experiences, and discussions related to your investigation.
- Social Media: Social media platforms can offer insights into recent activity, local legends, and community discussions related to your investigation.
3. Interviews and Personal Accounts
- Oral Histories: Talking to long-time residents or family members who have lived in the area or owned the property can provide valuable firsthand accounts and insights into local history and potential paranormal activity.
- Published Books and Articles: Paranormal investigators, historians, and authors often publish books and articles on local legends, historical events, and paranormal phenomena. These can offer valuable information and perspectives.
Techniques for Effective Secondary Research
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of materials, let’s explore some techniques for maximizing your research efforts.
1. Define Your Research Questions
Before you start your research, define specific questions related to your investigation. What are you hoping to learn? This clarity will guide your search and ensure you’re focusing on relevant information.
For example:
- If you’re investigating a haunted house, you might ask, “Were there any unexplained deaths or tragedies that occurred on this property?”
- If you’re researching a historical event, you might ask, “Are there any accounts of unusual phenomena or unexplainable events associated with this event?”
2. Choose Reliable Sources
Not all information is created equal. It’s crucial to evaluate the credibility of your sources to ensure you’re using accurate and trustworthy information.
Tips for evaluating sources:
- Author Expertise: Does the author have relevant qualifications or experience in the field?
- Source Reputation: Is the source known for accuracy, objectivity, and reliability?
- Date of Publication: Older sources may not reflect current knowledge or research.
- Evidence and Citations: Does the source provide supporting evidence or citations to back up claims?
- Bias and Perspective: Consider the author’s potential biases or perspectives that might influence the information presented.
3. Use Keywords and Search Operators Effectively
Effective keyword usage is essential for finding relevant information. Use keywords related to your investigation, location, and potential phenomena.
Examples of relevant keywords:
- Location name: (e.g., “Salem, Massachusetts”)
- Specific historical events: (e.g., “Witch Trials,” “Civil War Battle”)
- Phenomena: (e.g., “ghost sightings,” “poltergeist activity,” “EVP”)
- Historical figures: (e.g., “Abraham Lincoln,” “Anne Boleyn”)
Search operators to refine your search:
- Quotation marks (” “): Find exact phrases. (e.g., “Salem Witch Trials”)
- Plus sign (+): Include specific terms. (e.g., “haunted house” + “Salem”)
- Minus sign (-): Exclude terms. (e.g., “haunted house” – “fiction”)
- *Asterisk () :* Use as a wildcard for a character or phrase. (e.g., “witch“)
4. Analyze and Synthesize Information
Once you’ve gathered information from various sources, don’t just accept it at face value. Analyze and synthesize the information to identify patterns, contradictions, and areas that require further investigation.
Tips for analysis:
- Compare and Contrast: Compare accounts from different sources to identify similarities, discrepancies, and potential biases.
- Look for Common Themes: Identify recurring themes or patterns that emerge from your research.
- Draw Conclusions: Formulate conclusions based on the information gathered and your analysis.
5. Document Your Research
Keeping meticulous records of your research is essential. This includes:
- Source List: Maintain a detailed list of all sources you consult, including title, author, date, and location.
- Notes and Summaries: Take detailed notes, summarizing key information and your impressions of each source.
- Evidence Log: Keep a record of any specific evidence or information that supports or contradicts your hypotheses.
6. Be Critical and Objective
As a paranormal researcher, it’s crucial to maintain a critical and objective mindset. Be skeptical of claims, analyze information carefully, and avoid confirmation bias, which is the tendency to favor information that confirms pre-existing beliefs.
7. Continue Learning and Refining Your Research Skills
The field of Paranormal Research is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date with new research, technologies, and methodologies to improve your research skills and ensure your investigations are based on the most accurate and relevant information.
“Secondary research is like building a foundation,” explains Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned paranormal investigator. “It provides the context and understanding you need to conduct a successful investigation.”
The Importance of Primary Research in Conjunction with Secondary Research
While secondary research provides a valuable foundation, it’s essential to remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Primary research, which involves collecting your own firsthand data, is equally important for a comprehensive investigation.
Secondary research sets the stage for primary research by:
- Identifying potential areas of investigation: It can highlight specific locations, events, or phenomena that warrant further exploration.
- Providing context for your findings: You can compare your primary data with existing information to gain a deeper understanding of your observations.
- Guiding your primary research methods: Secondary research can inform your choice of methods, such as EVP recording, EMF detection, or interviews with witnesses.
FAQ
Q: What are some tips for finding historical records?
A: Start by contacting local historical societies, libraries, and archives. Check online databases and websites, such as Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org.
Q: How can I find reliable sources for paranormal investigations?
A: Look for sources authored by reputable investigators, researchers, or historians. Check for peer-reviewed publications, scholarly articles, and established paranormal organizations.
Q: How do I know if a source is biased?
A: Consider the author’s background, affiliation, and potential agenda. Look for any language that suggests a particular viewpoint or attempts to sway the reader’s opinion.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid in secondary research?
A: Avoid relying solely on anecdotal evidence or personal accounts. Don’t assume all information is accurate without verifying it from multiple sources. Be cautious of websites with unsubstantiated claims or sensationalized content.
Q: What resources are available to help me with secondary research?
A: Many online databases, libraries, and archives offer access to historical records, scholarly articles, and other relevant materials.
Secondary research is a crucial step in any paranormal investigation. By utilizing the techniques and resources outlined in this guide, you can conduct thorough, reliable, and informative investigations.