Benjamin Radford - INVESTIGATING GHOSTS: The Scientific Search for Spirits

Praise for Investigating Ghosts

In the growing literature of scientific and historical examinations of fringe and paranormal practice, this book stands out. Benjamin Radford lays out in detail how ghost hunting should be done. If we are lucky, some of this might sink in.

Brian Regal, Kean University, author of Searching for Sasquatch: Crackpots, Eggheads, and Cryptozoology

A great book. Benjamin Radford is one of those rare individuals who devote time, competence and passion to the scientific investigation of unusual claims. It would be much easier and profitable to follow the tide but the fact that Ben prefers to go against the flow is a testimony to his honesty.

Massimo Polidoro, psychologist and author of Final Sance and Secrets of the Psychics

This book presents a combination of the excitement and emotional tingle typically provided by ghost stories, a critical analysis of the reliability and scientific value of such accounts, an explanation of how ghost experiences can occur even if ghosts do not exist, and a prescription for how any future ghost research should properly be conducted. Ghost hunter and skeptic alike will learn from his clear-headed analysis. This book is highly recommended both for anyone with a serious interest in ghostly phenomena and for readers who simply enjoy reading about ghosts.

James Alcock, Department of Psychology, York University

Interested in the reported phenomena of ghosts and serious research into paranormal claims? Investigating Ghosts can open the eyes and minds of todays paranormal investigatorsif they dare to look. A comprehensive review of ghost hunting techniques, this volume describes the best practices of investigation that lead a useful result. Radford drills down into the modern approach to investigating haunting claims and how to correct it, covering the spectrum of viewpoints in this well-referenced volume.

Sharon A. Hill, Science and society specialist and founder of Doubtfulnews.com

This is without doubt the most comprehensive book on ghost investigation that I have read. It is written in a lively style that will engage the reader from start to finish. It should be read by everyone with an interest in paranormal claims.

Christopher French, Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit, University of London

Investigating Ghosts is an essential handbook for anyone wishing to go beyond the armchair and investigate suspected paranormal activity. The emphasis this book places on explaining the need for properly scientific research and for genuinely analytical thinking will be invaluable to enthusiasts and to sceptics and debunkers aliketo everyone, in fact, who hopes to collect reliable evidence, and especially therefore to paranormal investigators who dont wish to have wasted their own time.

Joe Banks, author of Rorschach Audio

Radford pulls no punches as he investigates paranormal investigations, from popular TV series to famous self proclaimed investigators throughout history. He breaks down the pseudoscience of what we call the paranormal and tries to look past the glitz and glamour of the current popularity and find something, anything, that provides proof of the existence of ghosts.

Dave Schrader, host of BEYOND the DARKNESS and Coast to Coast AM

Finally! A textbook of investigation technique that comes at the subject from a sensible, scientific perspective without being patronizing. Radford employs his years of experience and knowledge to fine effect. Forget EMF meters and voice recorders. The only thing you need in your toolkit is this book.

Mark Norman, author of Black Dog Folklore and creator of The Folklore Podcast

An informative read, this book is a must read for not only those who intend to investigate the paranormal but also for those who already do. Radford offers an up-to-date overview of the field of paranormal research in a way that demonstrates what good, rational research methods are. If people only choose to read one book about how to investigate ghosts this is the oneits got all you need to know!

Hayley Stevens, paranormal researcher and blogger at http://hayleyisaghost.co.uk.

With the plethora of television programs, websites, and books on ghost hunting today, Benjamin Radford takes a timely and welcome look at the field, and sets out clear, practical guidelines for would-be ghost hunters. This enjoyable and informative book is no-nonsense in its approach and is informed by the history, folklore, and psychology of ghost belief. Neither skeptic nor believer, Radford argues for a meticulous and sober approach to investigating hauntings.

Owen Davies, University of Hertfordshire, author of The Haunted

INVESTIGATING GHOSTS

The Scientific Search for Spirits

Benjamin Radford

Rhombus Publishing Company

Corrales New Mexico

2017 by Benjamin Radford

All rights reserved. Published 2017

Printed in the United States of America

Publisher Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Radford, Benjamin, 1970

Investigating ghosts: the scientific search for spirits/ Benjamin Radford. First edition pages cm

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-0-9364-5516-7 (pbk: alk paper) ISBN 978-0-9364-5513-6 (ebook)

1. Ghostsinvestigation. 2. Folklore. 3. Parapsychology. I. Title.

BF 1472.R34 2017

133.109dc 232017029026

Designed by Christopher Fix

Edited by Celestia Ward

by Marty Blake Graphic Design

It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry.

Thomas Paine

Dedicated to Bob Carrolland Daniel & Sharon,
who share the vision.

INVESTIGATING GHOSTS

INTRODUCTION

This book is the result of about twenty years of personal research into ghosts and hauntings. It isnt really about ghostssince, as will become clear, we dont know for certain that ghosts exist, or, if they do, anything about their nature. Instead, as the title suggests, it is specifically about the investigation of ghosts and explores the intriguing question of how to apply scientific analysis, logic, and critical thinking to such an elusive (yet paradoxically common) phenomena.

I attempt to cover all aspects of a scientific ghost investigation, from the psychology of the ghost experience to EVP, on-site investigation, and so on. Unlike the legions of self-published and self-described ghost hunters who populate bookshelves with anecdote masquerading as evidence and speculation presented as fact, Ive consulted many of the worlds top experts on various aspects of the ghost phenomenonas well as professional psychologists, folklorists, and other academics. This multidisciplinary approach provides much deeper insight into the topic, going far beyond the typical heres my spooky experience books.

The reader might charitably ask what my qualifications are for writing this book; the answer is thatunlike most other authors of ghost hunting booksI dont claim to be an expert on ghosts per se, since of course one cannot be an expert on a phenomenon not proven to exist. I am, however, a demonstrated expert on ghost folklore, investigation techniques, and other areas related to ghosts. This is a distinction I trust readers will recognize and appreciate.

I am a serious author, co-author, or editor of more than twenty books and a researcher and journalist for international science news organizations. I have an undergraduate university degree in psychology and a Masters degree in education, and my research has been published and cited in several peer-reviewed publications including medical and law journals. At the same time I am also a ghost investigator and have spent considerable time and effort trying to determine the best way to scientifically find out whether ghosts exist. My position straddling two worlds provides me with a unique perspective.