A paranormal phenomenon is something that has no reliable scientific explanation. People use the word paranormal to describe things like ghosts, UFOs and ESP. This is because they go against what is considered normal.
Some real scientists study the paranormal and try to determine the existence of and explain purported paranormal events. They do this through a series of investigations, research and data collection. They might also bring awareness to reported paranormal phenomena through public presentations and storytelling.
However, the majority of paranormal investigators don’t follow actual scientific methods. They tend to use equipment that looks scientific but doesn’t actually measure anything meaningful. For example, they might use meters that read electromagnetic energy. This energy is given off by outlets, cell phones and all sorts of regular objects. They might then claim that a ghost is causing the meters to register energy.
Fortunately, there are organizations that promote the scientific skeptical approach to paranormal claims. The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI), founded in the 1930s, and its weekly TV show Coast-to-Coast AM, promote skepticism of paranormal claims, as does the magazine The Skeptical Inquirer. In addition, the weeknight radio program The X-Files is an entertaining and engaging show that investigates paranormal claims using a skeptical approach. The paranormal is a fascinating subject to study, but you should approach it with caution. Be aware that some of the same brain mechanisms that make you think you’re seeing a ghost can distort what you see, hear and feel, so be careful.