The paranormal is the supernatural, including such purported phenomena as ghosts, UFOs, poltergeists, and telekinesis. Those who believe in such things often describe encounters that they cannot explain rationally. They may also report that objects move on their own, doors open and close, or hear noises in the darkness. These experiences are sometimes interpreted as signs of a haunted house or a spirit invading their personal space.
The word paranormal comes from the Greek word for “against” or “contrary to.” It is used to describe things that are outside of normal experience, like bending spoons with one’s mind or seeing a ghost. People who investigate paranormal phenomena are often referred to as ghost hunters. It is important for those investigating these events to have patience and reliability. They must be able to maintain their calm when faced with an overwhelming sense of fear or uncertainty. The best ghost hunters know how to connect with the spirits of the dead and be respectful to them.
Research into paranormal phenomena has a long history. The scientific, academic and credible research of this field is diverse and spans many topics such as extrasensory perception, survival of death, near-death experiences, poltergeists, clairvoyance, and other psychic phenomena. Psychic experiments are often compared with other scientific experiments in order to establish credibility and standardize data. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists several mental disorders that are often associated with paranormal experiences.
It is important for those interested in the paranormal to have a healthy level of skepticism, which helps stimulate research and investigation. However, those with a vested interest in the paranormal should be careful not to become dogmatic skeptics and refuse to consider any evidence for paranormal phenomena.