It’s important to begin by acknowledging that I am not formally trained in scientific research, nor do I claim expert status. What I understand comes from years of reading, personal study, and practical experience. I don’t rely on complex scientific terminology to explain concepts, and my definitions may differ from those found in academic texts. What I can offer is a well-developed base of knowledge that I’m willing to share.
A key point in paranormal investigation is recognizing that the goal is to identify events or phenomena—referred to here as “responses”—that cannot be explained within our accepted understanding of how the world works.
As an investigator, your work involves examining a space—whether it’s a room, a house, a field, or anywhere else—and determining whether the responses you encounter are “explained” or “unexplained.” Another essential stage of the process is distinguishing “intelligent” responses from “environmental” ones.
For clarity, I use the terms “ghost” or “poltergeist” when referring to entities within the paranormal category. The intention is not to differentiate between types of paranormal beings, but to separate those possibilities from everyday, ordinary causes.
Intelligent vs. Environmental Responses
An “intelligent” response is a deliberate action—for example, a person choosing to close a door with their hand.
An “environmental” response occurs when a physical change in the environment triggers an effect. For example, when someone closes a window, the shift in air pressure might cause a nearby door to swing shut on its own.
Take the case of a closet door sliding open in a sealed room. The behavior may be “explained” by the door’s design or mechanics. But if there is no identifiable physical cause, the event moves into the “unexplained” category. In these cases, drafts or air movement can be ruled out.
At that point, an investigator may ask the “ghost” to move the door again. If it happens, it could indicate an intelligent response, or simply another unexplained environmental shift. And because sound waves from a human voice cannot generate the force needed to open a closet door, the request itself doesn’t physically influence the outcome.
If you want a response to be repeatable, avoid asking a “ghost” to open a door that’s already open. You need to close it first—or ask for the opposite action, such as “close the door.”
Auditory Phenomena: Footsteps, Knocks, and Creaks
“Footsteps” refer to the sound of a foot lifting and striking the ground. Surfaces influence the type of sound produced. “Footfall” can be used similarly, sometimes referring to pedestrian movement in public spaces.
“Knocking” is produced when an object or a person’s limb strikes a surface. Different materials create different sounds—knuckles on wood produce a dull thump, while a hand against skin creates a slap.
“Creaking” often comes from wood that has shifted or separated due to age, moisture loss, or structural movement. Doors can creak for similar reasons—rusted hinges, frame misalignment, or uneven support.
Many non-paranormal factors can cause these noises: settling buildings, loose pipes, warped floorboards, or wind rattling parts of a house. Even experienced investigators can mistakenly assign meaning to these sounds. Comparing them to known background noises is essential. A single footstep is usually not significant; multiple steps crossing a room are more notable.
To test such sounds, ask for them to be repeated while keeping your own movement to a minimum. Some investigators use specific knock patterns to attempt communication. Still, not all entities—if present—would recognize or respond to rhythmic cues.
A more universal test is asking for a simple knock pattern to be completed, such as “knock once, knock twice—what comes next?” Multiple knocks are preferable to single ones when assessing intelligence.
Recurring noises that sound like footsteps often turn out to be external, which is why separating outside sources from truly unexplained responses is important.
Disembodied Voices and EVPs
A “disembodied voice” refers to hearing a voice when no person is present to produce it. However, some internal bodily processes—such as “ear rumbling”—can imitate this effect, creating noises mistaken for speech.
Digital recorders and video microphones can help document what was heard. But interference from radios, ventilation systems, or background white noise can produce misleading results. These recordings, known as Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs), are categorized by clarity and intelligibility.
Investigators must also consider causes such as distant voices carrying through hallways, outdoor passersby, or stray radio signals. Thorough documentation—including surrounding sounds and movements—is essential.
Photographic Anomalies and Orbs
Circular orbs appearing in photographs are often caused by light reflecting off dust, moisture, or other particles near the camera lens. Knowing your camera is crucial when evaluating these images. Flash reflections, infrared bounce-back, and environmental conditions frequently produce orb-like artifacts.
Visually observed orbs differ significantly from photographic ones, and the two shouldn’t be confused. Digital cameras add their own complexities. Understanding exposure settings is important, since motion blur, low-light conditions, and long shutter speeds can create ghost-like distortions.
Well-defined anomalies captured at fast shutter speeds are more difficult to dismiss but still require careful analysis.
Shadows and Their Causes
“Shadow people” are described as independent, human-shaped forms not connected to a visible light source. Most shadows, though, are simply the result of light being blocked by a person or object.
Shifting lights—headlights, flashlights, nearby lamps—can cause shadows to move across walls even if the source isn’t immediately visible.
Doors and Windows Opening or Closing
Doors or windows moving on their own should not automatically be considered paranormal. Drafts, pressure changes, uneven flooring, and misaligned hinges often account for these occurrences.
Video documentation is extremely useful; capturing the entire sequence helps confirm what happened. Static cameras are especially effective for monitoring empty rooms.
Final Thoughts
The purpose of paranormal investigation is not to prove what is paranormal, but to identify what remains unexplained. Many seemingly paranormal events can be traced back to everyday causes—appliances, air systems, outdoor sounds, and normal building behavior all play a role.
Over time, the field aims to separate genuine anomalies from ordinary events. It’s important to think critically about claimed expertise; professional status or public recognition doesn’t guarantee accuracy.
Collaboration is crucial. A single observer can misinterpret events, but using various recording tools and involving others in the review process helps prevent false conclusions.
Understanding that small movements and ambient sounds are unavoidable is part of the learning process. Testing doors, windows, and other fixtures builds familiarity with how they behave.
Ultimately, the goal is to identify what is “explained” and what is “unexplained.” Constructive criticism only strengthens the work, and there is always value in admitting, “I’m not sure.”
If you made it to the end of this article, thank you for your time. Please consider following us on Pinterest or subscribing to our YouTube channel through our Linktr.ee directory.
Kevin M. Klerks
Paranormal Investigator & Researcher
A key point in paranormal investigation is recognizing that the goal is to identify events or phenomena—referred to here as “responses”—that cannot be explained within our accepted understanding of how the world works.
As an investigator, your work involves examining a space—whether it’s a room, a house, a field, or anywhere else—and determining whether the responses you encounter are “explained” or “unexplained.” Another essential stage of the process is distinguishing “intelligent” responses from “environmental” ones.
For clarity, I use the terms “ghost” or “poltergeist” when referring to entities within the paranormal category. The intention is not to differentiate between types of paranormal beings, but to separate those possibilities from everyday, ordinary causes.
Intelligent vs. Environmental Responses
An “intelligent” response is a deliberate action—for example, a person choosing to close a door with their hand.
An “environmental” response occurs when a physical change in the environment triggers an effect. For example, when someone closes a window, the shift in air pressure might cause a nearby door to swing shut on its own.
Take the case of a closet door sliding open in a sealed room. The behavior may be “explained” by the door’s design or mechanics. But if there is no identifiable physical cause, the event moves into the “unexplained” category. In these cases, drafts or air movement can be ruled out.
At that point, an investigator may ask the “ghost” to move the door again. If it happens, it could indicate an intelligent response, or simply another unexplained environmental shift. And because sound waves from a human voice cannot generate the force needed to open a closet door, the request itself doesn’t physically influence the outcome.
If you want a response to be repeatable, avoid asking a “ghost” to open a door that’s already open. You need to close it first—or ask for the opposite action, such as “close the door.”
Auditory Phenomena: Footsteps, Knocks, and Creaks
“Footsteps” refer to the sound of a foot lifting and striking the ground. Surfaces influence the type of sound produced. “Footfall” can be used similarly, sometimes referring to pedestrian movement in public spaces.
“Knocking” is produced when an object or a person’s limb strikes a surface. Different materials create different sounds—knuckles on wood produce a dull thump, while a hand against skin creates a slap.
“Creaking” often comes from wood that has shifted or separated due to age, moisture loss, or structural movement. Doors can creak for similar reasons—rusted hinges, frame misalignment, or uneven support.
Many non-paranormal factors can cause these noises: settling buildings, loose pipes, warped floorboards, or wind rattling parts of a house. Even experienced investigators can mistakenly assign meaning to these sounds. Comparing them to known background noises is essential. A single footstep is usually not significant; multiple steps crossing a room are more notable.
To test such sounds, ask for them to be repeated while keeping your own movement to a minimum. Some investigators use specific knock patterns to attempt communication. Still, not all entities—if present—would recognize or respond to rhythmic cues.
A more universal test is asking for a simple knock pattern to be completed, such as “knock once, knock twice—what comes next?” Multiple knocks are preferable to single ones when assessing intelligence.
Recurring noises that sound like footsteps often turn out to be external, which is why separating outside sources from truly unexplained responses is important.
Disembodied Voices and EVPs
A “disembodied voice” refers to hearing a voice when no person is present to produce it. However, some internal bodily processes—such as “ear rumbling”—can imitate this effect, creating noises mistaken for speech.
Digital recorders and video microphones can help document what was heard. But interference from radios, ventilation systems, or background white noise can produce misleading results. These recordings, known as Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs), are categorized by clarity and intelligibility.
Investigators must also consider causes such as distant voices carrying through hallways, outdoor passersby, or stray radio signals. Thorough documentation—including surrounding sounds and movements—is essential.
Photographic Anomalies and Orbs
Circular orbs appearing in photographs are often caused by light reflecting off dust, moisture, or other particles near the camera lens. Knowing your camera is crucial when evaluating these images. Flash reflections, infrared bounce-back, and environmental conditions frequently produce orb-like artifacts.
Visually observed orbs differ significantly from photographic ones, and the two shouldn’t be confused. Digital cameras add their own complexities. Understanding exposure settings is important, since motion blur, low-light conditions, and long shutter speeds can create ghost-like distortions.
Well-defined anomalies captured at fast shutter speeds are more difficult to dismiss but still require careful analysis.
Shadows and Their Causes
“Shadow people” are described as independent, human-shaped forms not connected to a visible light source. Most shadows, though, are simply the result of light being blocked by a person or object.
Shifting lights—headlights, flashlights, nearby lamps—can cause shadows to move across walls even if the source isn’t immediately visible.
Doors and Windows Opening or Closing
Doors or windows moving on their own should not automatically be considered paranormal. Drafts, pressure changes, uneven flooring, and misaligned hinges often account for these occurrences.
Video documentation is extremely useful; capturing the entire sequence helps confirm what happened. Static cameras are especially effective for monitoring empty rooms.
Final Thoughts
The purpose of paranormal investigation is not to prove what is paranormal, but to identify what remains unexplained. Many seemingly paranormal events can be traced back to everyday causes—appliances, air systems, outdoor sounds, and normal building behavior all play a role.
Over time, the field aims to separate genuine anomalies from ordinary events. It’s important to think critically about claimed expertise; professional status or public recognition doesn’t guarantee accuracy.
Collaboration is crucial. A single observer can misinterpret events, but using various recording tools and involving others in the review process helps prevent false conclusions.
Understanding that small movements and ambient sounds are unavoidable is part of the learning process. Testing doors, windows, and other fixtures builds familiarity with how they behave.
Ultimately, the goal is to identify what is “explained” and what is “unexplained.” Constructive criticism only strengthens the work, and there is always value in admitting, “I’m not sure.”
If you made it to the end of this article, thank you for your time. Please consider following us on Pinterest or subscribing to our YouTube channel through our Linktr.ee directory.
Kevin M. Klerks
Paranormal Investigator & Researcher
Did I debunk the activity detected by me during a prior investigation or did the spirits move on between visits? Perhaps.