Scientific Method

Scientific method is a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. It is based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.

Scientific method is a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. It is based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.

1. Define the question

2. Gather information and resources (observe)

3. Form hypothesis

4. Perform experiment and collect data

5. Analyze data

6. Interpret data and draw conclusions that serve as a starting point for new hypothesis

7. Publish results

8. Retest (frequently done by other scientists)

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In-Depth: How Thermal Imaging Works

Courtesy How Stuff Works



how thermal imaging works:

1. A special lens focuses the infrared light emitted by all of the objects in view.

2. The focused light is scanned by a phased array of infrared-detector elements. The detector elements create a very detailed temperature pattern called a thermogram. It only takes about one-thirtieth of a second for the detector array to obtain the temperature information to make the thermogram. This information is obtained from several thousand points in the field of view of the detector array.

3. The thermogram created by the detector elements is translated into electric impulses.

4. The impulses are sent to a signal-processing unit, a circuit board with a dedicated chip that translates the information from the elements into data for the display.

5. The signal-processing unit sends the information to the display, where it appears as various colors depending on the intensity of the infrared emission. The combination of all the impulses from all of the elements creates the image.

Types of Thermal Imaging Devices
Most thermal-imaging devices scan at a rate of 30 times per second. They can sense temperatures ranging from -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius) to 3,600 F (2,000 C), and can normally detect changes in temperature of about 0.4 F (0.2 C).

There are two common types of thermal-imaging devices:

• Un-cooled - This is the most common type of thermal-imaging device. The infrared-detector elements are contained in a unit that operates at room temperature. This type of system is completely quiet, activates immediately and has the battery built right in.

• Cryogenically cooled - More expensive and more susceptible to damage from rugged use, these systems have the elements sealed inside a container that cools them to below 32 F (zero C). The advantage of such a system is the incredible resolution and sensitivity that result from cooling the elements. Cryogenically-cooled systems can "see" a difference as small as 0.2 F (0.1 C) from more than 1,000 ft (300 m) away, which is enough to tell if a person is holding a gun at that distance!

While thermal imaging is great for detecting people or working in near-absolute darkness, most night-vision equipment uses image-enhancement technology.

In-Depth: The EMF Meter

An EMF meter is a scientific instrument for measuring electromagnetic radiation.

There are many different types of EMF meter, but the two largest categories are single axis and tri-axis. Single axis meters are cheaper than a tri-axis meters, but take longer to complete a survey because the meter only measures one dimension of the field. Single axis instruments have to be tilted and turned on all three axes to obtain a full measurement. A tri-axis meter measures all three axes simultaneously, but these models tend to be more expensive.

Most meters measure the electromagnetic radiation flux density, which is the amplitude of any emitted radiation. Other meters measure the change in an electromagnetic field over time.

Electromagnetic fields can be either AC (Alternating Current) or DC (Direct Current). An EMF meter can measure AC electromagnetic fields, which are usually emitted from man-made sources such as electrical wiring, while Gauss meters or magnetometers measure DC fields, which occur naturally in the earth’s geomagnetic field and are emitted from other sources where direct current is present.

EMF meters usually measure radiation in milligaus In absence of a moving magnetic field, an ideal meter will read 0 milligauss. Industrial EMF meters will often read 2-3 milligauss when placed in an open field devoid of emitters such as power lines (either overhead or buried).

The majority of EMF meters available are calibrated to measure electromagnetic radiation, which is alternating at 50/60 Hertz. This is because in recent years people have become concerned about the long-term health effects of exposure to high levels of radiation emitted from some electrical appliances.

There are other meters which can measure field alternating at as little as 20 Hz However these tend to be much more expensive and are only used to specific research.

Hetland Paranormal Theory

A scientific theory postulating how the paranormal can exist and interact with the normal world

We live in a world of three spatial and a single temporal dimension: Length, width, depth, and time. An extension of geometric theories which aim to solve the unification of the four fundamental forces of the universe is Hyperspace Theory. Hyperspace Theory postulates that these fundamental forces can be unified, mathematically, into a single force in 10 or 23 spatial dimensions.

With hyperspace theory as a basis, I theorize that what the world considers the “paranormal” is, in fact, simply manifestations on our own dimension (3 spatial) from higher dimensions (the 4^TH spatial through the 23^RD spatial). As such, this removes the paranormal from the realm of the esoteric into the quantifiable; able to be explained as discrete phenomena in a universe governed by the laws of physics.

In accordance with hyperspace theory, Dr. Michio Kaku, Professor of Theoretical Physics with the City University of New York, poses that the energy necessary to travel between dimensions approaches the Plank Energy. The Planck Energy is equivalent to the Planck Mass according to Einstein’s famous equation E=mc²:

Additionally, taking into account various gravitational formulas, but likely outside the topic of this discussion, the Planck Energy can be deduced into:

At any rate, the energy necessary to travel to higher dimensions is closely tied to the Planck Energy.

While entities in higher dimensions will likely require less energy in order to have an effect or otherwise permeate or transfer between their higher dimension and our own will require less energy than anything approaching the Planck Energy, in order for anyone in our observed spatial dimensions to interact with those in higher dimensions, in their own dimensions, it would require energies approaching those described in the aforementioned formulas.

Just as the “Flatland Bob” analogy indicates that a being in two dimensions (length and width, easily imagined as a piece of paper) allows us to comprehend what interactions with the manifestations of higher dimensions would be like, it can also offer a premise for how difficult it would be for us to transcend between our own dimensional state into a higher one.

For a moment, imagine “Flatland Bob” moving away from all of his directions at once: Unfortunately “Flatland Bob” does not understand what we do as the direction of “up.” This makes it much more difficult for him to reach any sort of escape velocity in order to leave his dimensional plane and reach ours.

In such a fashion, it might be difficult for anyone of our dimension to transcend above our own and reach further dimensions. However, using the analogy of “Flatland Bob” it is easier to formulate how we might accomplish such a feat.

The conclusion that arises is one that dictates that, as stated before: While travel between our own dimension(s) and higher dimensions may be currently energy prohibitive, for entities in higher dimensions to communicate or manifest in our own dimension would likely take much less energy than vice versa. The math dictating the energy relationships between higher dimensions and lower dimensions is forthcoming.

However, because of the known science of electromagnetic and other such energy phenomena surrounding what is popularly dubbed as the paranormal, I pose that communication with such entities is well within the means of properly motivated researchers at this time.

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EVP Hints

A lot of us have experience or have watched someone attempting to acquire EVPs. Some techniques are good but most are not. A lot of things have to be observed or followed to gain top notch EVPs. Here are my thoughts and some rules I try to follow when doing EVPs or when I'm with someone who is.

1. Always vocally call out any outside disturbance i.e. coughing, sneezing, cars, etc

2. Wait 3-5 seconds after each question for a possible response.

3. Don't walk when conducting EVP operations always try to be stationary- as to avoid any disturbance from your walking to be thought of as a possible EVP.

4. Have your back to the wind.

5. Keep your fingers off the microphone---the mere rubbing of your thumb over the microphone will cause an anomaly and wasted review time.

6. Keep your questions simple avoid questions that require complex or multiple answers.

7. Act pleasantly in your questions no matter what your personal feelings of the area or reported haunting parties are (i.e. spirit of a child molester, wife beater etc.).

8. Avoid taunting statements unless you are totally prepared for some kind of retaliation.

9. Ask your questions in a normal tone of voice-- don't yell.

10. If you hear someone else doing EVPs in your area immediately stop your EVP operation or move away as to avoid tainting the other groups evidence or yours.

11. Don't ask sarcastic or unprofessional questions.

12. If using a micro-cassette recorder use fresh tapes only.

13. Since some entities need to draw energy (some of which have to struggle to do so) to give a response attempt to cheer them on: "You can do it," etc.

14. Use questions that are technologically correct to the era if known; such as entities from the 1700s don't know what a flashlight is, etc.

15. Keep the recorder rolling until the investigation is over---you'll be surprised to hear who chimes in during normal conversations or while on breaks.

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Why a Blog?

Why have a MAPSS Paranormal Blog?

Two reasons:

1. To collect our individual stories, adding to the group experience, as a sort of historical record.

2. For you, as a member of MAPSS, to post your sentiments, thoughts, experiences, and teachings for training our own, future investigators, and others in the scientific paranormal community.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either me at matthew.hetland@gmail.com or Cliff and S.J. at admin@mapsparanormal.com

So, if you decide to post to the blog, you are asked only one thing at present:

1. If your post is in regards to a story or other personal experience, please choose the post label ("tag") of "Story."

2. If your post is in regards to training, please choose the post label of "Training."

If all else fails, I can come in afterwards and appropriately tag items, so have no worries.

Happy posting!