Is it possible to become a paranormal researcher without qualifications?

Question

Ok, would a paranormal research group take me on, I'm fascinated by the paranormal

Answer 1

Yeah, I don't believe you do, as most beginners will do it in their spare time, e.g do a day job then spend the evenings and weekends doing paranormal research. Then hopefully it will build up from there. Anybody who would have higher education would not have it in this field but in other fields.

Answer 2

Meetup.com may have a "ghost hunting" meetup group in your area. It's something to consider.

Answer 3

A paranormal researcher with qualifications is an oxymoron.

Answer 4

Do the work, keep notes, POOF! you are doing research.

Answer 5

Of course you can. Do your research and learn your stuff.

If you are really serious in becoming a paranormal researcher for the purpose of helping people then keep this in mind.....

Assume everything is being caused by something natural until you can prove otherwise.

It isnt going to help anyone (unless your selling books) tell them they have poltergeists when its only the hardwood floors shifting while the temperature changes, or the doors slamming closed when the air shifts.

The most important tool a paranormal investigator can bring to the table is to know when its not paranormal.

It is sleep paralysis, shifting houses, infrasound, optical illusions, trucks driving by, drugs, stress, schizophrenia or anything else that could cause someone to believe they are in a haunted house.

Answer 6

You don't need any formal qualifications to investigate anything.  All you need is a good understanding of experimental and investigative techniques.  For starters, assume that nothing is paranormal until *all* other explanations have been explored.

Whatever you do, do *not* proceed as many paranormal investigators seem to by assuming first that a ghost (or anything else) claim is fact and then do all you can to find evidence supporting this hypothesis.  This is not legitimate investigation or research, it's anomaly hunting.

The best researchers or any kind have a degree of skepticism, so don't go looking for things that support your belief in the paranormal.  Do your best to find a reason why a phenomenon is *not* paranormal before you draw any conclusions.

Answer 7

You do not need qualifications but it helps if you can bring something to the team. Joining a team is not that hard but you should check with teams around your area. best to find out their location and talk to them in person and show them your eagerness at wanting to join and get your name out there. if their team is full they may suggest another team they know.

Best of luck.

Answer 8

i dont believe so.

Answer 9

Yes it is.  Most any group is always looking for new researchers.  If you can find a group in your area, see if they have a website.  Most of them may have some qualifications, but more than likely you would meet them.  They may require you to attend so many meetings, be available for investigations, etc.  You might have to go through a "trial" or "probation" period first.

The only major qualifications is to have an open mind, a mature attitude, and decent equipment.  It wouldn't hurt to have a ton of batteries either LMAO.

Answer 10

Is it possible to become a paranormal researcher without qualifications?   Is there any other way?   :-)

Seriously, the best qualification is a scientific mind. An "anything is possible" attitude will keep you lost and going in circles. A skeptical mind -- that is, one that perceives the possibilities but prioritizes them correctly according to probability -- is the best tool anybody could ever have for investigations of any kind.

Answer 11

Yes it justs means you are an unqualified paranormal researcher  as opposed to a normal paranormal one who is qualified..But can a normal understand the paranormal ?

Answer 12

Legitimate scientific study of the paranormal is a new field with a lot of opportunities.  People of all types of backgrounds are able to contribute to the field, but the most valuable are those who have some training in the scientific method and experimental design.  

There isn't any requirement that somebody have a degree in order to do the work, and there are organizations that will allow you to learn while you are working with them.  You are not likely to make much money (if you make any money) from this pursuit, and you will have to be very self motivated since there isn't a great deal of incentive for people in this field.  In addition, you have to be a very strong person who can withstand criticism from skeptics.  You also have to work toward seeing things objectively, and you need to be willing to admit when you are wrong, because you will be wrong a lot.

Much of the work may not produce results, but paranormal investigators live for the odd case where there is an event that can not be explained using standard science.

Look online for a local organization and contact them.  You may be able to arrange to meet with them and talk about the work in more detail.  That will help you decide if you will really like it, and, who knows, they may let you tag along on a few trips to help get your feet wet.  Good luck!

Answer 13

What kind of qualifications would you have?  Do you really think you can make a living doing this?  I can tell you now most "paranormal researchers" didn't have any qualifications when they started except an interest in the paranormal.

Answer 14

Of'course, Hey, "do you want to start [here] at the ninth gate?"

Answer 15

not officialy but on your own

Answer 16

Look at Thomas Edison, does he need a qualification to becomes a inventor? More than that, there's no companies that need to employment a paranormal researcher. If you want to chase your ambition, do it with your full interest, people will trust you and employ you if you solve many paranormal case successfully. Good luck!

Answer 17

Try writing a letter to Princeton and asking if you can apply to major in Paranormal Investigation. ;)

Seriously, I always assume that anyone who calls themselves a "paranormal researcher" has NO qualifications whatsoever.

Please, please , please, don't devote your life to fantasy.  I enjoy the guilty pleasure of watching an occaisional UFO documentary or maybe listened to a bit of Art Bell, but it's all for fun, and I stopped listening after it was clear that everyone on Art Bell is trying to sell a book or something, while most callers are drunk or stoned, or just plain idiots.

"Paranormal research" is a needless luxury/entertainment good.