The Parapsychology / Cryptozoology top lists:
Note: This version of this post is slightly revised from the version of the post that I had posted last night as I forgot a few on the Cryptozoology end and didn’t feel like editing the post in all the places I had originally posted. So here’s a fresh re-posting.
The Parapsychology / Cryptozoology top lists:
As I truly believe in the potential for both Cryptozoology and Parapsychology to be treated as legitimate sciences (Particularly working in tandem) I have decided to compile lists about both, one on how to spot the false investigators and one on how to spot the legitimate ones.
How to spot the false Parapsychologists:
They seem incline toward confirmation bias in favor of an early theory.
They run around screaming at every pop, bang, or click. In fact every reaction may be hyper and exaggerated.
They will not offer to share their academic or work history in regard to parapsychology. In fact they may be actively trying to hide their own lacking credentials.
They do not offer possible non-supernatural explanations for the phenomena.
They use a pendulum, automatic writing, or Ouija board to communicate with spirits and do not seem to know what the ideomotor effect is. The ideomotor effect is a phenomena where someone is not aware that their supposed superntural communication is actually their own subconscious mind causing subtle muscle movements and the “conversation” with spirits.
The so-called paranormal investigator not only doesn’t offer a non-supernatural possibility but is also quick to assume all supernatural activity is definitely a demon. In fact they are quick to assume most things are demons.
They rely on things like Ghost Box phone apps for white noise communication with spirits.
They use EMF meters without first getting a baseline reading of what EMF measurements in the immediate area might be just from wireless devices, cellphones, microwave ovens, and pacemakers. A lot of so-called spikes in EMF activity are actually from something as mundane as a cellphone receiving a text, or a microwave oven heating a cup of ramen noodles.
They may confiscate “Haunted objects” for their Haunted museum, of which they charge admission. This may sound very specific but this has happened at least twice.
The paranormal investigator claims to be psychic AND relies on classic cons like Cold readings and The rainbow Ruse. A cold reading uses vaguery and observing obvious details about the person they are reading information for. It’s a classic carnival fortune teller stunt. The Rainbow Ruse uses vaguery and often contradictory terms so that it can apply to anyone. A simple example is “You enjoy the company of others but also like to have time for yourself.” (Who doesn’t? Even if the person is an introvert or extreme extrovert this can be applied).
They charge an exuberant amount of money for their services and may insist on staying over night.
They consider “orbs” to be legitimate signs of the supernatural.
They are involved in a reality TV series.
Signs you might be dealing with a legitimate Parapsychologist:
They are willing to consider that their own theory (if they have one) might be inaccurate and they resist things like confirmation bias.
They do not consider “orbs” in photographs to be legitimate evidence of paranormal activity.
They demonstrate knowledge and experience with debunkings.
They may offer a non-supernatural explanation for the supposed phenomena.
They offer to do their investigation for free or for a tip / gratuity that you might have the option to choose the fee of.
They offer education / academic credentials or previous paranormal investigation experience.
They work with a respected organization such as the SPR or ASPR. (Society for psychical research).
They don’t run around screaming at every pop or click or bang. They remain calm and (for the most part) detached.
They do not use EMF gauges around anything that could be producing an electromagnetic field such as a microwave oven or turned-on cellphone.
Respected and legitimate Parapsychologists and paranormal investigators:
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is the creator of the fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, and he was a firm believer in the supernatural. Harry Houdini, being a professional stage magician, knew how to spot the cons that Doyle often fell for. Together they would investigate claims of psychic phenomena often with a lot of debunking.
Dr. Hans Holzer – Dr. Hans Holzer is considered the father of modern parapsychology. He disliked the term supernatural because people tended to not consider the thing being discussed an aspect of the natural world when they heard the term. He believed that paranormal phenomena was natural but not yet explored by conventional science.
Dan Aykroyd – Despite being a comedian, Dan Aykroyd has always had a serious interest in paranormal phenomena. He applied his knowledge of real parapsychology to the filming of Ghostbusters and its sequels. He is also a member of the American Society for Psychical research (ASPR).
Signs you are dealing with a dubious Cryptozoologist:
They know very little about basic, regular, zoology. Example: I have encountered multiple so-called Cryptozoologists who insist, that if humanoid vampires are real, that the fangs would serve as straws to suck up the blood like a mosquito. And then they would say things like “Why else would they even have fangs?” Somehow being both unaware that mammalian hemovores (Blood-drinkers) have already been documented and do have fangs and those fangs are not straws. And they also don’t seem to realize that most mammalian predators have fangs. And no mammal drinks through its teeth… The anatomy just is illogical, especially if you know how skulls and digestive tracts work…
They may seem to be stubborn in clinging to a theory even as it seems to start to fall apart.
They do not know what the Taxonomy hierarchy is. It’s okay if they don’t have it memorized, I’ll cut slack for that, but not knowing what it is at all is another matter. (Mnemonic device: "Dear King Philip Came Over For Great Spain.")
They do not offer any academic or previous work credentials in Cryptozoology. In fact they may even seem to be hiding their credential.
They do not offer any possible explanation other than the presence of a cryptid, or even a very specific cryptid.
They do not know the Rou Garou is a type of werewolf and in fact seem to have learned about cryptids from the Epic Universe theme park.
They insist on an over-night investigation.
They charge an exuberant fee for the investigation.
They are involved in a reality TV series on The History Channel, Syfy, or Travel Channel. This doesn’t necessarily prove they are false but it may hint at the possibility.
Signs are you dealing with a legitimate Cryptozoologist:
They have some basic knowledge about regular zoology.
They offer their education / academic background as well as possible previous cryptozoological work.
They offer to investigate for free or for a tip / gratuity that you can pick the amount of.
They offer possible explanations for the phenomena other than the suspected cryptid.
They don’t pretend there’s some sort of pissing contest against parapsychology or claim that their particular field is more scientific by default.
They are aware of Morris Costumes and their connection to famous Big Foot claims and other false cryptid claims such as the Fiji Mermaid.
They are willing to accept that their own theory may be inaccurate and don’t fall prey to confirmation bias.
Legitimate Cryptozoologists or Cryptozoology experts and investigators:
Dr. Robert Curran AKA Dr. Bob Curran. - Author of several in-depth books on cryptozoology, including Werewolves, Vampires, Dark Faeries, The Werewolf Handbook, Bloody Irish, and Man-made monsters.
Daniel Cohen – Author of Real Vampires. And Real Werewolves.
David. J. Skal – Famous historian and author of books like V is for Vampire.
E. B. Hubspeth – Though obviously a nom de plume this author goes into great detail in creating speculative anatomical designs for various cryptid entities.
