BASICS FOR INVESTIGATING THE PARANORMAL
First Step in becoming a Paranormal Investigator
Paranormal investigating is becoming a popular hobby these days. With all the hype from reality shows such as Ghost Hunter and Most Haunted, many individuals want to become ghost hunters and start up their own groups. It is important to remember shows like this are designed to entertain us with intrigue, conflict and mysterious happenings. With some very good editing, they put us on the edge of our seats and it's all jammed into 45 minutes. They are entertaining to watch and they grab our imagination, but in reality paranormal research and investigating is very different to the reality shows. To become an investigator you will need passion, dedication, lots of patience, a strong mental state, an eye for the obvious, belief in basic science, an open mind and lots of time.
THE FIRST STEP IS TO ASK YOURSELF A FEW VERY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS:
* Are you an open minded person?
* Why do you really want to become a paranormal investigator?
* Are you willing to learn investigative techniques and theories of the field?
* Are you able to work in a team environment?
* Are you able to work within team rules and protocol?
* Are you willing to look beyond your own personal believes and ideas?
* Are you understanding of other peoples believes and theories?
* Do you get frustrated easily?
* Do you get board easily?
* Are you a patient person?
* Do you have a strong mental attitude?
* Do you scare easily and would you likely panic in a stressful or uncomfortable situation?
* Are you frightened of the dark or confined spaces?
* What would you do if you actually came face to face with a ghost?
* Do you enjoy doing background/historical research?
* Are you able to accept that the majority of phenomena will have a logical or explainable explanation?
The reason these questions are important is that researching and investigating the paranormal is not a Saturday afternoon sport or a social activity. A fascination with the paranormal does not always equate to the ability to investigate. If you are a nervous person or panic easily, the best option would be to stay away from hands on investigating. It is important to have the right mind set and the ability to control your emotions and anxiety in stressful situations. The other side of the coin is to have the ability to control boredom and have the ability to be patient, as most field investigations can be mundane with very little phenomena observed or experienced. I believe it is also important to use scientific principles when conducting an investigation and analyzing the evidence.
If you feel you are are not emotionally ready to be a field investigator, there are many areas within paranormal research that are of importance such as background/historical research, interviewers or case workers.
The way to learn is to join a paranormal research organization, but make sure the organization you join has a credible reputation as there are many half baked groups who have no experience or protocols in place. These are the organizations that give the paranormal community a bad rap in the scientific community and the general public.
Finally, if an individual has a genuine passion for paranormal research they will find the answers in the journey, not the final destination. For many researchers, it is a life long journey of discovery.
THE FIRST STEP IS TO ASK YOURSELF A FEW VERY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS:
* Are you an open minded person?
* Why do you really want to become a paranormal investigator?
* Are you willing to learn investigative techniques and theories of the field?
* Are you able to work in a team environment?
* Are you able to work within team rules and protocol?
* Are you willing to look beyond your own personal believes and ideas?
* Are you understanding of other peoples believes and theories?
* Do you get frustrated easily?
* Do you get board easily?
* Are you a patient person?
* Do you have a strong mental attitude?
* Do you scare easily and would you likely panic in a stressful or uncomfortable situation?
* Are you frightened of the dark or confined spaces?
* What would you do if you actually came face to face with a ghost?
* Do you enjoy doing background/historical research?
* Are you able to accept that the majority of phenomena will have a logical or explainable explanation?
The reason these questions are important is that researching and investigating the paranormal is not a Saturday afternoon sport or a social activity. A fascination with the paranormal does not always equate to the ability to investigate. If you are a nervous person or panic easily, the best option would be to stay away from hands on investigating. It is important to have the right mind set and the ability to control your emotions and anxiety in stressful situations. The other side of the coin is to have the ability to control boredom and have the ability to be patient, as most field investigations can be mundane with very little phenomena observed or experienced. I believe it is also important to use scientific principles when conducting an investigation and analyzing the evidence.
If you feel you are are not emotionally ready to be a field investigator, there are many areas within paranormal research that are of importance such as background/historical research, interviewers or case workers.
The way to learn is to join a paranormal research organization, but make sure the organization you join has a credible reputation as there are many half baked groups who have no experience or protocols in place. These are the organizations that give the paranormal community a bad rap in the scientific community and the general public.
Finally, if an individual has a genuine passion for paranormal research they will find the answers in the journey, not the final destination. For many researchers, it is a life long journey of discovery.
Basic Investigators Protocol
Whether you are a individual or a group it is important to maintain a professional image that includes, how you conduct yourself in public and the attire you wear.
Appropriate attire:
* Solid coloured clothing, windcheaters, jackets and coats. (To reduce camera or video flare)
* Long trousers, jeans, cargo pants etc.
* Proper shoes, work or hiking boots, Go quality runners. (no sandals, thongs, hi-heels or slide on shoes).
* No reflective clothing or shoes. (can be picked on video and photos)
* No silk tops/trousers as they become transparent on infrared footage. (could be embarrassing)
* Don't wear any jewellery or accessories that could make a noise or reflect light. (could be picked up on
audio or video)
* Don't wear clothing with offensive comments or improper visuals.
*Don't wear perfume or aftershave, deodorant or strong scented shampoos. (Could be misidentified
as an anomalous phenomena)
Behaviour of an investigator:
Investigations can go from exciting to boring in a very short period of time so it is important to keep a professional demeanor at all times.
* No swearing, practical jokes or stupidity during an investigation.
* No negative comments, bad behavior around the client.
* Don't argue or have conflicts during an investigation, especially in front of the client.
* No negative comments about the clients, or anyone connected to the investigation.
* No property should be touched or removed with out permission.
* The cause of a haunting should not be determined until the investigation is complete and the evidence
has been fully reviewed. No theories should be shared with a client during an investigation.
Getting frightened:
* If an individual becomes frightened, they should avoid screaming or running, calmly alert the nearest
person or team leader and ask to leave the area. They should be quietly escorted away from the area. The
individual should have a break and return when they feel they are ready.
* If the individual feels they can't return to the area, they should not be pushed or ridiculed for their decision.
Serious injury:
* At least one person should have first aid training for minor injuries that may occur. A first aid kit should
always be brought on an investigation.
* There should be an action plan in case of a serious injury. As an example: If serious injury occurs that
requires outside assistance, one person should contact the ambulance. One person should
make sure there is access on the site for the ambulance. Someone should stay and comfort the injured
person until help arrives.
* If a serious injure occurs, the investigation should be abandoned immediately.
Alcohol / drugs /Medication:
* No alcohol should be consumed before or during an investigation.
* No illegal substances should be taken at anytime especially during an investigation.
* No illegal drugs or alcohol should be taken when investigation data is being reviewed.
* If on prescription medication that could alter moods, cause drowsiness or affect capability, it should
be reported to the individual running the investigation. If investigating as an individual, it is not advisable to
investigate while on medications that could effect the individuals abilities and judgment.
* If there is a medical condition that could affect an individual e.g. heart condition, asthma etc, the individual
in charge needs to be notified or not attend the investigation.
Appropriate attire:
* Solid coloured clothing, windcheaters, jackets and coats. (To reduce camera or video flare)
* Long trousers, jeans, cargo pants etc.
* Proper shoes, work or hiking boots, Go quality runners. (no sandals, thongs, hi-heels or slide on shoes).
* No reflective clothing or shoes. (can be picked on video and photos)
* No silk tops/trousers as they become transparent on infrared footage. (could be embarrassing)
* Don't wear any jewellery or accessories that could make a noise or reflect light. (could be picked up on
audio or video)
* Don't wear clothing with offensive comments or improper visuals.
*Don't wear perfume or aftershave, deodorant or strong scented shampoos. (Could be misidentified
as an anomalous phenomena)
Behaviour of an investigator:
Investigations can go from exciting to boring in a very short period of time so it is important to keep a professional demeanor at all times.
* No swearing, practical jokes or stupidity during an investigation.
* No negative comments, bad behavior around the client.
* Don't argue or have conflicts during an investigation, especially in front of the client.
* No negative comments about the clients, or anyone connected to the investigation.
* No property should be touched or removed with out permission.
* The cause of a haunting should not be determined until the investigation is complete and the evidence
has been fully reviewed. No theories should be shared with a client during an investigation.
Getting frightened:
* If an individual becomes frightened, they should avoid screaming or running, calmly alert the nearest
person or team leader and ask to leave the area. They should be quietly escorted away from the area. The
individual should have a break and return when they feel they are ready.
* If the individual feels they can't return to the area, they should not be pushed or ridiculed for their decision.
Serious injury:
* At least one person should have first aid training for minor injuries that may occur. A first aid kit should
always be brought on an investigation.
* There should be an action plan in case of a serious injury. As an example: If serious injury occurs that
requires outside assistance, one person should contact the ambulance. One person should
make sure there is access on the site for the ambulance. Someone should stay and comfort the injured
person until help arrives.
* If a serious injure occurs, the investigation should be abandoned immediately.
Alcohol / drugs /Medication:
* No alcohol should be consumed before or during an investigation.
* No illegal substances should be taken at anytime especially during an investigation.
* No illegal drugs or alcohol should be taken when investigation data is being reviewed.
* If on prescription medication that could alter moods, cause drowsiness or affect capability, it should
be reported to the individual running the investigation. If investigating as an individual, it is not advisable to
investigate while on medications that could effect the individuals abilities and judgment.
* If there is a medical condition that could affect an individual e.g. heart condition, asthma etc, the individual
in charge needs to be notified or not attend the investigation.
Day or Night Investigations.
This is a common question asked - if you watch the reality paranormal shows, they always conduct the investigations at night for the visual effects and to capture their audiences. Another reason most investigations are held at night because it is convenient for the majority of people who have day jobs and a night investigation may be the only time they are available. Also, a lot of the equipment being used is only suitable for night use such as infrared video and surveillance equipment.
The most common reason people believe they should hunt ghosts at a night is because of the cultural ideas that most of us have grown up with. There are countless publications, movies, television shows that tell us ghosts are the dead who haunt a location usually night. This is what the reality paranormal shows work with, the cultural ideas that we recognize and feel comfortable with. So it is excepted without any question.
What needs to be taken into consideration is that much of the paranormal phenomena reported actually happens during daylight hours, so it is important to take this into consideration. This is why some investigations should be conducted during daylight hours in the same environmental conditions and around the same time to duplicate the conditions of the original report. Ghosts have been seen at all times of the day in a variety of illuminations. Most witness report ghosts as looking like normal people not the glowing apparitions that the Hollywood films portray.
The most common reason people believe they should hunt ghosts at a night is because of the cultural ideas that most of us have grown up with. There are countless publications, movies, television shows that tell us ghosts are the dead who haunt a location usually night. This is what the reality paranormal shows work with, the cultural ideas that we recognize and feel comfortable with. So it is excepted without any question.
What needs to be taken into consideration is that much of the paranormal phenomena reported actually happens during daylight hours, so it is important to take this into consideration. This is why some investigations should be conducted during daylight hours in the same environmental conditions and around the same time to duplicate the conditions of the original report. Ghosts have been seen at all times of the day in a variety of illuminations. Most witness report ghosts as looking like normal people not the glowing apparitions that the Hollywood films portray.
Background Research
One of the most important tools for a paranormal researcher/investigator is background research. It is a bit like becoming an amateur detective. There are six very important questions that need to be investigated and answered, WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHERE? WHY? HOW?
Any haunting or ghost story will have elements of truth but most become the victims of Chinese whispers, stories that change slightly every time they are retold. Over time, there could be a very different story being told that has very little resemblance to the original story or experience.
Many investigators fail to do one of the most basic and necessary things - verify the reports, stories and claims made. Many stories turn out to be false or inaccurate. Or it may turn out to be even more mysterious than previously thought. Entering an investigation with accurate knowledge of the site being investigated will assist the investigators in all aspects of the investigation. There is nothing more embarrassing than others proving that the data put forward is wrong. This can destroy the credibility of any investigation team or individual.
Experienced researchers can spend up to 50% of their time doing background research. It can be difficult, frustrating and time consuming work gathering background information to find the most basic information but it is a vital part of paranormal investigating.
For me personally, conducting background research is my favourite part of any investigation as you learn so much about individuals/families who normally would be lost to history. In a way, you bring them back to the present day. These could be normal everyday people that may have a story to tell that could bring justice or closure, maybe you will find out that so-called famous or historical figures were not what they appeared to be, or just very interesting people who did very special things that have never been acknowledged. Even if the ghost story proves not to be true, you might just learn about others from the past that turn out to be very special in their own way.
HERE IS A PRACTICAL GUIDE THAT COULD ASSIST WITH CONDUCTING BACKGROUND RESEARCH:
There are two types of background research..."Primary Research" & "Secondary Research".
PRIMARY RESEARCH:
* Primary research involves the study of a subject through "first hand" observation, experience and
investigation by the investigator/researcher.
* Primary research can be used as background research if there is no previous published material on the
subject.
* Primary research can also come from the investigator/researcher's own experience and observations or
from the information gathered from individuals interviewed.
Sources of Primary Research:
* Relevant people.
* Researcher/investigators observations and experiences.
* Historical records / texts.
* Company / business records.
* Personal documents.
* Works or art / prints / drawings etc.
* Films / videos / home movies etc.
* Laboratory / on site experiments.
* Death / births / marriages.
* Genealogy societies.
* State records / national archives.
* Historical societies.
* Church archives & records.
* Old letters / diaries / post cards / photographs.
* Land deeds / titles.
References:
* Its important to keep records of the interviewee, date, time and contact number.
* Keep a record of all investigations; include date, time and location.
* Keep a record of all audio, video and photographs; include date, time and location.
* It is important to note all references that are associated with the data collected. Include publication,
author, date of publication, place of publication, publishers and all relevant information.
* It is useful to include locations of the publications/articles, text, records etc, so it can be found easily by
others. But it is very important to keep interviewee details confidential unless given permission.
SECONDARY RESEARCH:
* Secondary research involves the collecting of information from studies that other researchers have made
on the subject or a similar subject.
* The two easiest and most accessible methods are the internet and libraries.
* It is very important to remember that anyone can publish material over the internet and should be aware
that some of the information can be misleading or incorrect especially when it comes to the paranormal
subject. This can also be the same for printed published material.
* Look for information being given, how its collected, where the methods sound, what motives did the
publisher have for making the information available, was it a personal opinion, a belief or deliberate
attempt to create false information
* Double check information from the internet, don't assume information is correct. This can be done by finding
information from different sources such as printed publications, records, etc.
Sources for Secondary Research:
* Research books.
* Research reports.
* Journal articles.
* Online internet research.
* Biographies.
* Historical events via publications/videos/films
* Heritage records.
* Newspapers.
* Cemeteries (gravestones)
* Local council records.
* State/local libraries.
* Historical societies.
* National/State Archives.
* Church records.
References:
* It is important to keep a record of all publications, authors and initials, dates of publication, publishers and
place of publication.
* If it is a journal, include the page number and the volume number.
* If it is a newspaper/magazine article include the name of the publication, date and page number.
* It can also useful to include the location (library, state records etc) of the publication/article so it can be found
by other interested parties.
KEEPING RECORDS:
* When beginning the background research keep accurate records of all information collected with dates and
where they came from. This will save a lot of time and frustration later on when writing reports.
* It is useful to have two groups of files, "primary research" and "secondary research. This will make it easier
to locate information quickly.
* Place all hand written notes into well marked folders for easy access.
* For information stored on the PC, typed notes, transcripts, photos and video put information into relevant easy to read and remember titles for easy access.
* Most important, don't forget to back up all data on a regular basis and keep extra copies of everything
(photocopy hand written notes, letters, articles etc).
SUMMARY:
* Primary research involves the subject through first hand observation and secondary research involves the
collecting of information from studies or other researchers.
* For most research, the quickest method is using the internet and the library. Any information obtained from
secondary research should be assessed carefully for its accuracy and relevance's.
* Keep a detailed record of all resources collected.
Any haunting or ghost story will have elements of truth but most become the victims of Chinese whispers, stories that change slightly every time they are retold. Over time, there could be a very different story being told that has very little resemblance to the original story or experience.
Many investigators fail to do one of the most basic and necessary things - verify the reports, stories and claims made. Many stories turn out to be false or inaccurate. Or it may turn out to be even more mysterious than previously thought. Entering an investigation with accurate knowledge of the site being investigated will assist the investigators in all aspects of the investigation. There is nothing more embarrassing than others proving that the data put forward is wrong. This can destroy the credibility of any investigation team or individual.
Experienced researchers can spend up to 50% of their time doing background research. It can be difficult, frustrating and time consuming work gathering background information to find the most basic information but it is a vital part of paranormal investigating.
For me personally, conducting background research is my favourite part of any investigation as you learn so much about individuals/families who normally would be lost to history. In a way, you bring them back to the present day. These could be normal everyday people that may have a story to tell that could bring justice or closure, maybe you will find out that so-called famous or historical figures were not what they appeared to be, or just very interesting people who did very special things that have never been acknowledged. Even if the ghost story proves not to be true, you might just learn about others from the past that turn out to be very special in their own way.
HERE IS A PRACTICAL GUIDE THAT COULD ASSIST WITH CONDUCTING BACKGROUND RESEARCH:
There are two types of background research..."Primary Research" & "Secondary Research".
PRIMARY RESEARCH:
* Primary research involves the study of a subject through "first hand" observation, experience and
investigation by the investigator/researcher.
* Primary research can be used as background research if there is no previous published material on the
subject.
* Primary research can also come from the investigator/researcher's own experience and observations or
from the information gathered from individuals interviewed.
Sources of Primary Research:
* Relevant people.
* Researcher/investigators observations and experiences.
* Historical records / texts.
* Company / business records.
* Personal documents.
* Works or art / prints / drawings etc.
* Films / videos / home movies etc.
* Laboratory / on site experiments.
* Death / births / marriages.
* Genealogy societies.
* State records / national archives.
* Historical societies.
* Church archives & records.
* Old letters / diaries / post cards / photographs.
* Land deeds / titles.
References:
* Its important to keep records of the interviewee, date, time and contact number.
* Keep a record of all investigations; include date, time and location.
* Keep a record of all audio, video and photographs; include date, time and location.
* It is important to note all references that are associated with the data collected. Include publication,
author, date of publication, place of publication, publishers and all relevant information.
* It is useful to include locations of the publications/articles, text, records etc, so it can be found easily by
others. But it is very important to keep interviewee details confidential unless given permission.
SECONDARY RESEARCH:
* Secondary research involves the collecting of information from studies that other researchers have made
on the subject or a similar subject.
* The two easiest and most accessible methods are the internet and libraries.
* It is very important to remember that anyone can publish material over the internet and should be aware
that some of the information can be misleading or incorrect especially when it comes to the paranormal
subject. This can also be the same for printed published material.
* Look for information being given, how its collected, where the methods sound, what motives did the
publisher have for making the information available, was it a personal opinion, a belief or deliberate
attempt to create false information
* Double check information from the internet, don't assume information is correct. This can be done by finding
information from different sources such as printed publications, records, etc.
Sources for Secondary Research:
* Research books.
* Research reports.
* Journal articles.
* Online internet research.
* Biographies.
* Historical events via publications/videos/films
* Heritage records.
* Newspapers.
* Cemeteries (gravestones)
* Local council records.
* State/local libraries.
* Historical societies.
* National/State Archives.
* Church records.
References:
* It is important to keep a record of all publications, authors and initials, dates of publication, publishers and
place of publication.
* If it is a journal, include the page number and the volume number.
* If it is a newspaper/magazine article include the name of the publication, date and page number.
* It can also useful to include the location (library, state records etc) of the publication/article so it can be found
by other interested parties.
KEEPING RECORDS:
* When beginning the background research keep accurate records of all information collected with dates and
where they came from. This will save a lot of time and frustration later on when writing reports.
* It is useful to have two groups of files, "primary research" and "secondary research. This will make it easier
to locate information quickly.
* Place all hand written notes into well marked folders for easy access.
* For information stored on the PC, typed notes, transcripts, photos and video put information into relevant easy to read and remember titles for easy access.
* Most important, don't forget to back up all data on a regular basis and keep extra copies of everything
(photocopy hand written notes, letters, articles etc).
SUMMARY:
* Primary research involves the subject through first hand observation and secondary research involves the
collecting of information from studies or other researchers.
* For most research, the quickest method is using the internet and the library. Any information obtained from
secondary research should be assessed carefully for its accuracy and relevance's.
* Keep a detailed record of all resources collected.
CONDUCTING AN INTERVIEW
Another part of paranormal research is interviewing people who believe they have witnessed or know of a paranormal situation. It is very important to gather vital information that may assist with a investigation or research project. Conducting interviews could make or break an investigation and the credibility of the witnesses is a vital part of any investigation. You can't rely on hear-say or second-hand stories.
Its important to act in a professional, comforting and compassionate manner as in many cases the interviewee may be in a emotional or frightened state about the situation they are dealing with. Also, you need to be aware of the interviewee's psychological state (showing signs of mental illness, speaking very quickly, sudden mood changes, incoherent). You should also be aware of hoaxes - people deliberately attempting to deceive for what ever reason.
I am going to put forward a number of helpful hints that may help with setting up and conducting an interview.
HANDY HINTS WHEN CONDUCTING AN INTERVIEW:
* Before the interview is held, contact the interviewee and work out all details, such as were it will be held -
at the interviewee's home or in a public place. If the interviewer feels uncomfortable about the interview,
organize the interview at a location such as a coffee shop. This will allow the interviewer to cut short the
interview if they feel the interviewee is acting in a strange or aggressive manner.
* Dress appropriately for the interview.
* Before meeting the interviewee, have prepared questions ready that would have been taken from the
original contact with the interviewee.
* Before the interview commences, make sure all audio equipment is working and there are enough
tapes or memory and batteries. Always use brand new tapes or enure the memory is empty (digital recorder) so
not to contaminate the interview with other material not relevant to the interview. Most importantly, get
permission from the interviewee to use audio equipment before the interview commences. If the
interviewee will not allow the use of such equipment make hand written notes.
* If meeting in a public location (coffee shop) arrive a little early to prepare for the interview and greet the
interviewee. If the interview is to be conducted at the interviewee's home arrive at a set time, don't be late
or too early. Another suggestion is that both interviewers arrive in the same vehicle or if in two vehicles,
the first one to arrives should wait for the second interviewer to arrive so they can both enter the home
together (it's a good idea not to park directly in front of the interviewee's home).
* Once the interviewee arrives or you arrive, have a formal introduction and pass on any brochures/flyers or
any information about you or the investigation team.
* Establish rapport with the interviewee, don't rush into the interview unless the interviewee insists,
accept (interviewee's home) or buy a cup of coffee/tea and have polite conservation to put both parties
at ease.
* Be polite and friendly at all times; don't get annoyed or frustrated with the interviewee.
* Keep questions short and to the point, don't ask any double barreled questions or leading questions.
* When asking questions do not attempt to influence the interviewee's answers.
* It is important to only focus on the task at hand and be alert to any sensitive or controversial topics
that may arise.
* Don't bring up topics of controversy such as religion, politics etc. Stick to the case at hand.
* When a question has been asked, let the interviewee answer it in full, don't interrupt with another
question halfway through their reply. If more information is needed, ask at the end of the clients reply.
* Don't push any questions that the interviewee is reluctant to answer.
* Don't give any personal opinions or theories at this early stage. The interview is for gathering information.
* During the last part of the interview allow the interviewee to ask any questions. Answer all questions
truthfully.
* Finish the interview by thanking the interviewee for their time and ask if they would like any more assistance such as another meeting or if they would like an investigation organized. Do not put pressure on the interviewee, let them decide they would like to do.
ASKING QUESTIONS:
* When asking questions, do not try and influence the interviewee's answers.
* When asking questions you need to think about obtaining "clarification"... "elaboration" ... "explanation" &
"understanding".
* If you need more information there are techniques that may assist:
1. Pausing: can assist, don't be afraid of a bit of silence or a longer than normal pause. Most people are
uncomfortable with silence and will tend to elaborate on what they have just said rather than
experience discomfort.
2. It can be helpful to summarize what the interviewee has already said as a way of determining if the
information is correct and if the interviewee would like to add more information.
3. Negotiate a time limit with the interviewee unless the interviewee is happy to continue. Make sure you
thank the interviewee and leave or get a contact phone number or email address.
IMPORTANT TIPS TO OBSERVE WHEN INTERVIEWING:
Establishing rapport:
* Treat the interviewee with respect at all times.
* Think about your appearance and the expectations of the person being interviewed.
* Don't rush straight into an interview have polite conversation to help ease both parties.
* Think about your body language - try not to come across as nervous or anxious as this could affect the
behaviour of the interviewee.
* Maintain eye contact with the interviewee and smile naturally, not in a forced manner. Eye contact
and smiling is said to account for 50% of the total communication in a introduction and greeting.
* If you can establish good eye contact, you will be more easily trusted.
* During an interview, good eye contact with little movement will indicate that you are interested in what is
being said. But if there is little eye contact or your eyes are wandering indicates boredom or not being
interested in what the interviewee is saying.
* Try not to rub your eyes as this could also indicate boredom.
* Also watch the eye moment of the interviewee as this will indicate a lot about how the interview
is progressing.
* Try not to invade the interviewee's space. It is a good idea not to sit directly opposite them but at an
angle to them if possible. Also try not to sit at their side as it can be uncomfortable turning your head
continually at a long interview.
Its important to act in a professional, comforting and compassionate manner as in many cases the interviewee may be in a emotional or frightened state about the situation they are dealing with. Also, you need to be aware of the interviewee's psychological state (showing signs of mental illness, speaking very quickly, sudden mood changes, incoherent). You should also be aware of hoaxes - people deliberately attempting to deceive for what ever reason.
I am going to put forward a number of helpful hints that may help with setting up and conducting an interview.
HANDY HINTS WHEN CONDUCTING AN INTERVIEW:
* Before the interview is held, contact the interviewee and work out all details, such as were it will be held -
at the interviewee's home or in a public place. If the interviewer feels uncomfortable about the interview,
organize the interview at a location such as a coffee shop. This will allow the interviewer to cut short the
interview if they feel the interviewee is acting in a strange or aggressive manner.
* Dress appropriately for the interview.
* Before meeting the interviewee, have prepared questions ready that would have been taken from the
original contact with the interviewee.
* Before the interview commences, make sure all audio equipment is working and there are enough
tapes or memory and batteries. Always use brand new tapes or enure the memory is empty (digital recorder) so
not to contaminate the interview with other material not relevant to the interview. Most importantly, get
permission from the interviewee to use audio equipment before the interview commences. If the
interviewee will not allow the use of such equipment make hand written notes.
* If meeting in a public location (coffee shop) arrive a little early to prepare for the interview and greet the
interviewee. If the interview is to be conducted at the interviewee's home arrive at a set time, don't be late
or too early. Another suggestion is that both interviewers arrive in the same vehicle or if in two vehicles,
the first one to arrives should wait for the second interviewer to arrive so they can both enter the home
together (it's a good idea not to park directly in front of the interviewee's home).
* Once the interviewee arrives or you arrive, have a formal introduction and pass on any brochures/flyers or
any information about you or the investigation team.
* Establish rapport with the interviewee, don't rush into the interview unless the interviewee insists,
accept (interviewee's home) or buy a cup of coffee/tea and have polite conservation to put both parties
at ease.
* Be polite and friendly at all times; don't get annoyed or frustrated with the interviewee.
* Keep questions short and to the point, don't ask any double barreled questions or leading questions.
* When asking questions do not attempt to influence the interviewee's answers.
* It is important to only focus on the task at hand and be alert to any sensitive or controversial topics
that may arise.
* Don't bring up topics of controversy such as religion, politics etc. Stick to the case at hand.
* When a question has been asked, let the interviewee answer it in full, don't interrupt with another
question halfway through their reply. If more information is needed, ask at the end of the clients reply.
* Don't push any questions that the interviewee is reluctant to answer.
* Don't give any personal opinions or theories at this early stage. The interview is for gathering information.
* During the last part of the interview allow the interviewee to ask any questions. Answer all questions
truthfully.
* Finish the interview by thanking the interviewee for their time and ask if they would like any more assistance such as another meeting or if they would like an investigation organized. Do not put pressure on the interviewee, let them decide they would like to do.
ASKING QUESTIONS:
* When asking questions, do not try and influence the interviewee's answers.
* When asking questions you need to think about obtaining "clarification"... "elaboration" ... "explanation" &
"understanding".
* If you need more information there are techniques that may assist:
1. Pausing: can assist, don't be afraid of a bit of silence or a longer than normal pause. Most people are
uncomfortable with silence and will tend to elaborate on what they have just said rather than
experience discomfort.
2. It can be helpful to summarize what the interviewee has already said as a way of determining if the
information is correct and if the interviewee would like to add more information.
3. Negotiate a time limit with the interviewee unless the interviewee is happy to continue. Make sure you
thank the interviewee and leave or get a contact phone number or email address.
IMPORTANT TIPS TO OBSERVE WHEN INTERVIEWING:
Establishing rapport:
* Treat the interviewee with respect at all times.
* Think about your appearance and the expectations of the person being interviewed.
* Don't rush straight into an interview have polite conversation to help ease both parties.
* Think about your body language - try not to come across as nervous or anxious as this could affect the
behaviour of the interviewee.
* Maintain eye contact with the interviewee and smile naturally, not in a forced manner. Eye contact
and smiling is said to account for 50% of the total communication in a introduction and greeting.
* If you can establish good eye contact, you will be more easily trusted.
* During an interview, good eye contact with little movement will indicate that you are interested in what is
being said. But if there is little eye contact or your eyes are wandering indicates boredom or not being
interested in what the interviewee is saying.
* Try not to rub your eyes as this could also indicate boredom.
* Also watch the eye moment of the interviewee as this will indicate a lot about how the interview
is progressing.
* Try not to invade the interviewee's space. It is a good idea not to sit directly opposite them but at an
angle to them if possible. Also try not to sit at their side as it can be uncomfortable turning your head
continually at a long interview.