A field guide to the language of paranormal investigation, from EVP and EMF to residual hauntings, intelligent responses, shadow figures, and the tools investigators use to document unusual activity.
Electronic Voice Phenomenon. A voice-like sound found in an audio recording that was not clearly heard or identified at the time of the recording.
Electromagnetic Field. Investigators often use EMF meters to identify fluctuations in electromagnetic energy within an environment.
A device that rapidly scans AM or FM radio frequencies. Some investigators listen for words or phrases they interpret as possible responses.
A reported haunting in which sounds, images, or events seem to repeat without responding to observers, often described as an environmental “recording.”
A term used when reported activity appears to react to people, questions, requests, or changing conditions in a seemingly purposeful way.
A reported visual appearance of a person, figure, or form that is believed by the witness to be paranormal.
A dark, humanlike shape or silhouette reported by a witness, often seen briefly or in peripheral vision.
A circular light artifact appearing in photographs or video. Orbs are sometimes described as paranormal, although dust, moisture, insects, and lens effects are common causes.
A proximity-style investigation device that produces lights or sounds when changes occur around its antenna field.
A camera that visualizes surface temperature differences using infrared radiation, useful for documenting hot or cold patterns.
A localized area reported to feel noticeably colder than its surroundings, sometimes associated with paranormal activity.
The claimed ability to communicate with spirits or obtain information through extrasensory means. Related terms include clairvoyance, clairaudience, and clairsentience.
An informal system some investigators use to rank EVP clarity. Class A is generally considered the clearest, while Class B and C require increasing interpretation.
A paranormal hypothesis suggesting that buildings or materials may somehow store impressions of emotionally significant events and later replay them.
From the German for “noisy ghost,” this term describes reported disturbances such as knocks, bangs, moving objects, or other physical activity.
An object placed during an investigation in hopes of encouraging or measuring interaction, such as a toy, ball, bell, flashlight, or period-appropriate item.
The process of testing a reported paranormal event against ordinary explanations such as environmental conditions, equipment behavior, human error, or misinterpretation.
An initial measurement of normal environmental conditions before an investigation begins, including temperature, EMF, humidity, sound, and other variables.
A modified camera intended to capture a broader range of light than a standard camera, often including portions of the infrared and ultraviolet spectrum.
A voice heard in real time without an immediately identifiable speaker or source, as opposed to an EVP discovered only during playback.