SGHA

Frustrations with the Southwest Ghost Hunter’s Association on skepticism (yet again)

Technically, I could name this blog “How the ghost hunters on TV messed up the hobby” because since they first aired in 2004, maintaining a decent membership is simply a pain in the ass. People now join the group with certain expectations and closed minded belief systems. Sometimes it feels like I am constantly trying … Read moreFrustrations with the Southwest Ghost Hunter’s Association on skepticism (yet again)

What are Ghosts , Part 1

The majority of what people think ghosts are is actually based on superstition and folklore. There has been some serious scientific work done and what was discovered is the topic of this video. The studies are; 1894 The SPR’s Census of Hallucinations 1948 D.J West’s Mass Observation Survey 1974 McCreeley & Green 1990’s D.J. West’s … Read moreWhat are Ghosts , Part 1

Test Your Might, Analysis of voices v.s. Signal to noise ratio

Signal to noise ratio is a major consideration when analyzing audio. Are you really hearing a voice or is it actually the lower frequencies of another sound that resembles a voice? One simple way to see how SNR affects audio is to play around with it in the software you are using for analysis and … Read moreTest Your Might, Analysis of voices v.s. Signal to noise ratio

Why your EVP “Evidence” is bogus and not the voice of a ghost

Anyone can turn on a audio recorder and ask questions into thin air. Anyone can listen to that recording and think they are getting responses from ghosts and spirits. Driven by their belief in ghostly phenomenon, they are quite capable of making something mysterious out of completely explainable audio samples. The main problem here is … Read moreWhy your EVP “Evidence” is bogus and not the voice of a ghost

The truth about ghost hunting. Sorting the posers from the investigators!

Hobbies are practiced for interest and enjoyment, rather than financial reward. Engaging in a hobby can lead to acquiring substantial skill, knowledge, and experience. However, personal fulfillment is the aim. Almost no one can make a living at stamp collecting, but many people find it enjoyable; so it is commonly regarded as a hobby. While … Read moreThe truth about ghost hunting. Sorting the posers from the investigators!

How tragic events can create alterations in a ghost story.

Sometimes realistic events can shape and change legends. A good example of this is the story of Rebecca Potter who, according to legend, haunts the Lodge at Cloudcroft. As one researches the various ghost stories about Rebecca, you stumble across sudden changes in the myth as the story is told through the decades. The earliest … Read moreHow tragic events can create alterations in a ghost story.

The “anecdotal evidence is invalid” argument.

The expression anecdotal evidence refers to evidence from anecdotes. In cases where small numbers of anecdotes are presented, there is a larger chance that they may be unreliable due to cherry-picked or otherwise non-representative samples of typical cases. Anecdotal evidence is considered dubious support of a generalized claim; it is, however, within the scope of scientific method for claims regarding particular instances. Anecdotal evidence is … Read moreThe “anecdotal evidence is invalid” argument.

Ghost hunt of the old Socorro High School

For several years the employees working at the Socorro Youth Center have experienced unusual phenomenon. The Youth Center occupies the former site of the former High School and Middle School. These strange occurrences include; The sound of a girl’s voice has been heard in the empty hallways and near the stage, the apparition of a … Read moreGhost hunt of the old Socorro High School