Beginner's Guide to Paranormal Investigation - Technical Report by Michael Shakespeare Gregg

Table of Contents Introduction………………………………………………………….3 Goal and Rationale...…………………………………………………5 Instructional Analysis………………………………………………_ Learner and Context Analysis……………………………………….. Learner Analysis…………………………………… Performance Context Analysis Learning Context Analysis Performance Objectives Criterion-Referenced Test Items Instructional Strategy Sequence and Clustering of Objectives Content Presentation and Student Participation Lesson Allocation Consolidation of Media Selections and Choice of Delivery System Media Selection Rationale Credits About the Author

Introduction

In recent years, the hobby of “ghost hunting” has taken off. With the popularity of such hit shows as SyFy’s Ghost Hunters or Warner Borther’s Supernatural, paranormal investigation has seen a sort of revival. In the mean time, more and more authors are producing books on the subject. However, very few, if any of these productions are geared solely towards the true amateurs and novices. While some have tried, most have a tendency to get far too technical for their audience. This module has been designed with those individuals in mind. By narrowing down the most important information coming out of the field, this module will allow anyone to try their hand at exploring the mysteries of the afterlife.

Goal & Rationale Instructional Goal The learner will be able to identify and summarize the tools and techniques used in the investigation of paranormal activity.

Rationale for the Module Why would one produce an instructional module in this area? Many people hold beliefs in the paranormal. The difference between an expert in the field and an amateur is significant. Currently, the main ways to learn the concepts behind “ghost hunting” are through either working with an expert paranormal investigatory team or by doing research on the Internet and through various books on the subject. Providing a proper manual to the basics of this science will enable greater and easier access to this field of knowledge.

What instructional material is currently available? The instructional material currently available includes numerous websites as well as various books on the subject. These sources are done from a variety of view points, creating a lack of consensus on the best practices in the field. In addition, the quality of many of these sources tend to be lacking due to a “cashing-in” on the current public obsession with the paranormal.

How will this instructional module be better? First of all, this module will be self-instructional. This will allow the learner to work at their own pace when familiarizing themselves with the concepts associated with basic exploration of the paranormal. Secondly, this module will be designed specifically with a beginner in mind. Only the most basic and necessary concepts will be used, while putting a strong emphasis on safety, as this type of work can often take an individual to locations where health hazards may be abound.

Will it save time or money? The learner will save time and money both due to the convenience and simplicity of a one hour module. Most sources are either little more than job aides or full blown books, either forcing the learner to research more references or to waste time on information that may not be relevant to him or her.

Goal & Rationale Goal Analysis The domains that this goal is classified in are the Verbal Information and Intellectual Domains. The Verbal Information Domain requires that the learner recall specific knowledge about the instructional content. While it may seem as though much of what is involved in paranormal investigation would require the learner to follow certain â&#x20AC;&#x153;steps,â&#x20AC;? the learner must instead be prepared for a variety of situations. The circumstances of every investigation are unique, and so this module must make sure to touch on the major topics of information. In addition to requiring the memorization of the basic principles of paranormal investigation, the learner must also be able to make use of these definitions in a real world setting. To this end the goal in question must also be classified under the Intellectual Domain. A paranormal investigator must be capable of solving problems in real-time, as well as learn new techniques while in the field. This module will endeavor to ensure that the learner is as best prepared for these situations as possible.

Instructional Analysis

Learner and Context Analysis Learner Analysis Information Categories

Learner Characteristics

1. Entry Behaviors

Learners have no prior experience or formal training as paranormal investiagtors.

2. Prior Knowledge

Learners have general knowledge of paranormal investigation gained from television and the Internet.

3. Attitude Toward Content

Learners believe that the field of paranormal investigation is important for furthering our knowledge of the world around us.

4. Attitudes Toward Potential Delivery System

Learners have experience learning through training, conferences, and seminars as a result of prior instruction in the workplace. Learners also have experience learning through years of primary and possibly secondary education.

5. Motivation for Instruction (ARCS)

Attention: Include plenty of pictures, graphics illustrations, and break up instruction with review activities. Relevance: Depict the importance of paranormal investigation on peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives, explain how learning these techniques gives students a better view of themselves.

Learner and Context Analysis

Learner Analysis Continued 5. ARCS continued

Confidence: Include common terms, basic review of prior knowledge, present materials in an easy to understand fashion, build on prior knowledge in a way that makes it feel manageable and not intimidating.

Satisfaction: Immediate results and gratification, results are easy to achieve and repeat consistently. 6. Education and Ability Level Learners vary in their formal education with some completing high school, some college, and some graduate degrees. 7. General Learning Learners are experienced with a variety of Preferences learning formats; however, they prefer to work alone and at their own pace when it comes to instruction. 8. Attitudes Toward Training Respondents believe the training to be a Organization good idea and a valuable use of their time. 9. Group Characteristics Learners are extremely heterogeneous as they can represent a mix of age, gender, regional, and cultural backgrounds.

Learner and Context Analysis

Performance Context Analysis Information Categories

Performance Site Characteristics

1. Managerial Supervisory Support-

Supervision of learners is negligible as this is self-instructional material. There are no facilities provided for this instruction. Instruction can take place in any location available to the learner, including their own home.

2. Physical Aspects of the Site-

3. Social Aspects of the Site-

4. Relevance of Skills At Site-

There are no social aspects to the instruction as the instruction is done alone. The training should meet the needs of a novice paranormal investigator.

Learning Context Analysis Information Categories

Learning Site Characteristics

1. Number/ Nature of Sites-

There are no sites dedicated to teaching this instruction.

2. Site Compatibility with instructional needs 3. Site compatibility with learner needs-

There are no sites dedicated to teaching this instruction. There are no sites dedicated to teaching this instruction. 11

Performance Objectives 1. Given a multiple choice quiz, the learner will identify the essential tools of a paranormal investigation by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material. 2. Given a multiple choice quiz, the learner will identify the potential forms of evidence that can be discovered on a paranormal invetigation by matching the correct type of evidence with its definition with 100% accuracy without any reference material. 3. Given a multiple choice quiz, the learner will summarize the different types of hauntings by matching the correct type of evidence with its definition with 100% accuracy without any reference material. 4. Given several statements based on the actions an investigator must take before beginning an investigation, the learner will identify which are true or false by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material. 5. Given several statements based on the actions an investigator must take during an investigation, the learner will identify which are true or false by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material. 6. Given several statements based on the actions an investigator must take after reviewing the evidence of an investigation, the learner will identify which are true or false by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material.

Criterion-Referenced Test Items

Subordinate Skills Identify the essential tools of a Paranormal Investigation.

SCOAT Objective Given a multiple choice quiz, the learner will identify the essential tools of a paranormal investigation by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material.

Test Item In the following multiple choice questions, circle the correct answers.

Summarize the ac- Given several statements In the following statetions to take before an based on the actions an ments, circle true or investigation. investigator must take false. before beginning an investigation, the learner will identify which are true or false by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material.

Identify the different types of hauntings.

Given a multiple choice quiz, the learner will summarize the different types of hauntings by matching the correct type of evidence with its definition with 100% accuracy without any reference material. 15

Match each type of potential haunting with its correct description below.

Criterion-Referenced Test Items

Subordinate Skills Summarize the actions to take during an investigation.

SCOAT Objective Given several statements based on the actions an investigator must take during an investigation, the learner will identify which are true or false by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material.

Summarize the actions to take during an investigation.

Given several statements In the following based on the actions an statements, circle investigator must take true or false. during an investigation, the learner will identify which are true or false by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material.

Summarize the actions to take after reviewing the evidence of an investigation.

Given several statements In the following based on the actions an statements, circle investigator must take after true or false. reviewing the evidence of an investigation, the learner will identify which are true or false by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material. 16

Test Item In the following statements, circle true or false.

Instructional Strategy Sequence and Clustering of Objectives Cluster 1

Objectives Identify the essential tools of a anormal Investigation.

Identify the forms of evidence that can be found during an Investigation.

Identify the different types of hauntings.

Summarize the actions to take before an investigation.

Summarize the actions to take during an investigation.

Summarize the actions to take after reviewing the evidence of an investigation.

Par-

Time (Minutes) 10

Instructional Strategy

Preinstructional Activities Motivation: Introductory material will be included regarding: (1) How the instruction will help the learners improve their knowledge of Paranormal Investigation, (2) how the learners will use the abilities gained in the instruction in current and future situations, (3) and an outline of the material they will be learning.. Prerequisite Skills: As there are no required entry behaviors, nothing must be mastered before proceeding with the instruction. Objectives: The learner will be able to prepare for and execute a successful paranormal investigation. At the beginning of each chapter, the learner will be provided with an instructional objective informing them of what they will be able to do by the end of the lesson. Student Groupings and Media Selection: Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media. Assessment Pretest: None. There are no required entry behaviors. Although many of the learners will already have a basic knowledge of paranormal investigation, the instruction will address even those with limited knowledge of the subject. The self-instructional module will allow the learners to progress through the process at their own pace, taking more or less time on certain aspects. Practice Tests: Upon completion of each chapter, the learner will be required to complete a short practice test including matching and multiple choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, and placing items in the appropriate order to ensure mastery of skills. The correct response to each question will be provided upon completion of the posttest. This will provide the learner with the opportunity to better comprehend the material and have immediate feedback from the correct answers following the practice test. Summaries and important key points will also be presented at the end of each chapter to offer the learner an opportunity to review the main points of that section. Posttest: No posttest will be given at this time. 18

Instructional Strategy

Follow-Through Activities Memory Aids: At the end of each section, the learners will be provided with a summary of the important key points and topics presented, as well as other useful tips. Additionally, learners will be provided with activities that help the learner memorize information provided in the materials. There will also be a bonus section found at the end of the module that will provide a Ghost Hunt Log, a Proposal to Conduct a Field Investigation, and Release Forms for confidentiality and site access.

Transfer: Allowing the elarner to customize parts of the instruction according to their own needs will greatly allow for transfer to the field. The learners will be able to summarize how to work in various settings and with different kinds of equipment and entities as they see fit.

Instructional Strategy Content Presentation and Student Participation Objective: Given a multiple choice quiz, the learner will identify the essential tools of a paranormal investigation by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material. Content Presentation Content: In print form, descriptions and examples will be provided of how to identify the essential tools of a paranormal investigation. Example: Graphics and activities will be presented to the learner for a visual component of learning the objective. Across 5. Capable of capturing motion picture and audio of the paranormal.

Down 1. Used to pick up audio evidence of the paranormal. 2. Detects changes in room temperature. 3. Used to detect the electromagnetic field created by the paranormal. 4. Capable of capturing still images of the paranormal.

Student Groupings and Media Selection: Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media.

Instructional Strategy

Student Participation Practice Item:

Quiz Circle the correct answer for each question below: 1. Digital Voice Recorders and Camcorders are capable of capturing what kind of evidence? a. ALF b. EVP c. ABC d. EZ 2. What does EMF stand for? a. Electric Mountain Fruit b. Every Moth Flies c. Electomagnetic Field d. Extraterrestrial Magnet Force 3. Why should your camera be able to pick up infrared light? a. Easier to capture an image of a ghost. b. Makes you seem more interesting c. Makes all of your pictures look better d. It shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t 4. When using a digital thermometer, what should you be on the look out for? a. Storms b. Cats c. Radiation d. Drafts of cool air 5. How important is how good a photograph looks when on an investigation? a. Incredibly b. Kind of c. Not at all d. Sort of 6. Which of the following is absolutely essential to any investigation? a. Batteries b. Video games c. A Boom box d. Scary masks

Feedback: A quick summary of the main points will be provided at the end of each chapter. Answers will also be provided at the back of the book for each chapter test for the learner to review before moving on the next chapter. Student Groupings and Media Selection: Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media.

Instructional Strategy

Objective: Given a multiple choice quiz, the learner will summarize the different types of hauntings by matching the correct type of evidence with its definition with 100% accuracy without any reference material. Content Presentation Content: In print form, descriptions and examples will be provided of how to identify the essential tools of a paranormal investigation. Example: Graphics and activities will be presented to the learner for a visual component of learning the objective. Unscramble each of the clue words below. Copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells with the same number.

Student Groupings and Media Selection: Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media.

Instructional Strategy

Student Participation Practice Item:

Quiz Circle the correct answer for each question below: 1. Which style of haunting is the most common? a. Intelligent b. Non-Human c. Poltergeist d. Residual 2. Some scientists believe Poltergeists are actually... a. Psychic Manifestations of Angst y Children b. Martians c. Angels d. Faeries 3. Why should you never confront a Demon without professional assistance? a. The Demon may harm you. b. The Demon may become even angrier c. You or someone else may become possessed. d. All of the Above 4. Which of the following is most likely to cause a Residual haunting? a. A fight with your spouse b. Being bullied c. The loss of a pet d. Murder

Instructional Strategy

Objective: Given several statements based on the actions an investigator must take before beginning an investigation, the learner will identify which are true or false by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material. Content Presentation Content: In print form, descriptions and examples will be provided of how to identify the actions needed to be taken before beginning an investigation. Example: Graphics will be presented to the learner for a visual component of learning the objective. T A B N V V J A I Q G C H J V

B S X E A O W I O R O Z W O C

H H I F M I Y W S M N E I U L

G I G G T A X M F Q I A Y R C

Y B S N O M E O N V S J Q N T

A R E T I L R T R W C A X A C

COMFORTABLE

Z S A J O T O E O F O F F L N

S Z R B B N I T C S T B Q S I

F F L W I I O A N Y G S V T T

S E N J Q T L U N B S F E E A

HISTORIAN

JOURNALIST LOCATION

S L C R A R T H L M U Q I I O

P Y L P A P E R W O R K A C O

T C E P S E R G A L H R M Q L

A T S G Z F I W R U I C U U N

INTERVIEW

LIBRARY WITNESS

PAPERWORK

PSYCHOLOGIST

L A N O I S S E F O R P R W C

PROFESSIONAL

RESPECT

SCOUT

Student Groupings and Media Selection: Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media. 24

Instructional Strategy

Student Participation Practice Item:

Quiz True or False: 1. When interviewing a witness, you should always be respectful and patient. True False 2. A real Paranormal Investigator would never have to step into a library. True False 3. The sample papers in the back of this book are legally binding documents. True False 4. Taking good notes during an interview will be extremely useful during your investigation. True False 5. A good Investigator should never argue with the authorities when in the field. True False 6. Librarians are an Investigatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend. True False

Instructional Strategy

Objective: Given several statements based on the actions an investigator must take during an investigation, the learner will identify which are true or false by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material. Content Presentation Content: In print form, descriptions and examples will be provided of how to identify the actions needed to be taken before beginning an investigation. Example: Graphics will be presented to the learner for a visual component of learning the objective.

Student Groupings and Media Selection: Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media.

Instructional Strategy

Student Participation Practice Item:

Quiz True or False: 1. Wilderness Hauntings are the easiest to investigate. True False 2. When investigating any location, it is advised to set up a base camp for your team. True False 3. Team members should patrol the same locations all night, just incase they missed something. True False 4. Stationary equipment is most useful when investigating outdoors. True False 5. When taking pictures, you should say â&#x20AC;&#x153;Flashâ&#x20AC;? in order to warn your teammates.. True False 6. Abandoned buildings such as .Alcatraz are not actually haunted, except during tourist season. True False

Instructional Strategy

Objective: Given a multiple choice quiz, the learner will identify the potential forms of evidence that can be discovered on a paranormal investigation by matching the correct type of evidence with its definition with 100% accuracy without any reference material. Content Presentation Content: In print form, descriptions and examples will be provided of how to identify the potential forms of evidence that can be discovered on a paranormal investigation. Example: Graphics will be presented to the learner for a visual component of learning the objective.

Across 6. Validates your work. Down 1. It's change can mark other evidence valid. 2. The Holy Grail of Ghost Pictures. 3. Audio Editing Program. 4. What are you looking to find? 5. Possibly malevolent, always looks dark. 7. Ghost whispers. 8. Just dust in the wind.

Student Groupings and Media Selection: Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media.

Instructional Strategy

Student Participation Practice Item:

Quiz Circle the correct answer for each question below: 1. A drop in temperature at the same time as ____ makes for good evidence.. a. an EVP b. a dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bark c. a cell phone rings d. a gun shot fires 2. The Holy Grail of ghost pictures is... a. a floating foot b. an Orb c. a full body apparition d. a flashlight reflection 3. Orbs are typically caused by... a. ghosts b. a clean home c. dust particles d. none of the above 4. A dark shadow with no source is often created by.... a. Casper b. a Demon c. an Angel d. dust particles 5. Too much editing of an EVP canâ&#x20AC;Ś a. lower the quality of the track b. lower the authenticity of the track c. a & b d. none of the above

Instructional Strategy

Objective: Given several statements based on the actions an investigator must take after reviewing the evidence of an investigation, the learner will identify which are true or false by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material. Content Presentation Content: In print form, descriptions and examples will be provided of how to identify the potential forms of evidence that can be discovered on a paranormal investigation. Example: Graphics will be presented to the learner for a visual component of learning the objective. Y B L V M V N I L Y W W X B D D G I A O H E Z G A Y J Z T K S Q O O U Z L O U Z J E D S J X Q D L U T L A E V E R Q I R Y O E I O O I U E U V N Y L A O T Y X N H C R N P R K J A D B J F O O M C R V Y A D P U P P U M B H R J Y D J T E R T J U E I F A P C S S W B S I I R D S U N X S K I H P H W E R E S P E C I A L I S T A J S I Y F C Z T K U I W X T D R T P A Z V J Z F F F S F U A P A S R X Y A T L S X V J S Y U L P P X J U Q S W Q H N L C N F N V DEMONOLOGY EXORCIST PARAPSYCHOLOGY PRAYER PRIEST REVEAL RITUAL SPECIALIST SPIRITUALIST VOODOO

Student Groupings and Media Selection: Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media.

Instructional Strategy

Student Participation Practice Item:

Quiz True or False: 1. Every religion around the world has some sort of exorcism ritual. True False 2. All Psychics and Priests are made equal. True False 3. Normal people are able to easily grasp the concepts of Paranormal Investigation. True False 4. You should tell a client that there may be a Non-Human Spirit in their home, not that there is a Demon. True False 5. A prayer of protection may be all you need to keep the darkness out. True False 6. Clients may still want to exorcise a spirit, even if you assure them it is benevolent. True False

Instructional Strategy Lesson Allocation Session

Events and Objectives

Time

Given a multiple choice quiz, the learner will identify the essential tools of a paranormal investigation by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material. Given a multiple choice quiz, the learner will identify the potential forms of evidence that can be discovered on a paranormal investigation by matching the correct type of evidence with its definition with 100% accuracy without any reference material. Given several statements based on the actions an investigator must take before an investigation, the learner will identify which are true or false by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material.

10 Minutes

5 Minutes

Instructional Strategy

Given several statements based on 10 Minutes the actions an investigator must take during an investigation, the learner will identify which are true or false by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material. Given a multiple choice quiz, the 15 Minutes learner will summarize the different types of hauntings by matching the correct type of evidence with its definition with 100% accuracy without any reference material. Given several statements based on 10 Minutes the actions an investigator must take after reviewing the evidence of an investigation, the learner will identify which are true or false by circling the correct answer with 100% accuracy without any reference material.

Instructional Strategy Consolidation of Media Selections and Choice of Delivery Systems Session

Obj Types of ecti Learning ves

Verbal Information

Media Selection And Student Groupings

Delivery System(s)

Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media. Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media. Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media. Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media. Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media. Student groupings will not be required. The module will be self-instructional and presented as print media.

Paper-based; selfinstructional module

Media Selection Rationale

Paper-based; selfinstructional module Paper-based; selfinstructional module Paper-based; selfinstructional module Paper-based; selfinstructional module Paper-based; selfinstructional module

The instruction will be in print form, so that the learner will be able to complete the module at any time and in any location. The learners will also be able to follow along at their own pace and re-retry certain sections of necessary. 40

Formative Evaluation Strategy

Although Formative Evaluation is often skipped by some Instructional Designers, it is an essential part of successfully designing instruction. Not only is it costeffective, but it also allows the designer to make crucial revisions and improvements before going full scale with the product. The first draft of the Terrorism Beginner’s Guide to Paranormal Investigation is a prototype that will be formally evaluated by a fellow instructional designers. This will ensure that:  test items are criterion-referenced 

the module is free of misspelling and grammatical errors



lessons are organized effectively



the language and presentation is appropriate

About the Author

Michael Gregg is a Photographer and Graphic Designer from Wilmington Delaware. He earned his Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Communications Media, with a Minor in Religious Studies, at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Michael is currently working towards his Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Adult Education and Communications Technology, once again through IUP. Michael decided to produce this Instructional Module due to his fascination with the Paranormal, which his background in Religious Studies has only helped fuel.