Temperature Readings
Protocol
Purpose:
In a paranormal
investigation,
temperature readings are
taken to discover
whether changes in the
ambient room temperature
do or do not accompany
paranormal phenomena.
This protocol is
designed to ensure that
temperature baseline
readings and
mid-investigation
readings are taken in a
consistent manner that
will allow comparisons
to be made between
sites, phenomena and
different dates.
Materials:
A thermocouple
thermometer. Spare
batteries. Recording
tools (usually paper and
pen).
Methods:
- Temperature work
will be conducted in
each area/room
during an
investigation. Where
more than one
investigator is
present, the
investigator without
a thermometer will
record the readings.
- Each room will
be treated as a
separate space if
there are clear
delineations (i.e.
walls or doors)
between one space
and another, or as
one continual space
if these features
are not present.
- For the baseline
readings: An
investigator will
walk the room/area. He will
stop for at least 5 seconds
along the walls, corners of
the room and the middle of
the room, holding the
thermometer where it
can be read and take
a reading.
- If more than one
thermometer is
available per team
the readings should
be verified by
another
investigator.
- This will be
repeated in each
room to be
investigated.
- After the
basline temperature
is established, any
distinct changes
will be
investigated.
During an investigation,
temperature spot
readings may be taken
using the following
method:
- An investigator
trained in the use
of an thermometer
will approach a
location, stand
still and allow the
meter to settle. If
the reading is
higher or lower than
the ambient room
temperature,
readings will be
taken in the area to
determine whether
this is a localized
variance.
Controls:
- Recording sheets
will be used that
are signed and
dated.
- Only temperature
meters with a known
calibration will be
used. New meters
will not be used to
perform baseline or
spot readings.
- No temperature
variance will be
treated as
significant in
itself until it has
been shown to be
above the ambient
room temperature or
significantly below
the ambient room
temperature.
Data Interpretation:
- Temperature data
will be reviewed and
documented by the
Investigative Team
Lead unless assigned
to another
investigator.
- The temperature
logs and the
interpretation of
the data will become
a part of the
Investigation
report.
