This was a question on our old forum, and I thought it was a good one to repost here for people who may be wondering. The question was "How are EVP's and other paranormal evidence validated? Other than listening and watching recordings using everyday equipment, are any software programs or special equipment used to validate the evidence? Since recordings (audio and visual) and photos can be frauds, there must be ways to make sure they are authentic."
Here are the answers from the team:
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Me:
EVP's specifically are validated through a number of ways. One, we don't typically confirm any one else's recordings as evidence since we have no way of know what the environment was in which it was recorded. We record using different kinds of audio equipment, then upload the audio to computers to be analyzed.
The general frequency that humans speak is about 300 to 3000 Hz. This, as I said, is a general statement and more information about specifics of the human voice can be found online.
Audio evidence recorded under about under 250 Hz typically is more credible since it is much more unlikely to be a voice of someone present.
We take precautions when recording audio to be analyzed. We secure the area, have everyone be quiet, and we announce when things are heard (such as a car in the background, someone sniffled or shifted, etc.) so that they aren't taken as false positives.
EVP's are also put into classes.
Class A means an EVP is very clear and discernible. In other words there is no question as to what is being said, and typically don't need headphones to be heard.
Class B is also usually very clear, but sometimes requires headphones. Most of the time with a Class B EVP most of the words from a phrase or sentence can be heard.
Class C EVP's are the most common, and include whispers, faint noises, and words which are debated at best.
Our group typically throws out anything below B.
Photo evidence is much harder to validate, and typically is impossible to validate when coming from a source other than our own members especially with the use of photo editing software available today. Typically when we catch what we believe to be visual evidence, we try to recreate the shot. Photo evidence is typically the weakest kind of evidence simply because many people use low quality cameras without any sort of photographic experience. Our team has members very experienced in photography, and even some career videographers to help discern what could be a false positive.
Video evidence, again, is very difficult if not impossible to validate if we are not the ones who caught it, since that's the only way for us to know without a doubt the conditions in which they were caught. We use state of the art equipment to eliminate chances of faulty equipment, and employ video enhancing software to see the picture more clearly.
The paranormal is not black and white, and there are always exceptions to everything. The best way to validate evidence is to find out what it takes to recreate what you've caught. Anything that cannot be explained away is more likely to be evidence of paranormal activity. Note that paranormal does not necessarily mean spirit/ghost activity, and sometimes could be something altogether different that we just don't know about yet. That's why we do what we do.
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Bob:
Good answer Ash. One thing I would like to add is that is that with audible voice can be futher complicated because audibles have been recorded in the 300 hz plus range or in the lower ranges of -hz ranges. This is the case with most of the Jackie audio Brian and I captured on the ship, as well as, most of the other Jackie audio our team has captured. This makes it esier to validate as it was audible to all present but is still in the range below 300 hz.
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Brian:
Just to add my two cents to this, if you are wondering how we determine the hz range of an EVP or audio clip there are a few programs that are used. Our group uses typically Acon's Acustica, or Adobe Audition. These programs allow us to filter out some noise and enhance others, increase the volume of the audio file itself. Its a great tool for cleaning up the audio files while at the same time giving you a schematic while the file is running. although Class a EVPs may not need head phones it is recomended (by me at least) to try to use them when at all possible. This cuts the ambient noise from your house or from the outside making it much easier to hear your files. Noise reducing head phones are the best for this but any will do.
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Me:
I'd also like to add that a program I use often is Audacity which is a free and open-source program. Audacity is available for Mac OS X, Windows, & Linux. If anyone would like any more details or specifics feel free to ask
