Shared vocabulary for the unexplained.
These terms define how IGS uses paranormal and anomalous research language. We hope they can contribute to the community. This is a living document, and feedback is welcome.
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Showing 1–25 of 99 matching terms
Detection of deviations from ambient temperature, usually using a device that measures or records temperature changes.
Activity, evidence, or conditions that differ from what is expected and have not yet been explained.
The perception of meaningful patterns, connections, or significance in unrelated or random information.
A visual phenomenon interpreted as a person, figure, animal, object, or presence that is not ordinarily visible or physically accounted for at the time of observation.
The reported appearance of an object without an apparent physical cause.
The reported disappearance of an object without an apparent physical cause.
The idea that paranormal activity can be connected or attached to a person, place, object, or presence.
A category of phenomena involving any auditory event that is perceived or documented.
The perception or interpretation of unclear or ambiguous audio as meaningful sound or language.
A perceived field of energy surrounding a person, place, or object, sometimes represented as a glow.
An initial measurement or observation recorded before an investigation or controlled test, used as a comparison point to help identify anomalies or changes in conditions.
An unexpected loss of battery charge that may be interpreted as anomalous activity or as evidence of it.
Describes reported activity or presence perceived as helpful, protective, harmless, or positive in intent.
A practice in which a book or written text is opened and a page, word, or passage is selected at random and interpreted for significance.
A technique in which an investigator prompts for a reply, often by asking a question or making a noise, and then monitors for a response.
Motion-activated light-up balls, often sold as pet toys, used during investigations as visible indicators of movement or vibration.
Documentation of how evidence was collected, handled, stored, and reviewed.
An event or perception reported by more than one person, either at the same time or in close sequence, and interpreted as involving the same anomalous activity, presence, or phenomenon.
Evidence affected by environmental contamination, handling, instrument error, or other conditions that make it unreliable or unsuitable for analysis.
A known or intentionally arranged condition used to help distinguish reported anomalous activity from ordinary environmental, technical, psychological, or procedural explanations.
Evidence from another witness or source that supports or aligns with a report or other evidence.
A device used to record multiple measurements or environmental conditions over time for later review.
The process of disproving a claim that specific activity, evidence, or an experience is or was paranormal in origin.
A presence believed or interpreted as nonhuman or spiritual, commonly associated with harmful, hostile, deceptive, or malevolent intent.
A voice-like or speech-like sound heard at the time it occurs without an apparent source.