How is paranormal activity researched?

Answer 1

There are some misunderstandings about the nature of "paranormal research". Many people think that "research" includes ghost hunting types of activities. But such investigations do not properly control the possible phenomena in a scientific manner. And there is no conclusive proof that the techniques employed by ghost hunters in any empirical way correlate to any potential paranormal activity.

By constrast, parapsychologists engage in scientific research. The work is done in controlled laboratory settings employing standard experimental designs consistent with proper science. The data is carefully gathered and evaluated using statistical methods that are standard and accepted in scientific research. The results are published in peer-reviewed journals and are actively and openly discussed within the global parapsychology research community. There are annual meetings all over the world of the Parapsychological Association, which is the AAAS accredited organization that studies psi phenomena.