Navigating the Shadows: Cognitive Bias and the Paranormal Investigator

In the pursuit of the paranormal and the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding, we, as paranormal investigators tread a fine line between belief and scepticism.  As we explore the unknown and unexplained field of the paranormal, cognitive biases do unconsciously shape our perceptions, influence the conclusions we draw, as well as the decisions we make during our investigations and subsequent review process.  In this blog, we'll look into the connection between cognitive bias and paranormal investigators/researchers and will examine how our minds can sometimes play tricks on us during the pursuit of the paranormal.

Cognitive bias comes in many forms and I’ll go into each of them and how they affect paranormal beliefs at a later date, but put simply , cognitive bias is defined as the tendency to act in an irrational way due to  limited ability to process information objectively.  It can cloud our judgement and effect how clearly we perceive situations.  It can lead to investigators dismissing evidence rather than considering it and can cause some to be willing to accept a valid idea if it defies their existing beliefs.  We’ve all seen investigators do this and have probably been guilty of it ourselves at times.   

So what is cognitive bias?  Cognitive biases are inherent mental shortcuts that our brains use to process information quickly. While these shortcuts are vital for our human survival, they can also lead us astray when it comes to interpreting ambiguous or unexplained phenomena. In the world of paranormal investigation, understanding these biases is crucial for remaining objective.

Confirmation bias is where investigators and researchers interpret information in a way that confirms their existing beliefs. In paranormal investigations, this can manifest when investigators selectively focus only on evidence that supports the existence of ghosts, spirits, orbs, aliens (or whatever it is that you are searching for) , while overlooking or dismissing contradictory data. This bias can inadvertently contribute to the reinforcement of preconceived ideas and beliefs about the paranormal.  For example if an investigator is told that a little girl died in a room and during the investigation they notice a doll is on the floor in that room (where no doll had been during the initial walk-through), some inexperienced or over-enthusiastic investigators may jump to the conclusion that the spirit of the girl has somehow moved the doll.

Expectation bias is another cognitive quirk that sometimes comes into play during paranormal investigations. This bias occurs when researchers anticipate a specific outcome based on their expectations, and this leads them to interpret ambiguous stimuli in a way that aligns with those expectations. For example, if an investigator expects to encounter a ghost in a supposedly haunted location, even mundane sounds or shadows with rational explanations may be misinterpreted as paranormal activity.

So these cognitive biases can have a profound impact on the outcomes of paranormal investigations. Investigators may find themselves influenced by factors such as personal beliefs, prior experiences, and the collective energy of a group or team. This can result in the misinterpretation of evidence, the creation of false positives, and the perpetuation of paranormal myths. It can also cause a selective (or even outright incorrect) recollection of the events during an investigation. I personally have seen this occur where the investigators memory of an event does not match the camera or audio footage..

But what can we, as investigators and researchers, do to mitigate the influence of cognitive biases?   Paranormal investigators must adopt a scientific mind-set during investigations.  Rigorous research methodologies and critical thinking can help filter out the noise of cognitive biases, allowing investigators to approach their work with a calm subjective perspective and thus be able to eliminate or at least reduce irrational conclusions and improve decision making.

Striking a balance between belief and scepticism is crucial paranormal investigation tool.  While an open mind is essential for exploring the unknown, it is equally important to maintain a healthy dose of scepticism to avoid falling prey to cognitive biases. The same could be said for the sceptic who can become so focused on rational explanations that they literally explain away the ghost they just saw!   Establishing a framework that encourages critical analysis and peer review within the paranormal community can foster a more credible and reliable approach to investigations.

No one said that watching for the influences of cognitive bias was easy but as investigators we need to practise recognising it in both ourselves and our peers.  Investigators and researchers must remain vigilant against the subtle influences of cognitive biases. It’s a fact that humans will favour evidence that coincides with their current beliefs and reject evidence to the contrary.  By acknowledging and actively working to counter these biases, investigators can enhance the credibility of their findings and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the paranormal. In the quest for answers, a commitment to scientific rigour and an awareness of the tricks our minds can play are essential tools for those exploring the unexplained.

Barbara Caisley