Paranormal Evidence refers to the information, observations, records and investigations used to evaluate claims of paranormal phenomena.
Within paranormal research, evidence can include witness testimony, historical records, photographs, audio recordings, environmental measurements, experimental results and investigative reports.
The existence and interpretation of paranormal evidence remains widely debated. Some researchers argue that certain observations cannot currently be explained by conventional means, while sceptics argue that reported phenomena usually have natural, psychological or methodological explanations.
The Vault documents evidence objectively by separating reported claims, supporting material, counter evidence and the current level of confidence assigned to each case.
Types of evidence
Evidence associated with paranormal claims may include:
- Eyewitness testimony.
- Historical documentation.
- Photographic evidence.
- Video recordings.
- Audio recordings and electronic voice phenomena (EVP).
- Environmental measurements.
- Scientific experiments.
- Physical traces or alleged physical effects.
- Investigation reports.
Evidence categories
The Vault uses an evidence assessment system to evaluate claims based on:
- Quality of documentation.
- Reliability of witnesses.
- Availability of supporting evidence.
- Independent verification.
- Alternative explanations.
- Scientific investigation and replication.
For details on how cases are assessed, see:
Evidence limitations
Paranormal claims present unique challenges when evaluating evidence. Many reported phenomena rely heavily on personal experiences, which can be difficult to independently verify.
Common limitations include:
- Lack of controlled testing.
- Inability to reproduce events.
- Reliance on eyewitness interpretation.
- Incomplete historical records.
- Environmental factors.
- Confirmation bias.
A lack of scientific confirmation does not necessarily prove that a reported experience did not occur; however, it does affect how strongly a claim can be assessed.
Evidence in The Vault
Articles within The Vault may include evidence assessments covering:
- Ghost and haunting reports.
- UFO sightings.
- Cryptid encounters.
- Psychic and parapsychological research.
- Historical mysteries.
- Unexplained phenomena.
Each assessment aims to distinguish between:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Reported event | A person or group claims an unusual experience occurred. |
| Documented event | Records, witnesses or historical sources support that an event occurred. |
| Unexplained event | Available information does not currently provide a satisfactory explanation. |
| Paranormal claim | An event is interpreted as potentially supernatural. |
| Verified evidence | Evidence has been independently tested and accepted through recognised scientific methods. |