EVP: Field Test Experimental Parameters Part 1

From my middle school days, I remember the phrase “K.I.S.S.”, not the heavy metal glam band, but the warning to “Keep it Simple Stupid”. To that end, I am making this experiment as simple as possible. Before we go any farther, let’s get this out in the open.... We are not experimenting to prove if spirit voices can be caught on recording devices. Before we can fully tackle this assumption, we need to isolate how the EVPs are formed. Once we know the origin of EVPs we may be able to trace it back to the source. Got it? Good. Now let’s get on with the experiment. Here goes the experimental parameters for Field Test of EVP Origin. Independent variables or the factors that are purposely changed by the experimenter:

• Sound
• Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) level

Dependent Variable or factor that responds to the changes in the independent variable; it is measured, counted, or observed objectively:

• EVP

Hypotheses are predictions about the outcome of the experiment:

·         Hypothesis 1:  If electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is taken out the equation and an EVP is captured the EVP was not created due to the effects of EMR.

·         Hypothesis 2:  If sound is taken out the equation is taken out the equation and an EVP is captured the EVP was not created due to the effects of sound.

  Materials used:

• Four identical digital recorders each with a microphone jack.
  • We are using Olympus WS-500Ms.
  • For you sound engineers who care about such things Olympus USA states the Olympus WS-500Ms recorders contain compressor microphones.

Two Audio Cables to fit the microphone jack of your recorder.

• We used two (1) foot, 1/8” stereo male to stereo male cables.

One Faraday Cage.

• We are using the Science First (Sciencefirst.com), Faraday Cage SKU 615-3095, designed to block low level EMR.

Varied locations where paranormal investigators claim to have captured EVPs.

Fixed set of EVP questions.

A stop watch or other device for timing the questions.

A meter or meters to measure barometer, temperature and humidity levels

That’s enough for one day. We will continue with the parameters next time.