Science in Paranormal Investigations

Thanks for the feedback you guys...

I guess I am not so much saying tech vs/or intuitive work, as far as the process of gathering data/impressions, but what is your take on how an investigation is approached, that is, the OVERALL field methodology... background research, interview process, debunking/alternative explanations, etc.

Do groups use scientific methodology, or not (not that one needs to)... do people have  a clear idea on what scientific methodology is? Or is it a matter of going to a place, and using tech or intuition, "seeing what you find"? (which isn't really science).

I am not trying to promote either approach, either a real scientific investigation, or just a more informal, get some tech and see what happens, I am just trying to see what people do. I think people often confuse simply using electronic technology by definition as scientific, which it is not. Science isn't the tools, it is the method.

There are two basic situations I have noticed. Either:

1. investigators hear of an area that has reports of hauntings, so they go there looking to see what happens (either with intuitives, tech of various types, or a combo) (also includes very casual looks and "legendtripping")

2. a team is approached by a client that either:
2a. wants proof of what is going on with their property (such as a hotel or restaurant/bar, which is ultimately curious and looking to increase patronage)
2b. wants help with things going on in their house/family (generally a private home resident/property owner who wants confidentiality)

Do you vary your approach based on the different situations above? What field methodology do you use?

I personally think science has its place, especially if there is material/empirical evidence, as well as debunking/alternative explanations, whether it is misinterpretation of noises, light reflections, etc., or outright hoaxes.

But science has more limited value when dealing with upset clients, and such investigations become more about counseling the client as to ways to handle such experience, either by calming them and assertion that such things may be eerie but are generally not harmful, ro by helping them find a way to calm or clear the haunting (or suggest a move, or family counseling, etc.)

Thoughts?

Lance Foster