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| What is Oceanic Ghost Research About? |
The OGR was formed
in an attempt to undertake a monumental task of investigating ghost and
other paranormal phenomena in as scientific manner as is possible.
How are we different to the plethora of other valid ghost research groups?
Like most other ghost research
groups, we too are interested in seeking the "holy grail" of ghost
hauntings by capturing a full bodied apparition. However, from a
scientific perspective, such data on its own is rarely sufficient or
conclusive evidence. Just take a look on YouTube for ghost videos and
you will find a multitude of videos, most of questionable credibility,
although a small percentage could be perceived as unexplainable.
We believe that the best way to make inroads into paranormal
investigations is by acquiring a wealth of data over many
investigations and collating this data to provide greater insight into
the underlying conditions. By understanding the variables which may
affect the generation of such events we can develop more insightful
theories and hypothesis. Theories which can be tested that can start to chip away at this
enigmatic phenomenon.
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| The Core Team Members |
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Michael Watson - Senior Project Manager and Co Founder
Michael has had several years experience investigating in the
UK, his native homeland. His experiences in the UK and his core
motivation to continue his research was the driving factor in
partnering with Vlad Dubaj to establish the OGR on relocating to Melbourne, Australia in 2006.
Michael's main keys interests are:
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To
investigate inexplicable phenomena, using rigorous methodologies, and
reviewed oversights in as a scientific manner as possible and to not to
rely heavily on the 'assumption' led approach. |
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Researching and understanding the natural factors that can contribute to what we perceive as being paranormal. |
Michael
is OGR representative and staff member of the TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) Family
International.
Michael Watson is an associate member of the Society for Psychical Research
- Based in London, the SPR is the oldest orginisation of its
kind (Founded in 1882) and the first fully fledged orginisation
to study psychical phenomena from a systematic scientific approach |
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Vladimir Dubaj (BSc, PhD) - Neuroscientist and Co Founder
Vlad comes from a science background with a BSc in neurophysiology and
a PhD in biomedical imaging. Vlads interest in haunt phenomena and
paranormal events is founded in two main areas:
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The instrumentation &
Equipment used to detect potentially paranormal events; particularly
interpreting the significance of the spectrum in which the event is
detected. |
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The theoretical aspects of ghosts & paranormal events with emphasis on the conditions under which they occur. |
Vlad is a member of the Australian Institute of Parapsychological Research.
This interest in the tools of the trade has lead to a fortuitous chance
meeting with Michael and the subsequent formation of the OGR. Vlad is
also our resident equipment maker and has successfully designed our
temperature/humidity data logging software/sensors and a Ion
Detector. |
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Steve V - Sound Engineer and Member
Steve
has always had a keen interest in the subject of the paranormal and
brings with him over 10 years experience as a sound engineer/music
producer. Steve's motivation, Technical experience and
openmindness has become the key factors in him joining the Group.
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Joel D- Law Undergraduate/IMember
Joel is the youngest member of our
group and his enthusiasm and his already acquired knowledge were
beneficial in him joining the group. Joel is interested in learning
more about what factors may be interperated to common perceptions of the
paranormal. Joel is also keen to understand the technical aspects of the
equipment we use.
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Jess J - History Student/Member/Comedian
Jess is also a new team member and
is currently studying Australian History and Research at the Australian
Catholic University. With those skills and her self belief, she had the
required
abilities to join the group. Jess will undertake any factual research
into any of the locations we investigate and her unique sense of humor
certainly keeps an overnight investigation very interesting.
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Tony M (BSc) - Psychologist and Member
Tony is a graduate in Psychology and his background has
afforded him with experience of how people may react in group
settings or in particular situations and can provide an element of
professional rationalization when trying to explain paranormal
phenomena.
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| Equipment Used in Our Investigations |
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Oceanic Ghost
Research uses a wide range of
'technical' equipment on our investigations, to collect visual/audio
data and to measure the natural environmental conditions of the
particular location we are investigating. The use of a controlled
environment and logging of data is an essential factor of a paranormal
investigation.
Does this equipment detect ghosts or the paranormal?
The simple answer to that question is NO. The equipment has been
designed for its primary purpose, however it may help us detect
inconsistent variables in the environment and also gives us
invaluable data for correlation and comparison over a long term period,
to help observe emerging patterns and conditions. Many groups fall
short and assume that 'unusual' readings must be of paranormal in
origin as they do not understand the limitations of the equipment they
are using and what mundane or normal factors can cause such unusual
readings.
The use of Data Logging equipment -
OGR believes that data logging equipment and software is extremely
beneficial and objective in understanding the variables of the
'natural' environment over a longer period of time. By understanding
the 'normal'' and by eliminating spurious factors thought to contribute
to reports of the paranormal, evidence of potential paranormal
phenomena may in fact be strengthened. The more possibilities
eliminated, the fewer the conclusions.
We have also successfully devised and built our own equipment to suit our
needs and to fit in with our protocols. Vlad Dubaj is our resident
equipment maker and is continually devising new equipment for our
investigations.
Our goal is to record any anomalous fluctuations in the electromagnetic
field, temperature, humidity and other environmental readings that may
not pertain to natural sources. Strength and credibility of unusual
phenomena can be greatly increased when unusual readings are obtained
synchronously across multiple devices.
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| CCTV Surveillance Cameras, DVR System |
Objectively recording a physical
environment typically justifies the use of camcorders and stills cameras. One
theory of physical monitoring is to assess whether ‘ghosts’ can be physically
recorded, as opposed to being subjectively experienced (Hallucinations) by a witness. It can also account for the movement of participants in a controlled environment.
OGR has 10 surveillance cameras which we use in
our investigations, they range from 1/3 inch SONYCCD 54 LED Cameras
with an amazing 100M range in InfraRed Mode to smaller surveillance
cameras, which we use in a more enclosed environment or to record a
specific object at short range. As part of the surveillance camera set
up we use 2 Digital Video Recorder/Hard Drive and our personally
modified recording software. We also have a range of cable lengths from
100M to 10M, depending on location, power points can be a problem.
These type of cameras are set up and run through the entire
investigation usually around reported 'Hot Spots', 'Active' and 'Controlled' areas. |
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| Environmental, EMF and Other Data Logging Monitoring Equipment |
Perception of change in
temperature can be an endogenous or exogenous experience – this is, it can be
an internal physiological event or an objective variation in temperature or
draught. This method calls for the distinction between such subjective and
objective events, and attempting to find natural causes for objective events.
This method uses temperature data loggers to track variation in temperatures.
Our primary data logger equipment and software was devised by Vlad Dubaj. The sensors are
linked to 'Labview' software and gives a continuous recording of required
data, such as temperature, ionization and EMF throughout the investigation. The software produces a graph
showing analysis of each locations. We also use a range of
standard hand held measuring devices.
OGR also uses digital temp and humidity loggers, Light (Lux) Data
Loggers, EMF Data Loggers and Spectrum Analysers (and Software).
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| Spectrum Analyser |
Temp Data Logger |
EMF Meter Data Logger |
Light Meter Data Logger |
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| Handheld EMF Detectors |
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Ghost Research currently has around eight handheld
Electromagnetic Field Detectors in its equipment portfolio. We use a
variety of EMF meters from Tri-Field to standard single axis metes
with bandwidths ranging from 30Hz to 20000Hz .
Although this type of equipment has specifically been designed for the
obvious, to read ElectroMagnetic Field readings from natural/man-made
sources. There is to date no known evidence that an an EMF meter can be
used to detect paranormal activity, and these meters should not be used
for this purpose without understanding the limits and specifications of
each model type. However if used correctly and by
eliminating natural sources, occasionally positive results may be
obtained. |
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| Other Environmental Monitoring Equipment |
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with EMF meters, the other environmental
monitoring equipment we use has been specifically designed for its
primary purpose of monitoring natural variables. We use the equipment
for this purpose, but it is beneficial to monitor unusual patterns in
readings that do not run consistent with the natural environment of the
location. From EMF activity and infrasound to elevated carbon monoxide
levels. However an understaning of the equipments limitations and how
it operates is essential before implying results or readings
pertain to an unusual event. |
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| Infra sound Detection and Experimental Equipment |
 Our
resident equipment maker Vlad is currently building a infrasound
detector to record sound below 20Hz. Infra sound and the paranormal is
still in its infancy, although many studies have been carried out in
this area, most notably by the late Vic Tandy of Coventry University. Infra sound Explained.
It may have an effect on the human brain in terms of feelings of
unease, but there is no evidence to suggest that all paranormal
accurances are attributed to infrasound, like Vic Tandy suggested.
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| Audio Recording Devices |
Audio recording is limited to
Digital voice recorders, condenser microphones and when used the audio function of video
cameras. The primary flaw in recording sound to subsequently review is the extreme
likelihood of ambiguous and extraneous noises happening. Ambiguous noises may be caused, for
example, by participnats moving, , unaccounted external noises and of
the internal physical functions of the equipment (audio or visual). A common operational flaw of tracking
auditory phenomena is insufficient recording devices, where on analysis it may
prove difficult to trace an auditory anomaly. This method calls for a quantity
of numbered audio recorders in different areas throughout the location, so
auditory phenomena can be tracked to source and analyzed as a closer event.
OGR uses digital voice recorders and condenser microphones during
investigations and other specialized audio recording equipment and software. As with Infrasound, much
research has been carried out on this phenomena, most commonly known as
EVP -Electronic Voice Phenomena. Although it is certain that
natural interference can be recorded onto either digital or analogue
recording devices such as radio frequency waves or solar wind, many EVPs' have
been recorded of clear voices seemingly interacting with the person
asking questions. To date much more research into this phenonima is needed to
determine if there is a true paranormal aspect, but remains of an interest none the less.
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