We here at Spectral Review as you might imagine enjoy the “reality” based ghost and paranormal shows. These shows include Most Haunted, Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State and Ghost Hunters International. These shows in their own way each try to find answers to questions about the paranormal. One could argue about their methods or motivations but they do try to show how they search for ghosts.

These shows are just representations of real people who do paranormal research. Nearly 100% of these people do this paranormal research for free. That tells us that these researchers are not only dedicated to this research but passionate about it also.

We want to know more about these people. Why do they do this research? How did they start? What expertise do they have?

Our next article in the “People in Paranormal Research” series is from Sarah Kocourek. Sarah is a member of Great Lakes Area Spirit Society (G.L.A.S.S).

We here at Spectral Review have recently received questions from people who ask us how to get into this field. Our answer was of course to read the “People in Paranormal Research” article series because here you find the people who know.

We hope you like this series. If you have any suggestions or want to participate in our series, use our contact form. And as always you can leave your comment here.

Onto the questions and Sarah’s thoughtful answers.

How long have you been in paranormal research?

I have been interested in the paranormal since I was 5 years old, when I had my first and only paranormal experience. I am the newest member of the GLASS Team.

Where are you located, what area of the world do you do investigations? What is the farthest you have traveled to do an investigation?

I am located in Manitowoc, WI. I am interested in doing investigations all over the United States. Like I said, I am the newest member of the team so I don’t have the experience yet but am very much looking forward to it.

Was there a particular reason or event that lead you to do this research?

Yes. I had a paranormal experience when I was 5 years old. I will not go into details but I can tell you that it is so vivid in my memory that it could have happened yesterday.

Why do you continue to do this work?

I think we all have the thirst for knowledge as far as what happens or where we go when we die. I want evidence either supporting or against paranormal activity and “ghosts.” I just want answers.

What would be the most compelling evidence you have seen or heard?

The Atlantic Paranormal Society caught some footage at Eastern State Penitentiary that was not able to be debunked. It was a figure that mysteriously formed and ran down the hallway. It was not able to be duplicated.

What is your role in your group? Is that where you started? What other roles would you like to learn and do?

I am an investigator. I want to be out there doing the work on the floor. I would also be interested in the Case Manager role and doing research on reported hauntings.

Have you taken any formal training in your life that has enhanced your skill set for your paranormal work?

Not at this point.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to get into the paranormal field?

Go to the library and start doing research. Keep an open mind.

Is there some aspect or point of view about the paranormal field that you wished that everyone in the field followed?

Don’t jump to assumptions just because you want something you caught to be evidence. Always try to find other explanations first.

What misconceptions do the public and/or media have about the paranormal field you wish you could dispel?

I can’t really answer that question. I have not come up against very many misconceptions yet. The individuals I have had conversations with have been very supportive of this field.