A Question of Ethics

[Rosemarie]

I would really like to get people's thoughts about this subject.

I was talking to a bigwig at ASSAP (The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena) about a site that is begging for investigation. Its the old Police Station in town that has now gone up for sale because the police built a huge modern building on the other side of town. Its a shame because the first female police officer in the UK worked there and it housed the orignial jail for the town, so its an important historical building.

The problem is an ethical one. No one has come forward to say that they have had any experiences there and the police certainly havent asked for an investigation. There are many rumours going about by the towns people but no one wants to be involved despite fuelling these rumours.

So how can a group gain access to a site rumoured to have paranormal activity without approaching the police for permission to investigate and without approaching serving and ex officers to ask if they had any experiences during their time there? As the guy at ASSAP said to approach anyone would then potentially attach a reputation to the building that may be unwanted or false - I agree with that. But its so frustrating because its vacant at the moment and the rumours remain.

The building is up for sale and is (sadly) likely to be converted into residential flats.

I thought that if I researched the building that perhaps there may be something in the historical records that would give a clue, but its a long shot - and it still doesnt help us gain access to the building. I also thought about putting an ad in the local paper - but is that still 'approaching' people? Or could I make the ad a general request for information about the station? Or is that underhand?

I would really like people's opinion on this ethical dilemma and if they have come across any similar situations and what was the outcome.

[The Paranormals-Celtic]

That is troublesome and frustrating, but you must gain permission from the rightful owner in order to investigate. You also need as much info (historical) on the location and the only way you will achieve this is by asking questions.

[Rosemarie]

Well, I suppose technically its our group founder that has to obtain permission, but he's unlikely to be able to do that unless I can find someone who is happy to talk about their experiences.

I always research the historical locations thoroughly, the Lincoln Archives are very good. But its the human element. Asking people questions about whether or not they had any experiences is unethical according to ASSAP. Peoples experiences form a major part of my research as I need to see if there is any historical fact that can substantiate what they are saying.

So therein lies the problem - do I go ahead and research peoples experiences (if any) by asking them questions and ignore ASSAP's warning or shall I just let it drop?

[The Paranormals-Celtic]

Charging a fee for an investigation is unethical, asking people about their experiences is not. I would go ahead a research those who might have experienced something, thats how you get firsthand info.

[lowbattery71]

One approach I like to use is to talk to those who own the property and clearly state that if given permission I will not divulge the location or any of the names of anyone interviewed during research of the location, and get it all in writing. Then you can keep all the notes you want, research anyone and anything, and as long as you state that the location name and witness names have been changed for privacy reasons when publishing it you won't run into the problem of promoting the location and possibly creating a fan-fare scenario. Also, you'll still be able to properly corroborate and identify any parts of the project if groups like this ASSAP demand it. Of course, if they don't accept your hard work, oh well. Nothing lost, much gained.

I've yet to see any group or person who can or should dictate any provisions for conducting research. Some come VERY close, but unfortunately they are usually the same "foundations" and "associations" who are going to make sure you have joined and paid your rather pricey yearly dues before they will consider your findings anyways.

I say go for it! Just be ethical, respectful, and most importantly have FUN. If it isn't fun, it's not worth doing.

[MSPI Jenn]

I agree 100% with lowbattery! I would just go for it. Good Luck!! I wish I was closer so that I could help!!

[Rosemarie]

Charging for information is completely unethical and something I would never do (even if I could afford it). It taints any research because people may tell you what you want to hear or vice-versa and may not have had any experiences at all. The research would lose all credibility and I for one am not prepared to put my reputation as a researcher on the line.

Jan 11, 2010 20:31:00 GMT -5 lowbattery71 said:

One approach I like to use is to talk to those who own the property and clearly state that if given permission I will not divulge the location or any of the names of anyone interviewed during research of the location, and get it all in writing. Then you can keep all the notes you want, research anyone and anything, and as long as you state that the location name and witness names have been changed for privacy reasons when publishing it you won't run into the problem of promoting the location and possibly creating a fan-fare scenario.

The only problem I have with the above is that our investigations are filmed and will be pitched to the Unexplained channel here in the UK (except for one where we've been asked not to film) because the founder knows someone from the Most Haunted team and people in Grantham will recognise the building. Keeping peoples identity private is no problem of course.

I have approached the founder/team leader of our group and when we meet on Sat he said he would be more than pleased to receive suggestions for locations. So I will see how he says he will approach things. If he takes the view that making direct enquiries is not unethical, then I will more than happy to research to my hearts content.

I do struggle when it comes to ethics and hate falling foul of them, but this particular thing was bugging me as the nature of research demands questions are asked, and thats what Ive been doing for years - research. I am naturally curious so research suits me.

Thank you for all your replies and any more are most welcome.

Jenn - make it a goal to come over! I'll take you to Lincoln Castle, Nottingham Castle, Nottingham Caves and many more! ;D

[gmpsociety]

This is just me, and on this one I am not even going to speak for my team, but I have always had a problem with looking to investigate anywhere we have not been asked to help. But then again I am not driven to get on tv or make a name for my self. I truly only want to help others who are having problems. I do understand that everyone who does what we do all have there list of locations they would love to investigate. But what I do is not for me or for my team. And I feel that requesting to investigate somewhere is much like running around an abandoned building or grave yard. Who does that possibly help? But then again like I said thats just how I see things like that.

[lowbattery71]

I can look at both sides of the coin. Some locations that are well known and have extensive reports can be excellent locations for research. There is easy access to research materials and it is easier to figure out where to target specific experiments. I also love private cases and helping people to understand what may be happening. I try to take from each all that I can and use the experience to better my own research abilities. Sometimes even going into a "blind" location can be a great way to experiment and test new ideas. I just think that it has to be done as ethical as possible.

[Rosemarie]

Jan 22, 2010 12:25:50 GMT -5 gmpsociety said:

This is just me, and on this one I am not even going to speak for my team, but I have always had a problem with looking to investigate anywhere we have not been asked to help. But then again I am not driven to get on tv or make a name for my self. I truly only want to help others who are having problems. I do understand that everyone who does what we do all have there list of locations they would love to investigate. But what I do is not for me or for my team. And I feel that requesting to investigate somewhere is much like running around an abandoned building or grave yard. Who does that possibly help? But then again like I said thats just how I see things like that.

I know what you are saying but I really dont think you understand what I mean. Im talking about RESEARCHING ONE historical building. Of course people ask us for help, otherwise we wouldnt be doing what we are doing. For eg we just did an investigation into a public leisure pool and gym complex because the manager called our team, not the other way round - we accept all requests, we dont charge, we respect the clients position and do what they ask of us if its within our remit (and not illegal) and we are not a public group (of which there are many here in the UK). For eg the owners of a large hospital that is about to be demolished has asked our group to investigate but not to film - so naturally we follow their wishes. We dont do this for ourselves as you seem to be implying.

This is not just a case of flapping about looking for any old place to investigate for the sake of investigating - its about something the whole town talks and wonders about and hopefully finding some answers that will help the whole community. I do what I do for my team AND those who need our help - Im a qualified, professional researcher and historian; thats what I do and its ethical research on an historical public building Im talking about not knocking on peoples doors asking 'can we investigate cos we want to be on tv'. When I complete my research the client always gets a copy so that they have a historical record of their premises - thats part of my job.

I have no particular or compelling wish to be on tv - thats our group founders call. I had a heck of a time finding any group where I live - in fact apart from a teenagers group, the group Im part of is the only adult one in my county and I was lucky to be taken on. Our founder is very well experienced and the integrity of the team is paramount, otherwise it would be pointless. Just because our group founder wants to pitch to tv, that does NOT mean we are 'driven to get on tv'; we are not glory seekers, we take what we do very seriously and as I said, we accept all requests - I would not risk my reputation with a group who only wanted to get on tv. And yes, your pointed remark has got up my nose ever so slightly, but Im letting it slide because you dont know or understand how we work.

But the main thing about my original question (if you read it) is that it is an important historical building that is no longer used and up for sale. It is likely to be turned into flats (apartments) and there are many rumours about it. So its a case of using a variety of research techniques in order to faciliate an investigation if permission is gained. That includes asking people questions about what they know and their personal experiences so that we can have an accurate account of the history of the building as well as check out whether there is anything paranormal there - which I may add is also part of any building's history and character. ASSAP were saying that to ask people questions as part of research into a building is unethical because its approaching people - which they have reservations about - and may mean that it could potentially attach some sort of reputation to the building.

I suggested the location because of the reasons I have stated and its up to our group founder whether he wants to follow that up or not. If he does, I will research and thats the last I'll say about this topic because Im satisfied with the opinions given.

[copro]

I think you should look into the history of the place. Ask as many questions from towns people about the place as possible. Then if you come up with something which is concrete in history and people talking then approach the owners of the building. There is nothing unethical about doing research into old buildings or land lots. Authors do it all the time. So whoever is telling you it is unethical to ask questions about a location has no idea what the word means.

[Rosemarie]

Indeedy - I mean thats what my title is 'Researcher and Historian'. In fact for the investigation we did a couple of weeks ago, we had mediums claim certain things that were not supported by the research, which including asking questions to the owner of the building as well as the archaeological, archival and historical records. Well, if you want to be sure, cover everything as far as possible.