Macro-PK

About characteristics (parameters used to characterize cases)

In the database, we use a grid of 93 parameters to qualify the phenomenology of the cases. Each parameter is an on/off switch (presence or absence of the phenomenon).

This 93-parameter grid uses the 63 parameters proposed by Alan Gauld and Antony Cornell in their 1979 study of 500 cases (1). These same parameters were reused by Massimo Biondi and Guilio Caratelli in their study of 257 cases (2). We therefore decided to use the same grid, but supplement it to take into account other types of information corresponding to more recent events (e.g. SMS messages).
The initial database was thus built up from the above cases and around 500 other cases identified through various contacts and bibliographical research, with an international perspective.
Of the 1,300 cases, 1,150 have these parameters.

However, the fact that the parameter is 0 does not mean that the corresponding phenomenon has not occurred. It only means that the phenomenon was not reported (either not noticed by witnesses, or not reported by the investigator).

This is why, when searching the database, we give as results the number of items found, the percentage they represent on the total base and the percentage they represent on the items for which information was provided.

(1) Gauld, A., & Cornell, A. D. (1979). Poltergeists. White Crow Books.

(2) Biondi, M., & Caratelli, G. (1993). La natura del poltergeist. Quaderni di Parapsicologia, XXIV(2), 12–36.

Displaying and using parameters in database searches

When performing simple or full-text searches, you don't need to use parameters. The search displays a list of results. On the right, in the characteristics column, simply click on the small down arrow to display a drop-down list of these parameters (phenomena reported on the case in question).

Clicking on the small eye on the far right displays the case details. On this display is a "list of characteristics" line with the corresponding sequence of parameters. Below this line you have access (with the small downward arrow on the right) to a drop-down list of the 93 possible parameters and their meanings.

If you're using a multi-criteria search, at the bottom of the form you'll find "Show characteristics". Clicking on it displays all the characteristics. Simply click to select the parameters you require for this search.

In the case proposal, you have the same procedure as above, with "Show characteristics" at the bottom of the form.