For this assignment please choose a digital photo or video that potentially contains anomalous phenomena. The photo or video can be one of your own, or you can search online to find a good candidate

For this assignment please choose a digital photo or video that potentially contains anomalous phenomena. The photo or video can be one of your own, or you can search online to find a good candidate. The photo or video you use will not be published anywhere, so it should be safe to pull it from a website. Check the web for “ghost hunters” or “UFOs” for possibilities.

Here are the criteria for this assignment:

1. The file you analyze must be an original (not a modified copy).
2. If it is a photo, it must have the Exif info included.
3. It cannot be a photo of an orb.
4. It cannot be a photo or video used in the study material.

Try to pick something that will challenge your newly-learned skills. Once you have completed your analysis, answer the questions below in the provided field and upload the original photo or video you analyzed in the normal fashion. If you wish, you can include up to 2 additional photos or videos that you modified to show a conclusion. Please limit your file size to 50MB total.

ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

1. Please describe the alleged phenomena, what you did to analyze it, and your conclusions. Use the KM Photo/Video Classifications scale to classify your findings. Remember what you learned in Segment 5 of Course M18-1 about wording your conclusions. You will be graded on your analysis, conclusions, and report.
2. Please describe what you learned in this segment and how it will help you as an anomalous researcher.

Step-by-Step Guide to Answer the Assignment

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STEP 1: Select an Appropriate Photo or Video

Before writing anything, make sure your file meets all assignment rules:

The file must be original (not edited or filtered)
Photos must contain Exif metadata
It must NOT be an orb image
It must NOT be from course study materials
File size must be under 50MB total
The image or video should show potential anomalous phenomena (e.g., shadow figures, light streaks, unexplained motion, unidentified aerial objects)

Good Sources:

• Personal photos/videos

• Online “ghost hunter” or “UFO” investigation websites

• Public paranormal forums or archives

Tip: Choose something that looks unusual but could also have a logical explanation—this demonstrates analytical skill.

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STEP 2: Preserve and Document the Original File

• Save the file exactly as obtained (no edits)

• If it’s a photo, confirm Exif data using:

  • Windows: Right-click → Properties → Details

  • Mac: Preview → Tools → Show Inspector

• Record:

  • Date/time taken

  • Camera or device model

  • Resolution

  • Exposure settings (if available)

You will reference this information in your analysis.

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STEP 3: Describe the Alleged Phenomenon (Assignment Question 1)

Begin your response by objectively describing what is claimed to be anomalous.

Include:

• What appears unusual (e.g., figure, light, motion, shape)

• Where it appears in the photo/video

• Who noticed it and under what circumstances

• Environmental context (location, lighting, weather, time of day)

Important:
Do not assume paranormal activity. Use neutral language such as:

“The image appears to show…”
“An unexplained visual anomaly is visible…”

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STEP 4: Explain Your Analysis Process

This is where most of your grade comes from.

Clearly explain:

• What tools or techniques you used, such as:

  • Zoom and magnification

  • Frame-by-frame analysis (for video)

  • Brightness/contrast adjustments

  • Noise analysis

  • Metadata review

• Why you used each method

• What each method revealed

If you created up to two modified copies, explain:

• What was changed

• Why the modification was necessary

• What it helped you observe

Keep your tone technical and investigative—not speculative.

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STEP 5: Identify Possible Conventional Explanations

Demonstrate critical thinking by discussing non-anomalous explanations, such as:

• Motion blur

• Compression artifacts

• Reflections

• Camera sensor noise

• Shadows or lighting effects

• Environmental factors (fog, insects, dust, weather)

Even if you think the phenomenon is unusual, acknowledging alternatives strengthens your credibility.

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STEP 6: State Your Conclusions Carefully

Use the KM Photo/Video Classification Scale to classify your findings.

Structure your conclusion:

1. Restate what was analyzed

2. Summarize key findings

3. Assign a KM classification

4. Explain why that classification fits

Follow Segment 5 guidance on wording:

• Avoid absolute claims

• Avoid stating something is definitively paranormal

• Use cautious, evidence-based language

Example phrasing:

“Based on the available visual data and analysis performed, the phenomenon cannot be conclusively identified and is therefore classified as…”

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STEP 7: Answer Assignment Question 2 (Reflection)

This section is about learning and application.

Discuss:

• What skills you learned in this segment (e.g., forensic analysis, evidence handling, cautious reporting)

• Why objective wording is important in anomalous research

• How these skills will improve your future investigations

• How this segment changed how you evaluate anomalous claims

Make this personal but professional—connect theory to practice.

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STEP 8: Final Review Before Submission

Answered both questions fully
Used neutral, scientific language
Applied KM classification correctly
Uploaded original file
Optional modified files explained clearly
Stayed within file size limits

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Suggested Structure for Your Submission

1. Introduction & Description of Alleged Phenomenon

2. Methodology and Analysis Performed

3. Findings and Possible Explanations

4. Conclusion and KM Classification

5. Reflection on Learning and Application

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