Are You Really Talking to a Ghost?

I have to preface with saying, that I love the show, Ghost Hunters, on the SciFi channel. What paranormal investigator doesn't? TAPS investigation methodology is what inspired most of our founders to start S.P.I. That being said, the 2007 summer finale where the team investigated the former site (or near site, to be more specific) of the infamous Manson Murders, left me with serious doubts as to the actual ability of the K-2 Meter, brought on board by Chris Fleming.
First of all, the method of using a very sensitive EMF meter to essentially communicate with sprits seemed to work, but it seemed to work too well. Now, I know that SciFi has to take a heck of a lot of footage out before leaving in enough of a multi-hour investigation to make a half-hour segment of a one hour show. But, if I may, I'd like to make some suggestions to my less-skeptic friends in the field about using a device like the K-2 out in the field.

First, if you're using a device that sensitive, don't time the questions perfectly. Second, observe the majority of "answers" that you’re getting. If, as in the GH episode in questions, you are getting primarily "yes" answers, or two flashes on the LED readout, ask the same questions again, with a different qualifier. In other words, if you ask, "Is your name George Washington?" and you get a "yes" answer, immediately follow up with asking, "is your name Elmer Fudd?" If the answer is still yes, then you obviously have a problem. If the answer is no, don't jump up and down, shouting "it works, it works." Then ask again, "Is your name George Washington?" If you get a no, then you obviously have a problem. If you get a yes, ask George Washington again. Repeat this until you get at least 3-4 positive responses to a question.

Why, you ask, do I suggest this? The first answer, I think, is obvious. We're testing the legitimacy of spiritual response. But, once you get two positives, why would you keep asking until you get 3 or 4? Because aside from testing the responses you also want to test for patterns? In other words, if you constantly get a yes-no-yes-no pattern, it can likely be assumed that there is something in the area generating a magnetic pulse. But, if you're getting yes-yes-no-no-no-yes-no, etc., and all of the yes answers match, then you have something a little more solid to present as evidence.

I have no problem using any type of EMF detection device to try and communicate with spirits. In fact, I think that it's a pretty innovative idea. But, if you're going to do it, then you have to do it within the bounds of an acceptable scientific method.

Be safe in your investigations.

-Matthew Vickers