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 Articles ~ Hypothesis and Science articles ~ Standards for Categorizing Spectral Phenomena
Based on the data collected to date, the Society for Paranormal Research has developed this classification scale in order to measure and compare individual manifestations against one another.
This scale will quite probably continue to evolve as new data comes in, so therefore, this classification system is by no means complete.
There are two types of spectral phenomena.

(1) REPEATING and (2) CYCLICAL.

Repeating manifestations are those which inhabit a building or area and make regular "appearances". Cyclical manifestations are those that manifest themselves on or near the anniversary of their material body's earthly demise. Once the manifestation has been given one of the two types listed above, the intensity of the manifestation is then categorized.

Class One- random, infrequent noises such as knocking, rapping, closing of doors, footsteps, etc. No visual manifestation.

Class Two- (in addition to Class One attributes) whisperings, voices, levitation of objects, being touched by unseen hands, disappearance of objects only to be found sometime later in a different spot. No visual manifestation.

Class Three- (in addition to Class One & Two) unexplainable odors, manipulation of household appliances and electrical devices. No visual manifestation.

Class Four- (in addition to Classes One through Three) Visual manifestations either whole or in part.

Class Five- (in addition to Classes One through Four) physical and/or mental "attacks" on human occupants of an area or building.

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