In parapsychology, an Anomaly is any piece of data, visual capture, or sensory experience that deviates from the expected norm and lacks a rational explanation. This is the raw material of an investigation: a light that moves against the wind, a voice on a recorder in an empty room, or a sudden temperature drop that cannot be attributed to a draft.

Not every anomaly is paranormal, but every paranormal event begins as an anomaly. The goal of the researcher is to collect as many anomalies as possible and then put them through the debunking process. What remains after that process is the true ‘evidence’ of the investigation. By focusing on anomalies, researchers maintain a scientific distance, letting the data speak for itself rather than jumping to conclusions.