CPI Historical & Archival Research 3

Question 1

What is the primary value of consulting Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps during a paranormal site investigation?

Accepted Answer

They provide detailed building footprints, construction materials, and past uses of structures

Answer

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps show detailed building layouts, materials, and usage history, helping investigators understand a structure's full physical and functional history.

Question 2

A CPI is investigating a site with reported poltergeist activity in a basement. Which historical record would help determine if the space was ever used as a holding cell or place of confinement?

Accepted Answer

City or county jail and lockup facility records

Answer

City or county jail and lockup facility records document structures used for confinement, which investigators often correlate with reports of residual or intelligent haunting activity.

Question 3

What distinguishes 'primary sources' from 'secondary sources' in paranormal historical research?

Accepted Answer

Primary sources originate from the time period being studied; secondary sources interpret or describe those events later

Answer

Primary sources are original documents created during the period under study, while secondary sources analyze or describe those events from a later perspective.

Question 4

Which federal repository holds military service records that could help a CPI research whether a soldier died at a specific location?

Accepted Answer

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis

Answer

The National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis holds military service and medical records that document soldiers' deaths, assignments, and service locations.

Question 5

When analyzing historical accounts of paranormal events, what is 'source bias' and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The inclination of a source's author to present information in a way shaped by their perspective, culture, or agenda

Answer

Source bias refers to how an author's perspective, beliefs, or agenda can shape how events are described, which investigators must account for when evaluating historical accounts of paranormal events.

(CPI) Certified Paranormal Investigator Practice Test

(CPI) Certified Paranormal Investigator Practice Test

CPI Historical & Archival Research 3