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Many stories surround the Grapevine cemetary's angel and has become a part of Hopkins County folklore (SurfKY Photo by Gary Gates)

KENTUCKY (10/25/14) — While many people are content to limit their hunt for ghosts to Halloween, plenty of others devote their time to the study of the paranormal.

Parapsychology is the study of paranormal activity and beings, which may be intertwined with spectrology, or the study of ghosts and phantoms. Those who spend time studying ghosts and phenomena that defies explanation do so to get closer to the truth and better understand strange occurrences.

Differences between apparitions and ghosts

"Apparition" and "ghost" are often used interchangeably, but such usage is incorrect. The term "apparition" is used for any kind of visual, paranormal manifestation, while a "ghost" is just one type of apparition. Other apparitions may be inanimate objects, animals, lights, or orbs. Ghosts are defined as spiritual entities, which usually are human. Typically ghosts are conscious of themselves and their surroundings.

People have various explanations as to why ghosts continue to stick around long after their bodies have expired. Some may be comforting living relatives, while others may be seeking revenge. Ghosts may not understand they are actually dead and, as a result, may frequent the places they found most comforting while they were living. Some ghosts are confused and just don't know what is going on.

Seeing a ghost

Some people are simply more in tune with the paranormal world than others. Those with an open mind may have a better chance of crossing paths with a ghost and recognizing the encounter. Many ghost-hunting organizations and scientists capture electronic voice phenomena, or EVP, on tape as an indication that ghosts may be present. Those interested in learning more about ghosts or those who hope to seek ghosts can explore the International Ghost Hunters Society, the Ghost Investigators Society or GEIST web for more information on EVP and ghost sightings.

Another way to potentially encounter a ghost is to visit an area where many people died suddenly, such as a former battlefield. According to Studies of the Paranormal, a person is more likely to encounter a ghost in a home or another building than at a cemetery.

According to experts, many ghosts are not around to harm others. However, poltergeists, which are another type of spirit or disembodied energy, can be destructive. Some believe they create loud noises, throw objects and even start fires.

Ghosts may be the subject matter of Halloween scary stories and movies, but plenty of people are convinced they are real and move among the living seen and unseen. Various organizations exist to study ghosts and other paranormal activity.