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Jul31Master’s Thesis Defense of Kayleigh Morse4:00 PM
Master’s Thesis Defense of Kayleigh Morse
The Other Side: An Ethnographic Content Analysis of Reality Television-Style Professional Paranormal Investigations
Kayleigh Morse
Department of Sociology, University of Connecticut
Committee
Dr. Ruth Braunstein (Chair)
Dr. Bhoomi Thakore
Dr. Phoebe Godfrey
Thursday, July 31, 2025 | 4:00pm EST
Virtual
Abstract: Modern ghost hunting practices can be traced back to famed paranormal “experts” Ed
and Lorraine Warren. Claiming to be a demonologist and medium (respectively), the pair
founded the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) in 1952. Over the following
50 years, the Warrens investigated various paranormal hotspots, including Amityville and
Enfield (both investigations were later turned into blockbuster movies). However, there are
multiple claims that the Warrens were fraudsters. Today, professional ghost hunting is still
considered to be a niche field with limited credibility. My research focuses on the behaviors and
practices of ghost hunters and/or organized ghost hunting teams as they pursue the creation of
paranormal knowledge and make efforts to legitimize their work. This ethnographic content
analysis focuses on A&E Network’s Ghost Hunters, produced from 2004 to 2016. Focusing
specifically on episodes taking place in New England, this research encompassed 6 seasons
consisting of 39 episodes meeting the sampling criteria, each covering a unique location. -
Nov12Sociology Graduate Student Lunch: Timothy RecuberManchester Hall12:15 PM
Sociology graduate students are invited to chat with our colloquium speaker, Dr. Timothy Recuber, prior to his lecture. Lunch will be served.
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Nov12Sociology Colloquium: Timothy Recuber (Smith College)McHugh Hall2:00 PM
The Department of Sociology is excited to welcome Dr. Timothy Recuber (Smith College) to participate in our colloquium series. The talk will be followed by a Q&A.
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Nov12Sociology Reception: Timothy RecuberTBD4:00 PM
Join us after Dr. Timothy Recuber’s colloquium lecture for appetizers and lively conversation!
A temporary labyrinth that offers opportunities for quiet reflection and contemplation may become a permanent campus feature