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.

Sociology graduate students are invited to chat with our colloquium speaker, Dr. Timothy Recuber, prior to his lecture. Lunch will be served.

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.