PSI's Internal Training
PSI advances education in the field of studying anomalous experience by providing a full, hands-on training programme for prospective fieldwork team volunteers. This training is provided by qualified trainers.
Prospective volunteers attend a Training Weekend and Training Investigation before conducting research with PSI, this includes:
Applicant training module: Introduction to PSI
This module introduces the applicant to the realities and responsibilities of investigating within PSI. This training is peer and leader assessed.
Applicant training module: PSI's Methodology
This module introduces trainees to the theoretical underpinning of why PSI fieldwork does what it does.
Applicant training module: Fieldwork operations
This module is a detailed study of how fieldwork is organised and conducted. Applicants identify the importance of our methodology, ethics and investigation protocols during this module.
Applicant training module: Ethics and conduct
This module examines the nature and implications of the standardised set of ethical guidelines PSI has adopted. The development of ethics and professional conduct are assessed.
Applicant training module: The scientific method
This module introduces trainees to the scientific method, and explores the relationship between fieldwork, science and psychical research.
Applicant training module: The Psychology of Anomalous Experience
This seminar looks at various possible psychological and physiological explanations for anomalous experiences that have been advanced.
Applicant training module: Manual Handling
As a condition of PSI's risk assessment, in compliance with the terms of our insurers.
Other training module: Private case participation
Additional training for volunteers participating in private cases. This module focuses on the needs of the client and extended training on conduct and ethical awareness.
Other training module: Observer training
On occasion PSI permits members students to participate in its investigations. This module is a crash course in the basics of PSI fieldwork, sufficient for the an observer to participate in a fieldwork situation without directly being involved with experimentation or equipment.
Optional Seminar: 'Orbs' - The rational explanation
This seminar delves into the various and sometimes competing natural explanations for the 'orb phenomena' and contrasts with paranormalist explanations.