From Observation to Research Record
Building Better Data About the Phenomenon
Individual reports matter, but their research value can
increase when information is collected consistently.
Structured reporting allows information such as date,
time, location, duration, observed characteristics,
movement, environmental conditions, witness information,
photographs, video, and other available details to be
compared across cases.
Over time, organized records may help researchers identify
recurring characteristics, geographic or temporal
patterns, unusual correlations, and differences between
cases that are difficult to recognize when reports are
examined individually.
Research Without a Predetermined Answer
Preserve the Information First
The purpose of the sighting program is not to force every
observation into a predetermined explanation.
The goal is to preserve useful information, examine
reports carefully, compare cases where appropriate, and
create a stronger body of data from which better
questions can be asked.