With the exception of pre-investigation research about an investigation site the most oft-neglected and poorly reviewed areas of an investigation is evidence* analysis and follow up. Primary focus seems to fall on getting to the site and gathering the evidence rather than critically and properly analyzing it. The following paragraphs outline a brief but effective method of performing proper post-investigation follow up procedures.

• Gather information and data from the investigation. This information and data should come from your work at the site as well as the work of other investigators who were present (if available).  
   

• Sort the investigation evidence into subjective, anomaly and discard groups. The subjective data group should profile the site when no evidence of activity is taking place. The anomaly group should contain photos of the site where evidence of paranormal activity seems to be occurring. The discard group will contain all other photos which contain no intrinsic statistical, subjective, anomalous or other value within them.

Note: Do not actually delete or discard any photos, etc. Although these items may not be used for purposes of displaying evidence of paranormal activity some evidence may still be used as subjective data and may hold an anomaly that is not discovered during the first review. Although it is good practice to fill out investigation paperwork as soon as possible after the investigation you may want to perform a secondary review of evidence such as EVP, video and photos at a later time so that you may find any anomalies that may not have been discovered during the initial review.  

• With the data now sorted it is now time for cross reference and review. Carefully and critically review each piece of evidence to ensure accurate evaluation of that item. It is recommended that the person performing this review of the evidence keep a somewhat skeptical frame of mind to avoid “seeing what they want to see.” Cross reference your work to that of the other investigators who were present at the investigation. Compare the evidence and make notes about similarities, abnormalities, aberrations, and anomalous occurrences which would have an impact on the outcome of the investigation.
   

• Define your conclusion about the activity, or lack thereof, on the investigation site and fill out the all appropriate paperwork which would pertain to the investigation.
   

• Finally, compose a letter to the owner, representative, etc. of the site which thanks them for allowing you and your investigation team on the site to perform an investigation. Include a compilation of the evidence gathered with an explanation or a copy of the investigation paperwork so that they may see the results of the investigation. If possible, arrange a follow up investigation at the site so that any evidence collected and be verified and corroborated.

* Evidence is defined as EVP, video, photos (subjective or anomalous), witness interviews and other data which has meaningful intrinsic value to the investigation