The Burden of Proof: Subject Contamination

   Another thing to consider is Subject Contamination. It would be ideal to identify factors that may have influence or can make a subject more susceptible to the subject at hand. These factors should not invalidate any claims or the credibility of the subject, should be noted. Those with a high contamination factor should be considered carefully. It is really important that you attempt to get the objective narrative of the experience as possible. There are various factors one can consider, but I believe the following are a group of the most common factors:

Contamination Factors

Biological: Individual has a medical, viral, disability, or other physical impairment that may alter the subjects perception or sensation. Data retrieved by this means must be considered carefully as the experience may be misinterpreted as a symptom or effect of the biological issue.

Psychological: Individual has one or more personality or behavioral disorders, or scarring from previous traumatic events. The subject current behavior and personality issues may contribute with the ability to convey an experience accurately and objectively. Some disorders may even lead one speculation that
an experience is manufactured in the sub-conscious. Individuals who have suffered traumatic experience such as physical or emotional abuse, PTSD, or have esteem issues may relate fantastic experiences as a cover to a real event. The mind may protect an individual by creating a fantasy scenario that is easier to cope with the truth.

Substance: Individuals who have a history of drug, herbal, and alcohol abuse are under the influence of the chemicals they have ingested.  The subject is in an altered state, in which congestive functions are skewed and the sensory information is inhibited or exaggerated. Many substance induce sensory and cognitive hallucinations as well.

Social Media: Most humans have a group/peer mentality. We are meant to be social individuals. However depending on one assertive/submissive rating, we can be more susceptible to certain people. Often going with the consensus to the group to fit in or looking to an authoritative figure. People are more plugged into the news of friends, family, trends, celebrity news, gossip, etc.

Media: Part of the human experience is our ability to share and create experiences. Individuals can be influenced by popular culture by way of literature, art, television, movies, music, radio, internet, or whatever popular medium is available. In particular the narrative of UFO/Alien Abduction is a part of popular
culture.In the past 60 years the level of interest in the subject matter as science and entertainment has taken an interest to many. Some would say that over the past 60 years, we are conditioning ourselves with accepting the idea of the subject matter.

Lifestyle: Various lifestyle profession and activities do influence certain behaviors that may cause researcher to question the behavior of someone involved. An example of are:
-Actors: These individuals have a natural talent of deception. By trade, they are professionals liars and manipulators, skilled in making situations and emotions plausible.
-Writers: These individuals are intelligent and imaginative. They can easily craft reasonable experiences or embellish existing ones.
-RPG players: Individuals are casual individuals with a strong imagination, can invent and participate in a group scenario. They are skilled at being empathic too a degree and can read a room or situation for ques as how to react. The often have highly observational skill and deductive reasoning or just like detach from reality.

-Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Mystery Fans: Individuals with a healthy interest in these genres by association
make them more susceptible to experience as are vicariously familiar with it..
-Scientist/Experts: These individuals are learned and can manufacture evidence or have the ability to rationalize any given situation.
-Celebrity: These individuals with have an interest in fame and attention. They will often lend their influence as an authoritative or supportive figure. By rallying to a cause or subject they can affect public interest.
-Level of Interest/Knowledge of Subject Matter: Personal expose or research may have influence the individual with too many variables.. Justification and Rationalization are tool these individuals use to discuss the matter. A scientist and researcher may be more objective, but individuals like this may be very subjective.
-Personal Belief System: An individuals personal belief system may override logic and reason. Certain beliefs will cause individuals to rationalize experience within the terms of their belief system.

The Burden of Proof: Living Environments (Part 2)

Zone Types
   Besides identifying the residential dwelling you are in, you may want to consider the "zone" type an event took place. Most commonly known zone types are residential and commercial, the living and retail areas. There are more zone types, if you are interested civic engineering & planning or social studies I suggest you look up those field. The list below are "common" types I identified to help categorize event locales.

-Residential: Zone were people live and have a dwelling.
-Commercial: Zone used to conduct business or provide services. This would include hospitals, medical offices, retailers, shops, amusement parks, theaters, stadiums, markets, temporary lodgings, banks, etc
-Industrial: Zone were heavy manufacturing or processing occurs. Foundry, Lumber mill, Gas Processing Plant, Fertilizer Plant, Car Plant, Coal Mine, etc.
-Utility: Zone which are used for Broadcasting, Gas, Water, and Power. Example are Sewers, Water Filtration Stations, Aqueducts, Reservoirs, Dams, Electrical Stations, Sewage Plants, Electrical Yards, Gas Mains, Telephone Station, Satellite Stations, Cell Phone Towers, Radio Stations, Radar Stations, etc.
-Civic: Zone for public access or services. Library, Parks, Pools, Beaches, Police Station, Civic Offices, Community Centers, Fire Stations, Museums, etc.
-Mass Transit Corridor: Zone used for transportation purposes. Includes harbors, airports, railway, subway, bus stations, streets, bridges, routes, freeways, routes, highways, rivers, etc.
-Agricultural: Zone used for farming and livestock. This would be most common in rural communities.
-Abandoned: Any previous zone, but had human habitation left that is no left to the wilderness.
-Historical: Zone that is considered of some historical significance that is left untouched or for preservation.

Ownership
-Wilderness: Zone with no human habitation or businesses. Open Seas, Forests, Deserts, Plains, etc.
-Corporation: Zone controlled by large business or private trust. Private Hospital, Religious Group Buildings, Associations, Brotherhoods, Fraternities/Sororities, Floating Oil Platforms Gas Company Owned Drilling site, Private Museum, Fishing Lane, Etc.
-Government: Zone controlled by civic, state, or federal governments.
-Military: Zone operated by a military force.

  An event can occur with overlapping zone types. For example if you live on a military base with housing that would be a "Residential Military" zone. "Hershey Town" in Pennsylvania was originally granted by the corporation so the workers families can be nearby, that would be a "Residential", but could have Commercial/Industrial added to it as well.

   Zones can help with peripheral research as it can identify common origins for mysterious lights and sounds. If you live in a Mass Transit Corridors lights and noises can be from vehicles, if you live near an industrial or utility area, odd noises can come from their test, alarms, and equipment. Although keep in mind just because you found a possible peripheral source, it does not explain it away. Like with everything else you need to validate the sources of the "explainable" noise or lights.

The Burden of Proof: Living Environments

The Home Environment
   The narratives of most experiences seem to be within the home. Usually in the bedroom or sleeping areas for most individuals. It can also occur when hanging out in the yard, working in the basement or garage, or even in the living when watching your favorite game. So it can happen anywhere, so be mindful where an experience occurs.
   The building in which these experiences are happening should be looked into. Not only to identify what type of living environments, but cataloged the make and associated history of the place.

Single Home
   If you live in a single home, chances are your property has some personal privacy.
There are usually clear markers of where you property begins, from the fences around you home, back alley if any, and the driveway to the street. Telephone Polls, electrical lines, and street lamps should be apparent in most urban settings. In rural areas you may be a bit more isolated, as the property space can be quite larger. You neighbors are spaced enough apart that it may take a brief walk to see them, public utilities mentioned above may not be as apparent.
   Most homes have a basic feature of a living room, kitchen, bath, and bedroom. Larger homes may extra rooms and closet spaces, a additional bathrooms, attic space, basement space, garage, carport, Utility Room, Porch, pool, jacuzzi, garden, and crawlspaces (lower or above). In addition it is important to note the entryways into the home, both doors and windows. Note type of windows and doors. What type of locking mechanisms or security devices are present as well.

  Document if possible the moments before an events happens. If you heard, feel, see, smell any unusual things in other parts of the house. You can also note the direction a particular sound was coming from if you know it was from the outside. If you moved from you location and walked to another part of the house when the experience happened trace your route. Note if there is anything that is out of place. Try to be as aware of your surroundings as possible. Try to identify the following

Lighting
-Was it dark? Did your lights turn on? Was there another light source than in your home being used? What color was the light? What type of light was it (direct, clear, dim, fluorescent, etc.)

Noises
-Doors opening, footsteps on carpet/flooring, furniture moving, cupboards opening, refrigerator door opening, dryer opening, washing machine opening, electrical hums, creaks in the basement/attics, wall tapping, window tapping, pipes sighing, vents, chirps, whistles, beeps, whispering etc.

Smells
-Was there a lack of smell? Did something smell different from your usual household smell. Did the entities have a smell. Did lighting have a smell? Was there a perfume or certain fragrance in the air?

Time
-If you have a several clocks in your home try to condition yourself to always look at one when you pass by. Have one in sight of your sleeping area, kitchen, bathroom and living room. If not keep track of when you last remember you were okay and as soon as event has finished.

Temperature
-Was it cold, hot, musty, windy, sticky, humid? When an experience happens the temperature within a household can change. This can help identify the mechanism in which they are inducing an abduction or the type of environment they prefer to operate in.

Multistory Unit
As with the single dwelling unit pay attention to to your surrounding. A bigger house just means more places for things to occur. Second and Third story levels means that there is a longer distance from the entry ways on the main floor. Likewise incidents occurring on the upper levels of the household can verify something unusual is going if there are being standing outside the window of an upper level floor.

Guest Home
A guest home is usually a separate dwelling on the same property. The majority of the time it can be left empty, but it is frequently occupied by a tenant or guest. These people may have a clear view of the dwelling and can report any odd noises, light, and suspicious activity. Likewise, members of the household can be drawn to the area away from the main house as well and vice versa.

Duplex
A duplex is a single home that has an apartment attached to it usually. The main difference her is that you have the potential for objective witnesses. Unlike neighbors, these people live right next to you and can verify experiences. They can usually comment on lights, noises, and suspicious movements or activity if seen. However they may also not notice anything at all.

Gated Community
Gated communities are often neighborhoods that are segregated from their urban/rural counterparts. They have monitored street entrances, usually fenced off, have check points, their own recreational areas, and parking spaces. Some places are very open, but they can also offer a facade of the woodlands too with twilight pathways and heavy ambiance. The main sticking point here is security monitoring and 24 staff that may be witnesses.

Apartment Buildings
These dwelling are often multifamily units on a single level or a multistory complex. These neighbors again live in close quarters with you. They should be able to report hearing any odd noises, sights, or suspicious activity. They too might be the subject or their own sets of experiences since they live a convenient location.

Condos
Like apartment buildings, Condos are multifamily units. They can either be a gated community, single close placed dwelling units, are a multistory unit. With condos their is often higher security than that of an apartment building. There is usually a security guard, maintenance working, or some type of staff available 24-hours. In addition security systems that either monitor the property visually or set off a motion sensor will be standard. Neighbors can attest to strange occurrences, likewise it should be easier to identify security details, power outages, etc. by asking the management company to review any footage. When conducting such research note power failures, security downtime, equipment failure, abnormalities in any records.

Cabin
The cabin is usually found in populated rural areas or isolated properties. They are usually made of natural material such as wood, and keep traditional modern convenience to a minimum. Usually you can identify a central location where the power and telephone service comes in. Sewage can be handled by traditional plumbing, but sometimes an outside tank is used. Cabins can range from single story to multistory units, and some can come with all the conveniences you can get. Because it is in a rural environment, there may be less witnesses around. Local wildlife may be mistaken for many things. Usually cabin are vulnerable, since they have few links to the outside grid. Isolation is the key aspect. Take note of things as you enter and leave your cabin. Check for any signs of intrusion always. If you have security cams installed or remote cams, view them occasionally. 

Hotel
Hotels are like apartment buildings. There are other guests usually within the adjoining rooms. Hotels are active 24 hours, with cleaning services, staff, and security making sure that the area if functioning properly. Security is a high measure, as there are locked door and clear hallways. Rooms may night always be occupied, but people come and go so your never really alone. Hotels have security and objective witnesses from the staff. Also guests who are usually awakened in the middle of the night may have called down an complained off an odd noise or light.

Motels
Like hotels, but usually self service and little security. Motels are often found in areas by a highway or freeway. There is usually two people on staff, one to check guests in and out and another as back up. Depending on popularity of a motel, it can be a very active place or very desolate. Usually there is sufficient lighting so you can see silhouettes, and you can usually here people walking pass your room. Like before you may have a good witness by the desk clerk who may have noticed something strange.

Hospitals
Events can also happen in a hospital environment. Like apartment buildings, condos, and hotels, they place usually have good security and 24 hour staff. You have professional personal available and individual patient monitoring. Depending on the activity of the hospital, it can be crowded or desolate. Some old hospital are grand estates, with many floors and wings seeing little usage. What is worse is that there are many service corridors and entrances. 

Trailer/RV Parks
Trailer/RV Parks can be a temporary or permanent set up. Either way they designed to host mobile homes. A mobile home is either a motor vehicle like an RV or a trailer hitched to another vehicle. The mobile home usually has space for a small kitchen, bedroom, and bath. The entry ways are not as secure as a home, usually made of the same material as the vehicle or trailer itself. Plumbing/Gas/Electricity is usually dependent on an outside source, or in the case of a RV on the life of the vehicle battery. Trailer parks have  stigma about them, but it all depends. You have some trailer parks that are nice gated communities, then you some really trashy ones. Either way there are enough individuals living closer together, so someone is bound to notice something.

Moving Vehicle
It does happens, but an event can occurring in a moving vehicle. A plane, train, ship, or car, or bus. Automobiles often report an incident happening. Usually some sign of car failure occurs and will often be directed to an isolated spot. In most cases, the vehicle is bought to a safe rest in which occupants are lead out of the car and back to resume their journey. Larger vehicles such as buses, trains, ships, and planes are a bit more complex. Not only do you have to deal with a moving vehicle, but multiple eyewitnesses. Small craft again can be stopped, but larger craft main call for other means of observation. For example, in a plane or a train have you noticed newer passengers to stranger people on board? When exiting these large vehicles is it hard to remember who these individuals were? As with everything else, note the people around you, what they were doing, location, time, etc.

Tents
This dwelling offer very basic protection from the elements. These are usually made of thin material, waterproof, and have little in the sense of a security. You either have a flap or a zippered entry way. If an event occurs note the type of tent you were in. Individuals around you, the campground, zippered or flap entry system, mesh windows, was the tent still on the ground, silhouettes from outside lighting, and if the local wildlife went quiet. Also be aware if you were in a clearing or under tree branches.
Remember to also follow you camping etiquette too, your in the wild so you don;t want to mistake local wildlife for something else.

Urban/Rural/Population Density
These experiences can occur anywhere. Isolated locals are not always hotspots. They are ideal, since there are less potential witnesses, and the level of covert activity it low, but not necessarily the norm. In urban areas, or densely populated places we often ignore what is going on around us. We literally tune out and focus on ourselves and the very immediate surroundings. We will often ignore disturbances with the neighbors, air and ground traffic occurrences, and utility anomalies as just things you have to live with in the city. Even in places like casinos, hotels, and hospitals that share very tight spaces things can happen without our notice because we don't expect anything out of the ordinary to occur. When things do happen, our mind tends to adjust our perception of the events as something normal and tangible. The bright light outside the house, must of been the police or utility truck. The beings walking down the hallway at 1am  in a hospital, nurse probably during there rounds, etc.
These experience will happen where ever and whether or not people are present. Is it because we are conditioned to ignore things or are they suppressing and furthering blurring our means of observation?

The Burden of Proof: Debunking the Environment

Most of these causes would mean that you have been exposed to situations with highly dangerously levels. Most areas are often posted with a warning signs indicating a significant health risk. Most homes and locations will have already been checked by the local city/state and made sure that they were safe.

The following are some examples of harmful environmental factors. This is why you need to through check and debunk as much as possible. Continued exposure can have deadly and harmful effects, and if you can find a tangible cause you can do something to fix it.

Air Pollution

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (CO2 Exposure)
-Lightheadedness, Confusion, Headaches, and Vertigo.

Radon Exposure (Rn Exposure)
-Lung Cancer.

Methane Exposure (CH4 Exposure)
-Headaches, Memory Loss, Inattentiveness, Poor Judgement, Dizziness, and Retarded Motor Coordination.

Fungus and Mold Exposure
The spores from fungus, mold, and mildew can cause a variety of physical alignments as well as some psychological disorders. They can be found in damp climates and in moist dark spaces.

Black Mold
-infertility, internal organ pain, urinary tract infections, damaged respiratory and digestion systems, irregular blood pressure, allergic reactions, asthma, mucous membrane irritations, lack of concentration, dizziness, lethargy, bleeding in the lungs, memory loss, nausea, rash, hives, red eyes, cough, and headaches

Attic Mold
-Cold-like symptoms, such as coughing or a runny nose, and may experience respiratory problem

Animal Infestations
A variety of pests and vermin can cause odd things to happen in a house. Mice, Ants, roaches, Spiders, Bats, Snakes, Worms, Fleas, Ticks, Termites, etc. can cause damage to dwelling or changes to your environment. Their waste and activity can make you sick or be responsible for odd noises.  

-Noises in the houses, strange marking from bites and scratches, odd smells.

Radiation Exposure
A variety of devices can be responsible for electromagnetic radiation. Microwaves, Computers, High Voltage Wiring, Faulty Household Wiring, TVs, Radar, Broadcast Antenna, cell phones and others devices can emit levels of radiation.
Most of these devices emit such low levels of radiation that there impact is negligible. However, since most city environments have a high density of frequencies and electromagnetic radiation this may be a factor.
These electrical devices also can also emit noises too, which ranges from odd humming and high pitches and pops.

Electromagnetic Radiation
-Burns, Leukemia, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Aerosol pollution exposure.

Water Pollution
The very drinking water that we drink may be full of various continents. The tap water which we drink in cities is usually safe as the local metropolitan water companies must meet certain regulations for safe water. Rural areas may have higher chances of contamination, since well water is often still used for animals and irrigation.
Any contaminants are usually a result of piping or animal contaminants. Odd metals, new plastics, pipe erosion, animal waste (snake, rodents, roaches), mold, fungus, slime, and chemicals can be introduced into the water. These can cause some long term harmful effects

Allergies
Allergic reactions to food, drugs, and household chemicals can also come some odd effects. Usually allergies are discovered early with individuals who have regular check ups. However alleges have a tenancy to change over your life, as you may build up a tolerance to existing allergies or become sensitive to existing substances. With all the new substances and combinations  introduced into our food, clothing, and cleaning supplies you can find allergies popping up everywhere.

Furniture
Since most household appliances are electrical devices, this is covered under Electrical Magnetic Radiation.
Couches, Beds, Chairs, Desks, Shelves can also be a cause of disturbances too. Especially if they are worn or used. A squeaky bed or chair, loose shelving that causes noises, or dusty mattress and fabrics can be the cause of unusual activity

Aerial/Automobile/Railroad Traffic
Living near area with high traffic can also be the cause of unusual activity. Strange noises, lights, and vibrations can be caused by trains, planes, and automobiles. What is worse that many of these vehicles can also be the cause of air pollution too.

Environment
Local Wildlife, Foliage, and Neighbors are the last of explainable factors.
Whether you live in a rural or urban setting, wildlife is abound. Wildlife can infest a household or just be active in the area.
Certain plants can emit pollen and invite a series of insects and other vermin. The overgrown foliage can be responsible for odd noises or odd shapes that can look like something else in low light.
Lastly you neighbors can be reasons too. They may have different activity schedules, religious or cultural practices, physical or mental issues that can be interrupted as unusual..Additionally if they are substance abusers they may do things that further pollute the environment (Marijuana smell).

It important to rule out all the common possibilities and any reasons for physical and psychological conditions that have been suffered. Although most people start debunking afterward, it may be helpful going into your documentation by first considering the mundane reasons.

The Burden Of Proof: The Individual

After the narrative is collected, the history of the individual should be noted.
Depending on the researcher you should be as thorough as possible when evaluating the individual. The main reason for this is to establish a base line and profile.

You want to discover "WHY".

Why is this person significant in that they were picked to be examined or be revealed to?
What makes them unique if at all?

You want to collect the basic information of the subject. You may or may not need all of this information, but more information is better than none. Also please note that political correctness should inhibit your data....especially when it comes to the subject of culture and ethnicity. Although to some it may seem crude, the older models of classifying a human do have merit since they categorize individuals plainly.

Physical Stats
-Birth date: Month, date, year you were born.
-Gender: Male or Female
-Age Category: Infant/Child/Teen/Adult/Senior
-Blood Type: O+, A+, B+, AB+, O-, A-, B-, and AB-.
-Human Stock: Caucasian, Negroid, Mongoloid, Aboriginal, or mixed
-Ethnic Type: Based upon human type what ethnic stock? Cantonese Mongoloid, Japanese Mongoloid, Korean Mongoloid, Irish Caucasian, Spanish Caucasian, Hispanic Mixed, and Persian Caucasian are examples.
-Height: Height
-Weight: Weight
-Eye Color: Eye color
-Hair Color/Type: Hair color (black ,blonde, brown, etc) and type (bald, thin, thick, curly, straight)
-Vegetarian: Do you ingest meat?
-Physical Handicaps: Identified physical handicaps.
-Biological Disorders: Identified biological disorders.
-Notable Scars: Both explainable or extraterrestrial in origin.
-Active Fertility Cycle (Female Only):
-Medication: Prescribed Medicines
-Recreational/Holistic Medicine: Alcohol, recreational drugs, or holistic medicines?

The reason for collecting the physical stats is that there may be correlations in the types of persons being monitored. Do we know if there is a certain type that is being monitored more often than not? A specific age group, a particular set of desired physical attributes? Are there noticeable physical affects?

Mental Stats
-IQ: You intelligence level
-Extra Sensory Perception:
-Sexual Orientation:
-Highest Education Level: What you graduate from.
-Occupation: What you work as.
-Mental Handicaps: Known mental handicaps.
-Psychological Disorders: Diagnosed psychological disorders.
-Personality Profile: Extrovert vs Introvert, Sensing vs Intuition, Thinking vs Feeling, and Perceiving vs Judging. Great resource to find out is http://www.socionics.com/sta/sta_turbo_xl.html

The reason for collecting the mental stats is that there may be correlations in the types of persons being monitored. Do we know if there is a certain type that is being monitored more often than not? Is it because your highly intelligent or creative? ? Are there noticeable mental differences or difficulties as a result?

Social Stats
-Birth Name: Your birth name name
-Common Name: Name you go by
-Birth Location: City, State, Country.
-Western Astrological Sign: Your Greek Zodiac
-Eastern Astrological Sign: Your Chinese Zodiac
-Nationality: Your country of allegiance.
-Religious Affiliation: What type of theist are you.
-Paranormal Activity: Paranormal Experiences.
-Philosophical Affiliation: What philosophy you follow.
-Military/Government Affiliation: Do you know are have relations with someone in the military/government?
-Adopted: Were you adopted?
-Marital Status: Signle, Married, In a Relationship, or Co-habitation?
-Dependents: Caregiver for spouse, child, or older relative?

The reason for collecting the physical stats is that there may be correlations in the types of persons being monitored. Do we know if there is a certain type that is being monitored more often than not? Does a particular belief system factor in? Do certain affiliations make us more likely to have an experience?

Family History
Immediate Family: Mother, Father, Siblings, Pets
Current Immediate Family: Spouse, Children, Pets
Extended Biological Family: Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins
Extended Social Family: Friends

For family history, it should just include if these members have experienced any abduction, sighting, or paranormal activity. You do not have to go into detail, but if you do create a separate profile for each member.

The Burden of Proof: Collecting the Narrative

The first thing a researcher or an experience should do is collect the "Narrative" of the event. Remember to try to be impartial, and if you are a researcher carefully phrase you question to be as objective as possible. You do not want to lead a subject on or begin to raise doubt to their experience.

It is important when doing so to attempt to remain calm and recall whatever details are going on. Write down everything that comes to mind and just explain the event in your own words and feelings.

Collecting the Narrative
1. "Please relate your experience with as much detail as possible".
-The person should feel free to tell you of there experience from beginning to end. As you are taking notes/transcribing their narrative take note of the persons expression and body language as well. Notice the emotional state and pitch in the voice.
These characteristics can be valuable clues to the event. It is important that you just listen.
-If your are cataloging your own event, right down everything. Just write the experience down. How you felt, what was going one, etc. If you can remain calm collect you thoughts, try to formulate some initial information such as When? Where? What? Type of Experience, etc., and then write down your experience.

Validating the Narrative
2. "How did you come to the conclusion of what your experience was".
-Remaining impartial, ask how they came to the conclusion that there experience is what they claim. How do they know..... this will allow you subject to self evaluate. It will give them a moment to see other possibilities or what it wasn't. The point is to get the individual to re-access or reaffirm their initial conclusions.
-For the individual is is important to be your own toughest skeptic. Sometime things are just a dream, but other times they are not. It is important to know the difference. Always try to find a logical and explainable reason, and if none presents it self it should give some comfort of your stance.

3. Ask Specific Questions
-At this point the researcher should go over the narrative and identify specific data. Some common examples are:

CE: Close Encounter Type according to the Valle System

ABE: Alien Biological Entity (ex. Grey, Nordic, other, etc.)

Location: Area where it happened and dwelling type

Witnesses: Friends, Family, Neighbors, and Pets.

Incident: What was done to them.

Emotional State: How Subject is feeling before and after.

Routine: What are the details that lead up to the event and immediate after.

4. Re-Asking specific Questions
-Try asking the question above in a different order and in a different manner. Note the emotional response and body language again. If you have illustrations you can ask them to identify and ABE or draw on for you. For witnesses ask again about them, even off topic like how well they like them or something like how long they know them. The purpose is to to see the consistency of the answers and if they recall any additional information.

5. Corroborative Accounts
-If there were other witness, gather their narrative of the experience as above. Also try to find some supporting documentation too. Weather Data, Reports of Telephone or Electrical Interference, News concerning Helicopter activity due to police investigations or traffic reporting, radar information if any.

The Narrative and data you collected is all circumstantial, corroborative, and speculative at best. Do not be discouraged, but tread on. The main part is collecting data and documenting. Many times the incident is a singe event. If the incidents are re-occurring or multi-genertaional it is very important to document the findings and trace things as far back as you can.

Depending on your funding or findings you can proceed to the testing phase of the investigation.

The Burden of Proof: The Types Evidence

When researching or evaluating your experience, there will be a question of proof. Most skeptics will want definite proof. As Carl Sagan said, "extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof", which means most people require a high amount of definitive evidence before they began to accept the probability of an event/occurrence. What adds some complexity to the burden of proof is that even definitive proof can be considered invalid by the skeptic. The criteria for valid proof changes from skeptic to skeptic as well as the degree/quality of proof which makes it difficult to present a case.

So what types of proof/evidence are there:

Definitive
2 : authoritative and apparently exhaustive

   Definitive evidence is ideal as it would provide concrete proof that an event has occurred. Such examples of definitive proof would be "Alien" making a public appearance and the public viewing of alien artifacts or biological specimens (without tampering). As of to do there are no examples of definitive proof. All such example have been debunked or consider invalid for consideration. Such evidence that has been brought forth are consider anomalous or unexplainable at this time, and thus considered invalid.

Circumstantial
1: belonging to, consisting in, or dependent on circumstances
3: marked by careful attention to detail : abounding in factual details

Circumstance
1c : a piece of evidence that indicates the probability or improbability of an event (as a crime)
2a : the sum of essential and environmental factors (as of an event or situation)
   The majority of evidence offered falls into circumstantial category. This is based upon the narrative of those with experiences. The details which they provide and accompanied data will result in a level of probability/credibility of their account. This evidence is often dismissed as well since there is "NO" Definitive proof. It seems that the mere fact that there is a percentile chance of occurrence, the incremental percentage of non-occurrence weighs more to most. So although we can say the is an 80% chance that your story is factual and true, skeptics will point out that there is a 20% margin of error and since within that 20% there are definitive explanation of why the occurrence is not what is claimed.

Corroborative
1: to support with evidence or authority : make more certain

  Going hand in hand with the circumstantial evidence is corroborative evidence. If you find others who can independently support your narrative of the events, there is a better chance of credibility and validity. Other witnesses or experiencees can add to the level of the claim. In addition a person professional and social standing are a factor in this too. Often we consider those in authority or governmental positions to have more credibility, than those of an average person. Likewise a certified individual of a particular field of study is considered to have a higher value of credibility than that of an average person.
  Unfortunately within our modern age we have found that Corroborative proof can be a risk. Most government official are proven to be outright liars or are unable to reveal factual evidence and thus are evasive. Likewise people in public authority or certified fields likewise suffer from the same issue, due to specified knowledge of their fields of interest (ex a biologist has an understanding for the mechanisms on how life works, but does not make them an individual who can properly comment of the social interaction of life).
In the end, the best that corroborative evidence can do is provide an somewhat objective observer of an event.   

Speculative
1: involving, based on, or constituting intellectual speculation; also : theoretical rather than demonstrable

   Based upon deductive reasoning, most narratives of an experience can fall under speculation. This is because the experience cannot be readily demonstrated or repeated to test. This can be because events are either singular in nature, occur in an unpredictable manner, we do not have the ability to test such claims adequately due to limitations of our technology, or the preventive measures of the individuals initiating the encounters.

   So going into this research, the burden of proof is high and criteria for accepted valid evidence is very high and specific. Most of the evidence that will be collected is based upon a narrative, circumstantial evidence, corroborative evidence, and speculation. Any artifacts or material evidence that occurs will most likely be considered an anomalous or at this time is unexplained. Hopefully as our level of technology and knowledge increases over time we can revisit the date we have collected.

   There is already a variety of evidence out there. The number of claims that people have made over the decades, the narratives that people have provided in myths, legends, and past accounts, unexplained geoglyphs and various cultural anomalies, radar records, recovered implants, etc.
Additionally this research can lead to answers and help, in identifying other concrete explanations. It may identify a potential biological/psychological disorder that can be treated with medication/therapy. Explain environmental factors and conditions that may be a relief since these can be explained and corrected.

Anecdotal2:  based on or consisting of reports or observations of usually unscientific observers

The majority of evidence will be the experience of the event itself. Many of those who are witnessing or going through the event can give their testimony. Many are just regular people with various levels of intelligence, maturity, psychological stability,  reasoning, and logic. Many are in a rather emotional state and are unable to give accurate reports, as fear or anger take control.
 

The Burden of Proof: Prologue

   When it comes to alien abduction many individuals want definite proof of the event or experience. As of to date there is no "Definite Proof". All evidence is either speculative, corroborative, or circumstantial. Further we have several theorists in the scientific community which have developed proofs concerning various aspects for the probability of intelligent life in the universe.

Two most popular are the Drake Equation and the Fermi Paradox:

   The Drake Equation (N = R* f_p n_e f_l f_i f_c L) poses a way to estimate the number of technological advanced civilization in our galaxy. It was formulated in 1961 by an Astrophysicist and Astronomer, Dr. Frank Drake. His formula estimates that there are 10,000 communicative civilizations in the Milky Way Galaxy.

   The Fermi Paradox is a contradiction between the rate of probability of intelligent life and the lack of contact/evidence of that. Basically it concerns the absence of evidence of intelligent life. This argument was posed by a theoretical and experimental physicist in 1950 named Enrico Fermi. It has been further examined by a Michael H. Hart in the 1975 as science has expanded to address the diversity of life in the universe.

   Now, the issue at hand with Drake Equation it take into account that these beings would use the same channels of communication as we do, in addition to expressing said concepts in uniform and understandable means. If we all communicated and understood concepts in the same fashion we would most like have found evidence of extraterrestrial activity. This issue has been expressed and illustrated best in the realms of science-fiction. Such well known examples are the Star Trek series based upon the works of Gene Roddenberry. From the Original Series to Voyager and the movie franchise, there have been episodes in dealing with the Drake Equation per say. Star Trek the Motion Picture and Star Trek IV are two prime examples of the Drake Equation at work. In both movies we have two probes, and in both movies the people of earth have no way to communicate or interpret the signals from the probe. Further more in Star Trek the motion picture, there is trouble communicating with the Voyager probe since technology has advanced so much in those hundred of years that the Enterprise could not communicate with the Voyager Probe.

   The Fermi Paradox suffers from the same premise in that we assume that we would have the mechanisms to interpret/understand the evidence/proof. With the addition of Hart's input, we see a more balanced explanation as it does open the fact that there are variables in the lifeforms that may be out there and how they may contact us. Just in the past few years we have verified chemo-synthesis which give rise to the high probability of life developing and thriving on other systems of chemical based oxygen/carbon. We are also finding the DNA is not the only building blocks of life, as there are some RNA cultures being developed.
Also again take into account of Star Trek, in Star Trek First Contact, the alien race of Vulcans new of earth existence but it was considered unworthy of attention until a warp signature was detected that originated from earth. So extraterrestrials may have no immediate interest.

   Another way to show how these scientific explanations are not definitive is how we view our ancient history. Two prime examples are the styles of communication within Egyptian and the Aztec civilizations. Ancient Egyptian civilization disappeared some two thousand years ago, and the Aztec civilization was wiped out some 500 years ago. It wasn't until the late 1800's that interest in Ancient Egypt was kindled. It has taken decades of research to unlock their system of writing, and decades still to understand their culture and day to day lives. Their civilization gradually changed over time as the pharaohonic dynasties fell. The Aztec civilization suffered an immediate shift in the new world due to colonization by the Catholicism and the Spanish. Their language and culture was destroyed in a few decade by the imposition of the Christian Religion. It has take decades to reconstruct the language and culture which has almost been erased. So if on earth we have examples of two civilization been wiped away in just a span of 2,000  years imagine how things must be on a universal level. Plus these are only two examples of civilizations, there are hundreds of unique civilizations that have died out in North America alone since 1492. The longest prosperous civilization to date on earth is by the Chinese who have lasted in a relative uniformity for close to 5,000 years.
I have not even mentioned the fact we are only concerned with human-life species. On earth we are barely rediscovering that the animal world has a complexity all to its own. Ants build cities and have a unique language all their own. Dogs, cats, Dolphins, and Orcas are examples of companion species which have the ability to express and communicate with us as well.

   The latest findings of NASA JPLA have estimated 1.4-2.7 of all sun-like stars have earth-like planets in our galaxy. We have found a total of 1,200 possible alien worlds, and of the closest one too our solar system, it is believed that there are two earth-like planets nearby. Given that there are 50 Billion Galaxies, that is a lot of possible planets with life.