First, it is necessary to distinguish anomalies from superstitions. Anomalies are events the anthropologist at least suspects of being either naturally discontinous or scientifically inexplicable. Superstitions are informants' beliefs about events the anthropologist judges to be imaginary or misinterpreted. If true anomalies be embedded in surrounding superstitions, the distinction is both difficult and crucial. Second, the anthropologist's assumptions about the paranormal should be made explicit at all stages of work, whether planning, observing, analyzing, or reporting.
Every anthropologist makes assumptions about the paranormal.
Most of these are tacit assumptions. When apparent anomalies are unexpectedly encountered, hidden assumptions bring about the skeptical or subscriptive reactions that may not represent the best interpretations the anthropologist is capable of. At every new experience, the interrogation should be repeated and changes noted. Only by making the assumptions explicit will the anthropologist recognize the provenance of his plan, maximize his receptivity to field experience, analyze his observations in clear cut and useful categories, and write an unambiguous report. Good work can be done by skeptic or subscriber, but not by one masquerading as the other.