Number Crunching at MUFON
Images credit: Filer’s Files and Kirsten Winslett
Kristen Winslett does statistical analysis for the Mutual UFO Network, and she’s found some interesting trends in reports submitted in the past decade. Winslett, who along with Marc D’Antonio quickly dismissed last year’s New Jersey balloon/ flare hoax almost immediately after the reports came in, is a statistician who uses her expertise to look at UFO reports.
Out of 14,362 records, 1,496 reports were deemed identified, while 2.632 were called “unknown.” Winslett remarked on the possible poor reporting and questioning skills of MUFON investigators as possibly skewing the results. It is quite likely that a lot of wishful thinking is buried in that data. Perhaps the only useful things we are left with are dates, times, and descriptions of the sightings.
Winslett also thinks that the proliferation of UFO programs on television may account for the dramatic increase in sightings reported over the last few years.
More interesting to me would be an analysis of anomalies and outliers in the records, as well as a revision of the MUFON investigator’s instructions allowing witnesses to report subjective impressions or lasting effects. Some surprising and illuminating trends and grounds for further research might be uncovered.
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Jan 21 2010 
January 21st, 2010 at 7:35 am
What might be overlooked is that there are two classifications of Unknowns, “UAV” and “Other”. Either classification can, and probably does, include objects and events with prosaic explanations. Unless we can identify that explanation they will remain unknown.
There is a section in the online report form where witnesses can describe any effects or impressions they may experience. They more often then not chose to leave this blank.
January 21st, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Does MUFON conduct a follow-up on witnesses after some years have passed since they issued the report?
It would be interesting to see how their testimony hold up to the test of time, as well as sutdying if the UFO sighting caused a noticeable change in the witness’ belief system and/or lyfestile.
January 23rd, 2010 at 9:29 am
I believe that perhaps the increase in the number of sightings recorded could be due to more people starting to accept the possibility of ufos and are therefore looking out for them more often.