Parapsychology is the scientific study of paranormal phenomena, including precognition, clairvoyance, telepathy, extra-sensory perception, out-of-body experiences, telekinesis, apparitions, and visions. Common approaches in the expanding study of parapsychology include scholarly research that looks at philosophy and history; analytical research to study data; case studies to gather personal stories, cross-cultural beliefs and field investigations; theoretical research to look at alternative models of paranormal phenomena; and experimental research, including laboratory tests and studies.