An anomalist, also known as an anomalistist, is a person who specializes in the study or investigation of anomalies. The term "anomalist" is derived from the word "anomaly," which refers to something that deviates from what is expected, normal, or common. Anomalists explore and analyze phenomena, occurrences, or events that are unusual, irregular, or unexplained within a particular field or discipline.
In various branches of science, an anomalist's role is to identify, document, and examine phenomena that challenge current theoretical frameworks or accepted explanations. They strive to understand the underlying causes, mechanisms, or influences of these anomalies, seeking to bridge the gap between observed anomalies and existing scientific knowledge.
Anomalists can be found in fields such as astronomy, geology, physics, psychology, and sociology, among others. They contribute to the advancement of knowledge by investigating and hypothesizing explanations for perplexing phenomena and thus contribute to scientific progress.
Anomalists maintain a critical and open-minded approach to their work. They are not comprehensive skeptics or proponents of pseudoscience but instead promote rigorous investigation, empirical evidence, and scientific methodology in order to better comprehend and interpret anomalies. Their work pushes the boundaries of existing knowledge by examining the outliers and outliers that often lead to new discoveries and paradigm shifts within scientific disciplines.
