Could I just create an above ground cave that is really dark, and make the sounding are filled with torches so the hostile mobs only spawn in the cave?
Yes you could, but the area would have to be very large, and you would have to go and illuminate surrounding landscape and caves so the mobs don't try to spawn there.
yes, this is how mob farms are always made (effective ones) whether above or below ground.
light up the surface around it as well.
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You don't have to put torches around it outside, but it can help prevent mobs from spawning outside and keeps them spawning in your room. That is how effective mob traps are made!
So, to recap - Build a cave (read: box) above or below ground. Line it with a material on which mobs can spawn (ie stone, dirt, grass etc). Light up everything around it on the surface and light all tunnels above/below well to increase chances that mobs will spawn where you want them to. Read on the wiki about the spawning algorithm and can use it to your advantage. Then all you have to do is transport/kill/collect.
light up the surface around it as well.
I do or do not use periods and capitalization based on my mood.
Yeah right. :wink.gif: