< Back to Volume 5, Number 1
Volume 5: Number 1: Article 2
New Cases in Burma, Thailand, and Turkey: A Limited Field Study Replication of Some Aspects of Ian Stevenson's Research
Juergen Keil, Psychology Department, University of Tasmania, Hobart,
Tasmania 7001, Australia
For about 25 years, Ian Stevenson has presented detailed accounts of
his first hand investigations which suggest a substantial basis for
the widespread acceptance of rebirth or reincarnation cases in some
communities. This investigation was limited to two main questions: Do
some children and their families report that information and other indicators
emerge which provide connections to other persons who have previously
died? Is it necessary to assume that some of the information and that
some of the indicators are due to paranormal processes because they
cannot be reasonably accounted for by more orthodox means? The results
of this investigation are based on a preliminary evaluation of all 23
cases studied in 1988. The 23 cases can be regarded as relatively unselected
samples from three countries, namely Burma, Thailand, and Turkey. The
answer to the first question in an unqualified "yes." The answer to
the second question is also affirmative but due to the limitations of
field study conditions, the affirmation can only be justified in somewhat
subjective probability terms, nevertheless, in terms comparable to what
in quantitative research is called significant. Although the question
whether the suggested paranormal results support the reincarnation hypothesis
was not pursued, some aspects of this investigation which seem relevant
to this question are briefly discussed.
To purchase back issues contact Allen Marketing & Management: 1-800-627-0629
