Psychological Explanations and Critiques
Psychologists propose several alternative explanations for apparent reincarnation memories. False memory formation, where children incorporate overheard information into personal narratives, remains the leading skeptical theory. Psychologist Richard Wiseman suggests “source confusion” explains many cases—children misattributing information sources. Human tendency to find patterns in coincidental events (apophenia) could explain perceived connections between birthmarks and wounds. Critics point to confirmation bias in investigations focusing on hits while ignoring misses.