False Memory/
Overview
A false memory is a psychological phenomenon where a person recalls something that did not happen or recalls it differently from the way it actually happened. This term is used in psychology and cognitive neuroscience to describe instances in which people's recall of episodic memories are distorted, or in which people's belief or memory about an event is incorrect. This phenomenon was initially investigated by psychological pioneers such as Sigmund Freud and Pierre Janet. Modern scientific research has discovered that false memories can potentially be created by a number of factors, including misinformation and misattribution of the original source of the information.
Formation of False Memories
False memories can be created through the misinformation effect and the implantation of memories. The misinformation effect refers to the impairment in memory that occurs after exposure to misleading information. This effect demonstrates that memories of an event can be modified by information presented after the event. This is often used as evidence for the reconstructive nature of human memory.
The implantation of memories involves the suggestion of false memories through various methods. This can be done through leading questions or through the suggestion of false events. The individual may then incorporate these suggestions into their memory of the event, leading to the formation of a false memory.
Factors Influencing False Memories
Several factors can influence the formation of false memories. These include age, individual differences, and the nature of the event or information.
Age
Age can influence the likelihood of false memory formation. Children and older adults are particularly susceptible to false memories. Children's memories are more malleable and they are more susceptible to suggestion, while older adults may experience memory distortions due to age-related cognitive decline.
Individual Differences
Individual differences, such as personality traits, also play a role in false memory susceptibility. For instance, individuals with high levels of creativity and those with high levels of dissociation are more likely to experience false memories.
Nature of the Event or Information
The nature of the event or information can also influence false memory formation. Emotional events are more likely to be falsely remembered than neutral events. This is known as the emotion-induced memory distortion.
Implications of False Memories
False memories have significant implications in various fields, including law, clinical psychology, and eyewitness testimony. In the legal field, false memories can lead to wrongful convictions. In clinical psychology, false memories can affect the course of therapy and treatment. In eyewitness testimony, false memories can lead to inaccuracies and inconsistencies.