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Memory Distortions

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6 views

Memory Distortions

Uploaded by

priyasubanu63
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MEMORY DISTORTIONS

Memory distortions refer to the ways in which our recollections of past events can become
altered or inaccurate over time. These distortions can occur for various reasons, and they
often happen unconsciously. Rather than being exact reproductions of past experiences,
memories are often reconstructed and can be influenced by new information, emotions,
expectations, or social pressures.

Memory is not a perfect, objective recording of past events; instead, it is reconstructive in


nature. This means our brains actively reconstruct memories based on various cues, beliefs,
and external influences. As a result, memories can be distorted in ways that affect their
accuracy. Some of the major factors contributing to memory distortions include
reconstructive retrieval, recovered memories, false memories, memory illusions, and
eyewitness testimony.

1. Reconstructive Retrieval

Reconstructive retrieval refers to the process by which we actively reconstruct or rebuild


memories when we try to recall them, rather than retrieving them as exact, unaltered
recordings of past events.

 Memory is not like a video recorder: Instead of replaying exact copies of


experiences, our brain reconstructs memories from fragments, influenced by our
current knowledge, expectations, and beliefs.
 Schemas: Mental frameworks or structures (schemas) help us interpret and organize
information. These schemas influence how we remember events, filling in gaps with
expectations or prior knowledge.
 Factors Influencing Reconstruction:
o Prior knowledge: What we already know can shape our memory of an event
(e.g., remembering a dinner at a restaurant and filling in details like what we
typically order).
o Expectations: Our anticipations or cultural norms can distort what we
remember.
o Post-event information: Information acquired after the event can distort
original memories, as shown in the misinformation effect.

Example:

 Recalling a childhood birthday party might involve filling in missing details based on
similar events or how we think a party should look.

2. Recovered Memory

Recovered memories refer to memories that are "forgotten" and then recalled, often after
being triggered by a therapy or external event. These memories are sometimes related to
trauma or distressing events.

 Controversy: The existence of repressed memories is debated. Some psychologists


argue that repressed memories of traumatic events can be recovered, while others
suggest that such memories may be fabricated through suggestive therapy techniques.
 Therapeutic context: Techniques like hypnosis or guided imagery used in therapy
have been linked to the recovery of memories, though these can also lead to false
memories.
 Memory repression: The idea that traumatic memories are unconsciously blocked
out from conscious awareness is controversial. Some argue that trauma survivors may
suppress memories, while others believe recovered memories are more likely to be
false memories implanted during therapy.

Example:

 A person who undergoes therapy and "recovers" memories of childhood abuse that
were previously blocked out.

3. False Memory

False memories are memories of events that did not actually occur, or are distorted versions
of what actually happened. These memories can feel vivid and real, even though they are
inaccurate.

 Creation of false memories: False memories can be generated through suggestions,


misinformation, or external influences.
 Memory implantation: Psychologists, notably Elizabeth Loftus, have demonstrated
that false memories can be planted through suggestive techniques, such as asking
leading questions or providing false information.
 Confidence vs. accuracy: People with false memories often have high confidence in
the accuracy of their recollections, despite the fact that the memories are false.

Example:

 A person may "remember" an event from their childhood, such as being lost in a mall,
because they have heard or seen a similar story in the media.

4. Memory Illusion

Memory illusions occur when a person recalls something that did not happen or remembers
an event in a distorted way. This phenomenon is a type of memory distortion where the brain
fills in gaps with incorrect or fabricated details.

 Illusions of familiarity: Sometimes, we remember something as if it is familiar, even


when it is not. This can occur in the absence of direct memory of the event.
 Cryptomnesia: This is a form of memory illusion in which a person recalls
information they’ve previously encountered but mistakenly believes it is their own
original thought.
 Deja vu: The feeling that a situation is familiar, even though it hasn’t been
experienced before, is another form of memory illusion.
Example:

 A person might remember being in a particular situation, such as attending a party,


but their recollection might be influenced by seeing photos or hearing about the event
from others.

5. Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness testimony refers to the accounts given by individuals who have witnessed an
event, often used in legal contexts as evidence. However, eyewitness testimony is often
unreliable and subject to various distortions.

 Accuracy issues: Eyewitness testimony can be highly unreliable because memories of


events can be influenced by external factors like stress, misinformation, or suggestive
questioning.
 The misinformation effect: The introduction of misleading information after an
event (e.g., through media reports or police questioning) can lead to inaccurate
memories and wrongful convictions.
 Weapon focus effect: When a weapon is present during a crime, witnesses may focus
on the weapon and fail to accurately remember other important details, such as the
perpetrator's face.
 Stress and anxiety: High levels of stress can impair the accuracy of eyewitness
recall, as emotional arousal affects memory encoding and retrieval.
 Lineup procedures: The way police conduct lineups (e.g., presenting a suspect along
with several non-suspects) can influence whether the eyewitness picks the correct
individual.

Example:

 In a criminal trial, a witness might confidently identify a suspect, but later


investigation shows that they were mistaken due to suggestive police procedures or
their memory being altered by the passage of time.

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