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In numerous studies from around the world, people have witnessed an event, received or not received misleading information about it, and then taken a memory test. The repeated result is a misinformation effect. After receiving subtle misinformation, they have misremembered coke cans as peanut cans, breakfast cereal as eggs, and a clean shaven man as a man with a mustache (Loftus, 1992). As memory fades over time following an event, the incorporation of misinformation becomes easier (Loftus, 1992).
Real vs Suggested Events
So unwitting is the misinformation effect that people later find it nearly impossible to discriminate between memories of real versus suggested events (Schooler et al, 1986). As we remember an experience, we fill in the gaps with plausible guesses and assumptions. After more retellings, we often recall the “guessed” details, which have not been absorbed into our memories, as if we had actually observed them (Roediget et al, 1993). Others’ remembering of an event may also implant false memories.
Imagination Inflation
Even repeatedly remembering nonexistent actions and events can create false memories. Students in an experiment repeatedly imagined simple acts of breaking a toothpick or picking up a stapler, later experienced “imagination inflation.” They were more likely to think they had actually done such things (Goff & Roediger, 1998).
Imagined experiences seem more familiar later, and familiar experiences seem more real. The more vividly people can imagine things, the more likely they are to inflate imaginations into memories (Loftus, 2001).
Alien Abduction
People who believe they have been abducted by space aliens for medical examinations on flying saucers tend to have powerful imaginations and, in memory tests, to be more susceptible to false memories (Clancy Et al., 2002).
“When I was younger I could remember anything, whether it happened or not; but I am getting old, and soon I shall remember only the latter” (Mark Twain, 1912).
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
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