False memory

False memory is a term used in psychology to describe a phenomenon in which an individual recalls an event or details that did not occur or recalls them differently from the way they actually occurred. It is a complex process influenced by a variety of factors including suggestibility, the activation of associated information, incorporation of misinformation, and source misattribution. False memories are a central component of False Memory Syndrome (FMS), a condition in which a person's identity and interpersonal relationships are influenced by memories that are factually incorrect but that they strongly believe.

Causes and Mechanisms

A variety of mechanisms have been suggested to underlie false memory phenomena, including:

• Suggestibility: Suggestibility refers to the quality of being inclined to accept and act on the suggestions of others. A person can become highly suggestible under certain circumstances, such as hypnosis or extreme stress, and might then form false memories as a result of suggestions made by others.
• Activation of Associated Information: Sometimes, people remember events or details that are related to the actual event but did not occur in the event itself. This activation of related information can lead to the creation of false memories.
• Incorporation of Misinformation: Misinformation effect occurs when a person's recall of episodic memories becomes less accurate because of post-event information. In other words, the original memory can be modified, supplemented or replaced with false or exaggerated information.
• Source Misattribution: Source misattribution occurs when a memory is misattributed to an incorrect source. This is a type of memory distortion where the person is able to recall the information but cannot correctly recall how or where they obtained the information.

False Memory Syndrome (FMS)

False Memory Syndrome (FMS) is a condition in which a person's identity and interpersonal relationships are influenced by memories that are factually incorrect but that they strongly believe. It's important to note that FMS is not recognized as a psychiatric illness in any of the medical manuals, such as the ICD-10 or the DSM-5. It is, however, a widely accepted term used to describe a condition in which a person is deeply convinced of memories that never actually happened.

Psychological and Legal Implications

False memories have significant implications in various fields, notably in legal and clinical psychology settings. For instance, false memories can greatly affect the credibility of eyewitness testimonies in courtrooms. In clinical psychology, false memories may affect the course of therapy, especially in cases involving the recovery of repressed memories. It's essential for professionals in these fields to be aware of the factors that can contribute to the creation of false memories and to develop strategies to minimize their impact.

See Also

• Memory
• Confabulation
• Misinformation effect
• Source-monitoring error

External links

• American Psychological Association: How reliable is eyewitness testimony
• BBC Radio 4 - False Memory

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