The malleability of memory

Kimberley A. Wade*, Robert A. Nash, Lily C. Erner

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputChapter

Abstract

In connecting us to the past, memories determine who we are. But we do not access that past, we construct it – and in doing so we construct ourselves. This chapter explores the fallibility of memory for words, witnessed events, and personal experiences. It explains how memory errors arise and reviews research into factors influencing false memory development. An understanding of these processes helps for explaining the difficulty of distinguishing true from false memories; this chapter details researchers’ most promising attempts. Finally, the chapter considers the possible adaptive benefits of false memories as well as their potentially tragic effects in the criminal justice system.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLearning and memory: A comprehensive reference, 3rd edition: Vol. VI. Memory and cognition
EditorsLaura Mickes
PublisherElsevier
ISBN (Electronic)9780128093245
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 26 Dec 2023

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