Chapter 1.

Introduction

Princeton University

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1.1 Repressed Memories or False Memories?

This video demonstrates an experiment into the nature of memory, and shows how false memories can be introduced into a normal person’s recollection. In the experiment shown in the video, subjects are shown and questioned about photographs from their childhood, including one photograph doctored to show an event (a hot air balloon ride) the subject never really experienced. After a week, half of the subjects actually believe that they can recall the experience of the hot air balloon ride. This video shows how subjective and often unreliable memory can be, and how easily it can be manipulated. The video features a research follow-up to the work of Elizabeth Loftus, and includes work by Maryanne Garry and Kimberley Wade.

1.2 Check Your Understanding

1.3 Activity Completed!