Creating False Memories: A Laboratory Study

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False Memories
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      This clip demonstrates an experiment into the nature of memory and the way in which “false memories” can be introduced into a normal person’s recollection. In the experiment, subjects are shown and questioned about photographs from their childhood, including one photograph digitally altered to show an event (a hot air balloon ride) that 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 clip shows how subjective and often unreliable memory can be and how easily it can be manipulated.

      Thumbnail Photo Credit: Photodisc/Getty Images

      1.

      Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons that subjects are shown four photos, one of which is fake?

      Question 1 choices
      Correct!
      Incorrect. A false memory is implanted to investigate how memory works by testing the reliability of memory.

      2.

      What conclusions can be drawn from the results of this experiment?

      Question 2 choices
      Correct!
      Incorrect. Memories are somewhat of a blend of actual events and imagination.

      3.

      How do subjects respond when told that one of the photos is of an event that never happened?

      Question 3 choices
      Correct!
      Incorrect. They respond with surprise and fear.

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