This paper will be looking at memories, being able to distinguish between our true or false memories in particular. We spend our entire life accumulating memories and at times make decisions based on our memories, but what if they are false? Being able to understand and identify a false memory is very important in modern society, in our justice system relies on evidence to reach a verdict, at times a witness is crucial, their memory can be the deciding factor of a case.
Review of the Literature
Summary of Theories
(Zhu et al., 2012) and Morgan (2013) have argued that is incredibly easy to implant false memories into individuals; however Zhu (2012) focused more on how both false and true memories decay at an equal rate.( study support) …show more content…
On the other hand, Morgan (2013) findings argued that very little effort was needed to create false memories. When individually exposed to misinformation, a majority of the subjects were able to identify general nonspecific items (i.e.: height, gender) during the examination. However when presented with misinformation the subjects were overwhelmingly wrong when identifying non neutral items (i.e.: uniform, presence of weapons) (Morgan et al., 2013). Also Morgan (2013) indicated in their finding also concluded that misinformation on a group level was effective and that “misinformation is more readily accepted by a person when the misinformation is paired with someone who is trusted or who is familiar to that person” (P. 6). Additionally Morgan (2013) also states that further study on the effects on the civilian population should be made. Finally Bernstein & Loftus (2009) found that as mentioned before neither of the current methods work in discerning whether a memory is true or false. However their finding supports that sensory activity is stronger in true memories then in false ones, this is further supported in a past study where it was showed that the medial temporal lobe seems to be involved in false memory formation, and regions within the prefrontal cortex seems to be involved in memory processes resulting in the reduction of false memories (Schacter & Slotnik, 2004; Bernstein & Loftus (2009). The recommendations of (Zhu et al., 2012) indicate the real world applications of their finding, citing how their experiment reflects forensic investigations, by showing witnesses or victims visual information and asking critical questions. However Zhu (2012) also stresses the importance of avoiding asking leading questions and limit their exposure to the visual information. Finally it is recommended that one should not
Review of the Literature
Summary of Theories
(Zhu et al., 2012) and Morgan (2013) have argued that is incredibly easy to implant false memories into individuals; however Zhu (2012) focused more on how both false and true memories decay at an equal rate.( study support) …show more content…
On the other hand, Morgan (2013) findings argued that very little effort was needed to create false memories. When individually exposed to misinformation, a majority of the subjects were able to identify general nonspecific items (i.e.: height, gender) during the examination. However when presented with misinformation the subjects were overwhelmingly wrong when identifying non neutral items (i.e.: uniform, presence of weapons) (Morgan et al., 2013). Also Morgan (2013) indicated in their finding also concluded that misinformation on a group level was effective and that “misinformation is more readily accepted by a person when the misinformation is paired with someone who is trusted or who is familiar to that person” (P. 6). Additionally Morgan (2013) also states that further study on the effects on the civilian population should be made. Finally Bernstein & Loftus (2009) found that as mentioned before neither of the current methods work in discerning whether a memory is true or false. However their finding supports that sensory activity is stronger in true memories then in false ones, this is further supported in a past study where it was showed that the medial temporal lobe seems to be involved in false memory formation, and regions within the prefrontal cortex seems to be involved in memory processes resulting in the reduction of false memories (Schacter & Slotnik, 2004; Bernstein & Loftus (2009). The recommendations of (Zhu et al., 2012) indicate the real world applications of their finding, citing how their experiment reflects forensic investigations, by showing witnesses or victims visual information and asking critical questions. However Zhu (2012) also stresses the importance of avoiding asking leading questions and limit their exposure to the visual information. Finally it is recommended that one should not