The human brain stores and remembers information. This process is called a memory. Memories are the contents that a person can recall; whether it be something that happened when they were young, or remembering the sequence to a number pattern. A memory is the recalling of past events in life and remembering what has been learned. However, memories can be distorted. Memories may not always be accurate; a person can create false memories. While memories are not always precise, it does not mean that a person has altered their memories on purpose. Memories can change from time to time due to misleading information. There are many factors that pertain to the distortion of memories. Two subjects that distort a memory are the Misinformation effect
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Both are linked to mishaps in eyewitness testimonies. Memories are contents that one is able to recall, however, memories can be false. The misinformation effect occurs when someone is given misleading information. This is commonly found in eyewitness testimonies because the phrasing of questions asked may contain misleading words. An example of the car accident was provided to demonstrate the misinformation effect. The misinformation effect commonly occurs among children because they are more apt to having their memories molded due to their young age. However, this can happen among any person of any age. The second memory distortion is source amnesia. Source amnesia refers to when a person can recall a memory, but they cannot remember where or when that memory occurred. It is often referred to as having a Déjà vu experience. Similarly, to the misinformation effect, source amnesia can also cause problems within an eyewitness testimony due to the creation of false memories. Haunt discussed how source amnesia can occur to anyone. Both the misinformation effect and source amnesia are similar to one another yet differ. The problems with the distortion of memories is that they can allude false memories, especially during events such as giving testimonies. It is not always intentionally, but one must be aware of the memories they assume to have
Both are linked to mishaps in eyewitness testimonies. Memories are contents that one is able to recall, however, memories can be false. The misinformation effect occurs when someone is given misleading information. This is commonly found in eyewitness testimonies because the phrasing of questions asked may contain misleading words. An example of the car accident was provided to demonstrate the misinformation effect. The misinformation effect commonly occurs among children because they are more apt to having their memories molded due to their young age. However, this can happen among any person of any age. The second memory distortion is source amnesia. Source amnesia refers to when a person can recall a memory, but they cannot remember where or when that memory occurred. It is often referred to as having a Déjà vu experience. Similarly, to the misinformation effect, source amnesia can also cause problems within an eyewitness testimony due to the creation of false memories. Haunt discussed how source amnesia can occur to anyone. Both the misinformation effect and source amnesia are similar to one another yet differ. The problems with the distortion of memories is that they can allude false memories, especially during events such as giving testimonies. It is not always intentionally, but one must be aware of the memories they assume to have