Memory Distortions

Chapter 7Please feel free to chat with each other. We will begin on time.

Also, please grab a piece of paper and a pen/pencil, thanks!

Memory DistortionsSins of Memory

• Sins of omission: Loss of information with the passage of time– Transience

– Absentmindedness

– Blocking

c. 2008 Pearson Allyn & Bacon

Memory DistortionsSins of Memory

• Sins of commission: Involve the presence of unwanted or inaccurate memory information– Misattribution

– Suggestibility

– Bias

– Persistence

c. 2008 Pearson Allyn & Bacon

Remember these words

threadpineyesewingsharpprick

c. 2008 Pearson Allyn & Bacon

thimblehaystackthorninjectionsyringe clothknitting

eye

pin

point

hurt

syringe

pain

thimble

haystack

thread

prick

sharp

sewing

injection

knitting

Testing Your Recall and Recognition

Question 1: How many words did you write on your recall list?

A. 0 - 3 B. 4-6C. 7-9D. 10-12E. 13-15

4 = I’m sure I saw the word3 = I think I saw the word

1. eye

2. pin

3. point

4. hurt

5. syringe

6. pain

7. thimble

8. haystack

9. thread

10. needle

11. prick

12. sharp

13. sewing

14. injection

15. knitting

2 = I think the word is new1 = I’m sure the word is new

Question 2: When you saw the words on the handout, how many did you recognize as appearing during the word list presentation?

Question 3: Did you recognize the word “needle” from the word list presentation?

A. yes B. no

Remember these words

TableSitLegsSeatWoodSofaMetal

c. 2008 Pearson Allyn & Bacon

Cushion

Swivel

Stool

Sitting

Rocking

Bench

Memory DistortionRecovered Memories

• Can false memories for traumatic events be created?– Laboratory studies indicate memories for complex

events can be created– Suggestive influences involved in therapy and self-

help books– Memories for implausible events (e.g., alien

abduction)– Retractors

c. 2008 Pearson Allyn & Bacon