The Truth Behind Your Memories

Sucheta Saha

Are all of your memories real? Does the truth really exist, or is it molded by the misinformation of the world around us? In a study conducted by Elizabeth Loftus in the 1990s, participants recalled being lost in a mall when they were children. Some recalled this memory in vivid detail, with one participant recalling that the person who had brought them back to their family was an elderly man wearing a red flannel. However, none of these situations had ever happened, and it had been confirmed by their parents, older siblings, or close relatives. The participants instead produced these false memories after the psychologist conducting the study had told them they had gotten lost. Moreover, it wasn’t just one or two people recalling this fake event, it was a quarter of the participants. Similarly, in several studies, people could be tricked into thinking they smashed a window with their hand, choked on an object, were attacked by a wild animal, or even witnessed someone possessed by a demon.

While this may be hard to believe, literally it reflects a very common experience in our own day-to-day lives and is known as the misinformation effect. The misinformation effect shows that memories can be altered by external influences, as shown in Loftus’ false memory studies. We are constantly spreading misinformation and in our interconnected world misinformation spreads like wildfire. One post, one tweet, and suddenly, misconceptions circulate globally. However, it’s not just about false information; it’s about the very way we process and interpret our experiences. Our thoughts, which we often consider to be concrete and trustworthy, can be compromised, leaving us vulnerable to adopting beliefs that may not hold any truth.

For example, we might recall a previous holiday and idealize it. We might remember spending all of our time on a sunny beach and having an amazing trip. But we often overlook the stress of the flight, finding the hotel and the days that it rained. Our memories in this case do not entirely reflect reality. We remember what we want to remember. Philosophers often argue that there is no single objective truth, but rather a tapestry of subjective truths shaped by individual experiences. People often find comfort in their own personal narratives regardless of their accuracy. Rather than the truth, a good story is often easier to digest.

By understanding the process in which false memories arise, we can see whether this research is applicable to real situations. Studies investigating the misinformation effect have shown that it is heavily applied in law. For example, eyewitness testimony is the account of what a witness observed during an event. This is used as evidence and used to guide police investigations and prosecutions, though its reliability is questioned and is proven to be significantly impacted by the misinformation effect. In a project done in the United States, information had been gathered from 300 innocent people convicted of crimes they didn’t do. DNA testing later confirmed that these people were actually innocent. When these cases were analyzed, over three-quarters of mis-accusations were due to faulty eyewitness testimony. Misinformation can not only affect our memory, it can also affect the fairness of trials and the rights of defendants.

Similarly, lawyers may strategically use the misinformation effect to subtly influence a witness’s testimony, by introducing subtle leading questions which may distort their recollection of events. Another one of Loftus’s studies demonstrated how subtle changes in wording can influence a person’s recollection of an event. In the study, she showed participants a tape of a car crash. She then asked the participants to estimate the speed of the cars. In one condition, participants were asked about the cars’ speed after they “hit” each other; in another condition, participants were asked the same question using the word “smashed.” The group that was asked with the word “smashed” was more likely to estimate a higher speed and incorrectly recall broken glass at the scene.

When individuals receive misleading information, they may find it difficult to distinguish between their original experience and suggested information. This can lead to people incorporating false information into their memories, while still having them feel vivid and authentic.

Now these issues surrounding the misinformation effect must be addressed in one way or another. We could increase our understanding and awareness of the potential for the misinformation effect as it can help us be more aware of information. Legal systems, however, can use different methods to avoid the misinformation effect. This might include double-blind lineups where the officer administering the lineup does not know the suspect, therefore reducing bias. With this, they can ensure witnesses are not exposed to leading questions or suggestive information.

So, now that you know the misinformation effect exists, go back and thoroughly rethink your own memories. Did they really happen? Or, is it just another case of the misinformation effect?

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