Point 24: People Reconstruct Memories Each Time They Remember Them

Memories Change

• Memories are nerve pathways firing anew each time it is remembered which mean memories are reconstructed even time we think of them which can lead to the memory changing.
• Later experiences can change memories that are related like a falling out with a friend can change how you remember memories from beforehand.
• Memory can also fill in gaps with things that didn't happen like say recalling your brother being at a certain event because "why wouldn't he have?"
• Why your memories can't be trusted (Einbetten)
• Bildunterschrift: A short video going into more detail about how memories change

Memories Can Be Manipulated

• In her research, Elizabeth Loftus found that eyewitnesses answered differently when questioned about a crash; even recalling things that didn't happen, all by changing the wording of their questions.
• Another study done in 2008 showed that witnesses could remember clearer and more accurately if asked to close their eyes while remembering.
• Memories can even be erased as research at Johns Hopkins in 2010 shows.
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• Bildunterschrift: In Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; a business exists to erase memories

Takeaways

• The words you use can have a large affect on what people remember
• People usually cannot remember accurately what they or other did or said
• Take what people say after the fact with a grain a salt.