Memory Unreliability: The Fallacy of Unforgettable Events
Memories of dramatic events can change even when they feel vivid and certain. Suggestion can alter recollection or contribute to false memories, so confidence alone does not establish accuracy.
THE IDEA
I'll Never Forget That Day! (Yes, You Will)
Even memories of dramatic and “unforgettable” events can change. This is hard for many of us to believe because we tend to assume that a big, spectacular moment in our lives will be “burned” into our minds forever. Sorry, but that’s just not true. Researchers have shown this repeatedly by doing things like asking people to write down where they were and who they were with when something big went down, such as the 9/11 attacks. They did this shortly after the event. Then, when asked the same questions again years later, many would confidently remember being with people and in places during the event that contradicted their earlier and presumably more accurate memories of the day.2
Perhaps the biggest memory problem that good skeptics need to be aware of is that recollections of real events can be altered or contaminated with false memories and imagination. False memories can even be implanted by other people. This can be done fairly easily, much to the horror of people who care about truth and reality. Memory researchers have shown that doing nothing more than mentioning a name or showing an image of something before asking someone to recall an event can significantly change how he remembers that event. For example, if I was going to test your recall of your first day of high school, I might casually chat with you beforehand and slip in a few comments about cold weather and snow. Then, during questioning about your first day in high school, I would ask: “Was it hot or cold that day?” You might answer “cold,” even if it had been hot. The suggestion can influence what you recall.
Suggestion can also contribute to a memory of an event that never happened. Someone encouraged to imagine attending a family picnic may later recall being there. Films, novels, and other people’s stories can supply details that become mixed with personal recollection.
These errors can occur in healthy people; they do not require dishonesty or low intelligence. When someone recalls an extraordinary event, ask what independent evidence supports the account. A sincere, confident witness can still be mistaken.
When to use it
When evaluating eyewitness testimony in court, consider the unreliability of memory and seek corroborating evidence.
If a friend recounts a vivid story about a past event, be aware that details may have been unconsciously modified or implanted.
When making personal decisions based on past experiences, recognize that your memory of those experiences might be inaccurate.
In journalism or historical research, corroborate memories with independent evidence before accepting them as fact.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
9/11 Memory Experiment
Researchers asked people to write down where they were and who they were with shortly after the 9/11 attacks. Years later, many confidently recalled different details, contradicting their earlier reports.
Weather Suggestion Example
Before asking about your first day of high school, a researcher casually mentions cold weather and snow. Then when asked if it was hot or cold that day, you might answer 'cold' even if it was actually hot.
Implanted Picnic Memory
Someone encouraged to imagine attending a family picnic may develop a convincing recollection of being there, even if they never attended. The example illustrates how suggestion can contribute to a false memory.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Can you recall a dramatic event from your past with high confidence? How might your memory have been altered over time?
If someone claims to have witnessed a paranormal event, how could you evaluate the reliability of their memory?
Think of a memory that you are absolutely certain about. What steps could you take to verify its accuracy?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Think (Guy P. Harrison)