Get to know the factors that contribute to memory errors and steps to improve memory.
Ever left your keys somewhere you thought you’d remember, only to forget and have to retrace your steps? Do you ever vividly recall an event that never took place?
These everyday experiences highlight the fallibility and reconstructive nature of human memory. Fortunately, new neuroscience research is helping us understand the underlying mechanisms of memory formation and identify ways to enhance memory retention while avoiding the appearance of false memories.
What is false memory?
Human memory is fallible, and people can easily remember events that never occurred or remember them differently from how they happened. A person can produce a false memory when a person to post-event information somewhat consistent with the original memory.
For instance, showing a series of photos, participants who viewed a photograph of a stop sign may later falsely recall seeing a yield sign instead. The false memory was instigated when they were told that a yield sign was actually in the images.
Neural mechanisms behind false memory
Memory is formed, stored and retrieved in the hippocampus. Recent research has shown that hippocampal activity can predict false memory formation.
For example, a 2021 study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate how neural activity in the hippocampus relates to forming false memories [1].
Participants viewed a series of images and were later given incorrect information about the images. False memories based on inaccurate information were more likely to form in people with high levels of cross-stage neural pattern similarity in the hippocampus.
In a more recent analysis on predicting false memory derived from post-event inaccurate information using fMRI data showed that the hippocampus plays a central role in forming false memories [2].
Precisely, patterns of neural activity in the hippocampus can predict the likelihood of developing a false memory. Furthermore, this research shows that the hippocampus, a region critical to memory formation, is also a source of memory errors when exposed to post-event information.
Memory distortion factors
Post-event information can interfere with the original memory and produce a false memory similar to, but not identical to, the event itself.
Several factors can influence the extent to which post-event information affects memory. These include:
- The time delay between the actual event and the post-event information.
- The degree of similarity between the post-event information and the actual event.
- Individual factors such as age, personality and cognitive abilities.
The research provides valuable information on the factors contributing to memory distortion, with conclusions such as time delay and similarity between post-event information and the actual event essential factors influencing memory accuracy.
Thus, these factors should be considered when thinking about memory recall and strategies to improve memory retention and retrieval.
Memory retention tips
While false memory can be a frustrating experience, there are some strategies you can apply to enhance memory retention and accuracy:
- Engage in physical exercises, as studies show that it may help improve cognitive abilities and memory functions.
- Study in short sessions with frequent breaks rather than trying to learn it all in one go.
- Use mnemonic devices, visualization and other memory aids to help you remember information effectively.
- Get adequate sleep each night, as sleep is critical to consolidating memories.
- Stay focused on the event and give a detailed description of events right after it happened.
The studies above indicate that human memory is a complex and nuanced cognitive ability prone to errors and inaccuracies.
The insights offered by these studies are critical to our comprehension of how the brain functions and how we can enhance our memory performance, particularly in situations where memory accuracy is essential, such as eyewitness testimony in legal settings [3].
By continuing to explore the neural mechanisms underlying memory formation and conducting further research into strategies for improving memory accuracy, we can better understand the complexities of human memory and develop effective interventions for individuals who suffer from memory deficits.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3183109/
[2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-38046-y
[3] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-your-life/202305/false-memories-and-memory-enhancement-neuroscience-insights
