Assignment title: Information
The Fallible Nature of Memory
In this discussion forum, you will explore the imperfect content of our memories of past
experiences. For your initial post, complete the following steps:
Watch the following videos:
Optional Support:
o False memories.
o Loftus Speaks: The Malleability of Memory.
o Then, go to the Coglab to experience one of the procedures/tasks that scientists
have used to investigate memory errors and distortions.
o Select one of the following experiments:
False Memory (i.e., an illustration of one of the sources of memory errors
Forgot It All Along Effect (i.e., the phenomenon whereby prior episodes
of remembering are forgotten)
Keep in mind that each experiment illustrates a procedure/task that is used by scientists to
understand the fallibility of long-term memory. Read the section of the textbook devoted to the
selected experiment. Then, consider what participants' performance on the corresponding task
tells you about long-term memory's errors and distortions. Also, consider the extent to which the
results of the selected experiment apply to real-life experiences and settings. For instance, what
do the results of the false memory experiment with words tell you about real-life cases of false
memories of traumatic experiences, faulty eyewitness testimony, etc.? Support your points with
evidence from at least one peer-reviewed research article. Your initial post must be a minimum
of 300 words.