Memory Errors

Created by: Professor HokersonAmerican River College

Last Updated: Spring 2013

Module B Lesson 3 Tutorial

Using this Tutorial

• Use the navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen.

• Click on hyperlinks when prompted.

• Have fun and learn!

Table of Contents (TOC)• Objectives

• Module B Objectives #34, 35, and 37

• Action Items• Stage Model of Memory• Biology of Memory• Forgetting• False Memories• Eyewitness Testimony

• Memory Fun Facts

• Conclusions

MODULE B OBJECTIVES

By the end of this tutorial you will be able to…

#34 - Explain why we forget using encoding failure, decay theory, interference theory, and motivated forgetting

#35 - Explain how source confusion, the misinformation effect, schema distortion, imagination inflation, and false familiarity can produce false

memories

#37– Identify the brain structures involved in the storage and retrieval of memory

ACTION ITEMS

Stage Model of Memory• Read! In order to master memory you must first understand how

information is stored in memory. Read Chapter 6 pages 232 – 242

• Sensory memory is quick and short (up to 3 seconds)

• Information must be paid attention to and rehearsed in short term memory to get to long term memory

• Information also moves from long-term memory into short-term memory when it is retrieved

Biology of Memory• Watch! Here is a great video that explores the biological basis of

memory.

• Read! In the textbook Chapter 6 you should review these sections:• Focus on Neuroscience– page 262• Brain Structures Involved in Memory – pages 267 - 268• Alzheimer’s Disease– pages 268 – 269• Focus on Neuroscience – page 269

• Summarize: On a sheet of paper summarize the parts of the brain that are involved in memory and their responsibilities in the processes of memory.

• Simulation! Click here to test your knowledge of the biological basis of memory using a Quizlet simulation.

Forgetting• Read: There are many factors which can explain why we forget

which can be found on pages 247 – 252 in Chapter 6:• Encoding failure• Decay theory• Interference theory• Motivation

• Activity! Here is a simulation which summarizes many of these factors.

• Simulation! Click here to practice rehearsing these errors using a Quizlet simulation.

False Memories• Read: Review pages 253 – 258 in Chapter 6.

• Summarize: On a sheet of paper identify the factors that can change memory, producing false memories. Identify the research method used and the concepts effect on memory.

• Question: Is memory truly reliable?

Concept Research Method EffectMisinformation effectSource confusionSchema distortionImagination inflation

False familiarity

Eyewitness Testimony• Read: Why is eyewitness identification so problematic? Here

are some of the explanations as to its pitfalls.

• Question: How do these variables relate to what you are learning this week about memory?

• Watch! Eyewitness testimony can ruin lives. Learn more by watching the videos below.• Eyewitness Testimony Part 1• Eyewitness Testimony Part 2

Memory Fun Facts(You will not be tested on these links, but they are interesting !)

• Watch! This is a video about people who can remember every day and detail of those days of their lives. Researchers have called this superior autobiographical memory.• Endless Memory Part 1

• Question: How is this possible?

• Watch! For answers to your skepticism, here is an explanation of the biological basis of this phenomenon.• Endless Memory Part 2

• Read: Want to learn more about memory? Here are some interesting answers to some questions about memory!

Conclusions

• Memory is an active process.• Information has to be paid attention to and rehearsed to be stored in

the memory system.

• Memory can be understood as structural changes to the brain.• The brain is integrated and therefore memory is processed in multiple

structures and regions within the brain.

• Memory is fallible.• Memory is a reconstruction therefore it is subject to errors.• Memory is entirely subjective.

MODULE B OBJECTIVES

After completing this tutorial you should now be able to…

#34 - Explain why we forget using encoding failure, decay theory, interference theory, and motivated forgetting

#35 - Explain how source confusion, the misinformation effect, schema distortion, imagination inflation, and false familiarity can produce false

memories

#37– Identify the brain structures involved in the storage and retrieval of memory