Factors that contribute to memory errors, and steps to improve memory

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Have you ever left your keys in a spot where you were sure you would remember, only to forget and have to retrace your steps? Or, have you ever vividly remembered an event that never actually happened? 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 formation of false memories.
False Memory: What Is It?
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 Involved in False Memory Formation
The hippocampus is a brain region critical for forming, consolidating, and retrieving memories. Recent research has shown that hippocampal activity can predict false memory formation. For example, St. Jacques, Wittmann, Singh, and Daselaar (2021) used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate how neural activity in the hippocampus relates to forming false memories. Participants viewed a series of images and were later given false information about the images. The study found that people with high levels of cross-stage neural pattern similarity in the hippocampus were more likely to form false memories based on inaccurate information.
Shao, Chen, et al.'s (2023) research 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. 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.
Factors Contributing to Memory Distortion
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:
1.The time delay between the actual event and the post-event information.
2.The degree of similarity between the post-event information and the actual event.
3.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.
Tips for Improving Memory Retention
While false memory can be a frustrating experience, there are several strategies you can use to enhance memory retention and accuracy:
1.Engage in physical exercises, as studies show that it may help improve cognitive abilities and memory functions.
2.Study in short sessions with frequent breaks rather than trying to learn everything in one go.
3.Use mnemonic devices, visualization, and other memory aids to help you remember information effectively.
4.Get adequate sleep each night, as sleep is critical to consolidating memories.
5.Stay focused on the event and give a detailed description of events right after it happened.
Conclusion
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 understanding 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. 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.

reference:
psychology today

link:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/love-your-life/202305/false-memories-and-memory-enhancement-neuroscience-insights