False memories (called confabulations) and memory distortion. Please read the memory chapter section and powerpoints that discuss false memory, memory distortion, and relevant topics. In addition, please read the file in the “Discussion board content” folder (under the Course Materials tab psy166 excerpt Loftus false memory article.docx ) designated for the Memory Db forum: it contains excerpts from a longer article on false memory research (by Elizabeth Loftus). Also, please view the 3 minute video by Elizabeth Loftus summarizing the findings about false memories ( There is additional material in the “Discussion board content” folder–False or distorted memory content–Memory chapter option 2. It contains short video clips and one of your research articles on sleep deprivation and false memories that you may also use to aid in your post. Note: the sleep deprivation article ( can serve double duty since it can also be summarized for research assignment credit (it is from the list of articles provided by the Psy dept.).
- There are several ways that individuals can be led to false or distorted memories. Have you found that a memory you believed was real but later learned was actually a confabulation? Were you ever mislead (either on purpose or unintentionally) into believing something occurred that did not?
- Are you aware of someone in your life—relative, friend, neighbor, co-worker)—who experienced false or distorted memory?
- What were the specific circumstances or events that led to your and/or your relative/friend/neighbor/co-worker’s posted false or distorted memory?
