Memory can be defined as “the processes that are used to acquire, store, retain and later retrieve information” (Wagner, 2009). There are different types of memory, such as short term memory (STM), also called the working memory, which is often only stored for between 20-30 seconds due to limited capacity. Information is often displaced from the STM unless the information is rehearsed which then leads to it being transferred into the long term memory (LTM). The STM is used for things such as dialling a telephone number which, once dialled is often forgotten as it no longer has any relevance (Waugh & Norman, 1965, cited by Kowalski & Westen, 2005, p. 196). In contrast, the LTM holds more relevant information which may be needed in the future such as; dates, facts and emotions. If the information is later needed and therefore retrieved it will be brought back into the conscious mind and therefore into the STM (Kowalski & Westen, 2005, p.197). However there is a lot of evidence to suggest that memory is not a perfect process which will be discussed within this essay. Memory is often considered to be an imperfect process due to things such as memories are often distorted, false memories occurring (Schacter, 1999, p.193) along with people being suggestible to others memories leading them to believing them to be their own. Other sources suggest that some types of memory are perfect. For example remembering actions, such as riding a bike is often unforgettable (Kowalski & Westen, 2005, p .194).
‘Memory is an imperfect process’. Examine this statement.
Memory can be defined as “the processes that are used to acquire, store, retain and later retrieve information” (Wagner, 2009). There are different types of memory, such as short term memory (STM), also called the working memory, which is often only stored for between 20-30 seconds due to limited capacity. Information is often displaced from the STM unless the information is rehearsed which then leads to it being transferred into the long term memory (LTM). The STM is used for things such as dialling a telephone number which, once dialled is often forgotten as it no longer has any relevance (Waugh & Norman, 1965, cited by Kowalski & Westen, 2005, p. 196). In contrast, the LTM holds more relevant information which may be needed in the future such as; dates, facts and emotions. If the information is later needed and therefore retrieved it will be brought back into the conscious mind and therefore into the STM (Kowalski & Westen, 2005, p.197). However there is a lot of evidence to suggest that memory is not a perfect process which will be discussed within this essay. Memory is often considered to be an imperfect process due to things such as memories are often distorted, false memories occurring (Schacter, 1999, p.193) along with people being suggestible to others memories leading them to believing them to be their own. Other sources suggest that some types of memory are perfect. For example remembering actions, such as riding a bike is often unforgettable (Kowalski & Westen, 2005, p .194).
When looking at whether memory is an imperfect process some may begin by looking at children. Children have been found to have a less developed memory than adults meaning that they are able to recall events however they are more likely to ‘save’ it in a simpler form than what adults would perhaps do (Case, 1985; Chi, 1978; Fischer, 1980 cited by Pezdek & Banks, 1996, p.5). Researchers have also found that children’s memories appear to fade quicker than adults and therefore are more likely to be influenced by leading questions, for example if someone inferred an event occurred they would be more likely to agree that it did (Brainerd & Reyna, 1991; Flin, Boon, Knox & Bull, 1992 cited by Pezdek and Banks, 1996, p.5). However, in contrast to these beliefs, Kail (1990, cited by Pezdek and Banks, 1996, p.5) found that children’s memories are often more accurate than adults as they were less likely to be influenced by external sources, unlike adults, and therefore are less likely to be distorted by the world around them. Therefore, in many ways children’s memories are imperfect but, if asked about the event straight after it happened a child appears more likely to give a more accurate account as to what occurred than if an adult was asked.
A further reason of why memory is an imperfect process is due to people having “false memories” where plausible events are ‘remembered’ despite the fact that they did not (Conway, 1997, p.180). Conway found that if cues were given when asking about past events then false memories were more likely to occur. Magnussen and Helstrup (2007, p.174) found that children under five were more likely to agree that fabricated events had happened, and therefore having false memories, than those who were older. However, children supposedly have a less distorted memory then adults so perhaps, despite some memories being false, the true memories they have are supposedly more accurate (Kial, 1990, cited by Pezdek & Banks, 1996, p. 5).
Furthermore, people also have ‘schemas’ which allow information to be distorted to fit our expectations of what we believe would happen in an event. For example, when we think of a kitchen in someone’s house we would automatically, for instance say there was a fridge and freezer. However, we may not have specifically seen them our schema has just been built to assume what would be in a kitchen so we think we saw it when we may not have (Sammons, p.1). In some form it is a type of stereotyping about an event which often occurs in crime situations when asking for eye witness testimony leading to the evidence lacking reliability, as discussed below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Memory and Its Imperfections
What is the definition of memory according to the text?
Memory is defined as “the processes that are used to acquire, store, retain and later retrieve information” (Wagner, 2009).
What are the different types of memory mentioned?
The text mentions short-term memory (STM), also called working memory, and long-term memory (LTM).
How long does information typically stay in STM?
Information in STM is often only stored for between 20-30 seconds due to its limited capacity.
What happens to information in STM if it's not rehearsed?
Information is often displaced from STM unless it is rehearsed, which then leads to it being transferred into LTM.
What kind of information is stored in LTM?
LTM holds relevant information that may be needed in the future, such as dates, facts, and emotions.
Why is memory considered an imperfect process?
Memory is often considered imperfect because memories can be distorted, false memories can occur, and people can be suggestible to others' memories.
Are all types of memory considered imperfect?
No, some suggest that certain types of memory, like remembering actions such as riding a bike, are often unforgettable.
How does children's memory differ from adults' memory?
Children are found to have a less developed memory and tend to recall events in a simpler form. Their memories appear to fade quicker and are more likely to be influenced by leading questions. However, some research suggests that children's memories can be more accurate as they are less influenced by external sources.
What are false memories?
False memories are plausible events that are 'remembered' despite the fact that they did not occur.
What are schemas and how do they affect memory?
Schemas are frameworks that allow information to be distorted to fit our expectations of what we believe would happen in an event. This can lead to us remembering things that didn't actually happen.
How reliable is eyewitness testimony?
The text debates the reliability of eyewitness testimony, suggesting that memories can be influenced by cues, leading questions, and schemas. Witnesses may also change their stories over time and fill in gaps they can no longer remember. Eyewitness testimony is less reliable if given a long time after the crime.
What is decay theory and how does it relate to memory imperfection?
Decay theory suggests that over time, memories fade and are lost if not retrieved for a long period. This contributes to the imperfect nature of memory, as individuals may be convinced that the information they provide is true even if it is created by their schema.
- Quote paper
- Louise Grant (Author), 2009, Memory is an imperfect process, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/169107
