Clipping Board » Research Report ─ The latest medical research reports and related news.
Update Date: 2010/08/02 [Taiwan Awakening News Reporter Chuang Ruimeng Comprehensive Report]
Some of our cherished childhood memories might be false! According to a study conducted in the UK, most people's recollections of their childhood are largely fabricated or imaginary.
Researchers from the University of Hull surveyed 1,600 students and found that one-fifth of the respondents admitted that what they believed to be memories from ages 4 to 8 were actually "fictional." Many realized this only after being corrected by parents or siblings, while others remained convinced of events that could never have happened—such as seeing the real Santa Claus or coming face-to-face with a dinosaur.
Researcher Mazzoni explained, "The memories stored in our minds help shape our self-identity and guide our behavior. However, this study shows that what we believe to be true may not necessarily be factual." He also noted that these self-generated "autobiographical memories" could persist indefinitely if not challenged by external evidence.
A previous study by the University of Washington demonstrated how false memories can be implanted. Scientists manipulated participants into believing a cartoon character had appeared at a specific location. Days later, one-third of the participants confidently claimed to have seen the character there, proving that false memories can be convincingly created.
The findings were published in the latest issue of *Psychological Science*.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……rl/ d/ a/ 100802/ 115/ 2abox. html
Study: Many Childhood Memories are Fabricated
Some of our cherished childhood memories might be false! According to a study conducted in the UK, most people's recollections of their childhood are largely fabricated or imaginary.
Researchers from the University of Hull surveyed 1,600 students and found that one-fifth of the respondents admitted that what they believed to be memories from ages 4 to 8 were actually "fictional." Many realized this only after being corrected by parents or siblings, while others remained convinced of events that could never have happened—such as seeing the real Santa Claus or coming face-to-face with a dinosaur.
Researcher Mazzoni explained, "The memories stored in our minds help shape our self-identity and guide our behavior. However, this study shows that what we believe to be true may not necessarily be factual." He also noted that these self-generated "autobiographical memories" could persist indefinitely if not challenged by external evidence.
A previous study by the University of Washington demonstrated how false memories can be implanted. Scientists manipulated participants into believing a cartoon character had appeared at a specific location. Days later, one-third of the participants confidently claimed to have seen the character there, proving that false memories can be convincingly created.
The findings were published in the latest issue of *Psychological Science*.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……rl/ d/ a/ 100802/ 115/ 2abox. html