False Memories

Of all the interesting things we have learned this year in Psychology 1001, the topic I believe I will remember for next five years is the implanting of false memories. I thought that all the different ways false memories originate were very compelling. I found the method of planting memories was the most interesting of all the different methods. It was fascinating to me how a person's memory can be completely altered by hearing something that a person has told them or seeing something that a person has shown them. The experiment done where individuals were asked to share their experience at Disney World after being shown an add that featured Bugs Bunny, a Warner Brothers character, was very fascinating to me. After seeing the add, many shared that they had a great experience at Disney World and included that their great experience included meeting Bugs Bunny. After being asked about their experience, the individuals were asked what other characters they would associate Bugs Bunny with and many said Mickey Mouse, who is a Disney character. It was surprising to me that people would so quickly believe that they had met Bugs Bunny at Disney World after viewing the add, being that Bugs Bunny being at Disney World would be highly unlikely, probably impossible. It shows how easily people's memories can be altered and changed simply by the influence of hearing or seeing something that is not a part of their original memory.