Episodic Memory

Reliability of Memory All autobiographical memories

more than two years old may contain inaccurate information. Emotional events are unlikely to be

forgotten. Nevertheless, they are susceptible to post-event information.

Memories of early childhood may be entirely the result of post event information.

Techniques for recovering memories Repeated interrogation Extended psychoanalysis Regression therapy Hypnosis Sodium amytal

Recovered Memories are often of

Childhood sexual abuse. Past lives. Abduction by aliens.

“Recovered” memories are suspect because Many cannot be true

Imaginary injuries (no scar) Imaginary events

Murders, tunnels, etc. Fantastic events

Flying, satanic visits, alien encounters, past lives

But are nonetheless deeply believed by the individual

Conclusion One cannot know the extent to

which a recovered memory is true or false (a confabulation).