Misattribution of memory
We tend to wrongly identify the source of a memory at point of recall. This has 3 categories...
- Cryptomnesia: We can think that the idea we have was our original idea. Also known as 'inadvertent plagiarism'.
- False memory: We can "remember" things that have never happened. This can be formed after the event when hearing wrong reports about the event.
- Source confusion: We can place some input we got near the event into the event memory. Eg. There are cases where someone was watching a show on tv before they were attacked. They remember the person in the show to be their attacker.
Cause
- Leading Questions
- Children below 12 years are more susceptible to false memories.
- Suggestibility