Fuzzy Trace and Spreading Activation Theories

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary factor contributing to false memory during retrieval?

The distinctiveness of the probe item

The global similarity to existing memories (correct)

The number of items rehearsed at study

The intensity of rehearsal at study

Which of the following statements is true regarding the endorsement of probe words?

Probe words with lower similarity will always be rejected.

Similarity to a single memory dictates the endorsement process.

Endorsement is based on the randomness of memory retrieval.

High similarity values lead to endorsement of probe words. (correct)

Why does increasing the number of similar items in memory lead to greater false memory?

It complicates the retrieval process.

It creates confusion about distinct items.

It raises the global similarity index. (correct)

It enhances the rehearsal of the items.

How does forewarning affect false memory generation?

It does not change the similarity between memories and cues. Signup and view all the answers

Which probe word is least likely to be endorsed based on similarity consideration?

Carpet Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'global similarity' in memory retrieval?

The overall compatibility of a probe with all existing memories. Signup and view all the answers

Regarding false memories, which statement is accurate?

False memories can arise without prior rehearsal. Signup and view all the answers

Which test item is likely to be accepted as having been studied due to high similarity?

Spider Signup and view all the answers

What does fuzzy trace theory suggest about the types of memory traces used during retrieval?

Both verbatim and gist memory traces are used. Signup and view all the answers

Why does increasing the number of associates potentially lead to more false memories?

Stronger extraction of gist traces occurs. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of activation monitoring theory, why is forewarning ineffective in reducing false memories?

Activation spreads through the network involuntarily. Signup and view all the answers

What results from the activation of associated memories according to activation monitoring theory?

An increase in false memories. Signup and view all the answers

How do critical lures become activated in the context of spreading activation models?

Via a process of spreading activation from associated words. Signup and view all the answers

What concept explains why both verbatim and gist traces can lead to different memories being recalled?

Fuzzy trace theory. Signup and view all the answers

How does the distance between words affect their activation within spreading activation models?

Words separated by a node have less activation. Signup and view all the answers

What main factor contributes to the construction of false memories during retrieval according to fuzzy trace theory?

The reliance on gist memory traces. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase was used by the experimental group in Loftus & Palmer's study that resulted in higher speed estimates?

How fast was the car going when it smashed the other car? Signup and view all the answers

In Lindsay's (1990) study, which condition led to less misinformation being reported?

Different narrator, misinformation two days later Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the post-identification feedback have on witnesses according to Wells and Bradfield (1998)?

It increased witnesses' confidence significantly. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of the 'lost in the mall' study by Loftus and Pickerell (1995)?

To create and test false memories of a shopping mall experience. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a finding from Wade et al.'s (2002) hot air balloon study?

Repeated interviews led to false memories in about 50% of participants. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about memories in terms of susceptibility to misinformation?

Some memories are immune to errors and not influenced by questions. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon was observed when participants were given misleading information immediately after viewing an event?

Participants were less likely to recall the event correctly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main implication of the misinformation effect in real-world scenarios?

It could alter the accuracy of information recalled by witnesses. Signup and view all the answers

What are flashbulb memories characterized by?

Highly confident and vivid recollections Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical limitation of Brown and Kulik's study on flashbulb memories?

They could not verify the accuracy of the reports Signup and view all the answers

What significant finding did Neisser and Harsch discover in their study on flashbulb memories?

Huge changes in the details of reports as time progressed Signup and view all the answers

According to Talarico and Rubin's findings, how does the accuracy of flashbulb memories compare to ordinary memories?

Accuracy is similar for both types of memories Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason proposed for why flashbulb memories may be inaccurate?

Embellishment of details occurs when retelling Signup and view all the answers

In the studies on flashbulb memories, what changes were noted in later recollections?

Increased incorporation of external sources Signup and view all the answers

What major events are often associated with flashbulb memories as examples?

The Challenger explosion and September 11 attacks Signup and view all the answers

What effect does emotional content have on flashbulb memories?

It preserves them better in memory Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant criticism of the claim that traumatic memories are often repressed?

Traumatic memories tend to be well remembered and over-remembered. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor may contribute to interference in memory recall?

Similar associations made between different memory lists. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ‘memory wars’ debate primarily focus on?

The validity of repressed and recovered memories. Signup and view all the answers

How do flashbulb memories differ from regular memories?

They involve strong emotional associations that may lead to distortion. Signup and view all the answers

What technique used by therapists can lead to the creation of false memories?

Utilizing leading questions during therapy sessions. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects Freud's theory about traumatic memories?

Traumatic memories can be repressed and cause anxiety without conscious awareness. Signup and view all the answers

Why might memories of trauma be intrusive for individuals with PTSD?

There is frequent recollection due to insufficient processing. Signup and view all the answers

When recalling an event, what can cue stronger recollections according to the context provided?

Frequent associations of similar memories over time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fuzzy Trace Theory

Explains how false memories form: During retrieval, both verbatim memory traces and gist memory traces are used to reconstruct memories.
This theory explains several phenomena:
- Forewarning: Forewarning does not reduce false memories because the gist is still a useful cue to reconstruct an event.
- Increased associates: Increasing the number of associates increases false memory because a stronger extraction of gist traces occurs.
- False memories not generated at study: False memories can still occur because the gist is used at retrieval, or because the critical lure gets activated through a process of spreading activation.

Spreading Activation Theory

This theory expands upon Fuzzy Trace Theory and posits that words we learn become activated, making them easier to retrieve later.
Activation spreads from associated words, which can also be considered memories.
This activation of associated memories can lead to false memory at retrieval.

Global Similarity Accounts

Suggests that retrieval is determined by the similarity to all memories.
When retrieving a memory, the similarity of the cue to all memories is calculated.
The probe word is endorsed if the similarity to all items in memory is high enough.

Global Similarity Accounts and False Memory

This theory explains several phenomena:
- Forewarning: Forewarning won't reduce false memory because it is an involuntary consequence of the similarity between memories and cues.
- Increased associates: More similar items in memory lead to greater global similarity, ultimately resulting in a greater chance of false memory.
- False memories not generated at study: Rehearsal is unnecessary for false memories to occur as the similarity between items is the deciding factor.

Misinformation Effect

Demonstrates how false memories can be created through misleading information.
The timing and context of the misinformation influences the likelihood of it impacting memory.
Misinformation presented long after the event is easier to disregard.

False Childhood Memories

Studies have demonstrated the creation of false memories for childhood events.
The "Lost in the Mall" study showed that many participants described a story in detail even though it may never have occurred.
The "Hot Air Balloon" study showed that participants were convinced that they had been in a hot air balloon as a child after being shown a doctored photo.

Misinformation Effect and Legal Proceedings

The misinformation effect has implications for police interviews and legal proceedings as repeated misleading questions can influence witness memories.
Post-identification feedback can influence a witness's confidence in their memory.

Flashbulb Memories

Flashbulb memories are highly confident and vivid recollections of major life events.
Brown and Kulik argued that these memories are preserved due to their high level of emotional content.

The Accuracy of Flashbulb Memories

Studies have shown that flashbulb memories are not necessarily more accurate than other types of memories.
Flashbulb memories are subject to reconstruction and are not perfect recordings.
The frequency and vividness of retelling an event can lead to inaccurate memory.

Memory Wars

The term refers to the debate about the existence and recoverability of repressed memories.
Sigmund Freud argued that traumatic memories could be repressed, and that trained clinicians could unlock these memories.
Beth Loftus and other researchers questioned the accuracy of recovered memories and argued that suggestive techniques could be used to create false memories.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of Fuzzy Trace Theory and Spreading Activation Theory in understanding false memories and memory retrieval. This quiz delves into how memorable cues influence our recollection and the formation of false memories. Test your knowledge on these cognitive concepts and their implications.