Demonstrate at least five of the "seven sins of memory" by explaining each sin and providing a clear example.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

(1) Transience: This refers to the general deterioration of a specific memory over time. It is caused by interference. An example would be trying to recall the first doctor you saw as a child. (2) Absent-Mindedness: This involves problems at the point where attention and memory are supposed to work together. An example is misplacing your wallet or keys. (3) Blocking: This is when the brain tries to encode a new memory or recall an old memory and other memories get in the way. An example would be the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon, where you know you have the answer but just can't quite retrieve it. (4) Misattribution: This is when there is a correct recollection of a memory but the source of the information is incorrect. Eyewitnesses may recall a memory correctly but misattribute the crime to the wrong person. (5) Suggestibility: This is the acceptance of something you hear that is false. For instance, a witness may observe a woman running from a crime, but the TV reports the person observed was a man. If the witness accepts that it was a man who was running from the scene, they have been the victim of suggestion. (6) Bias: This occurs when current feelings or beliefs distort the remembrance of an event. For instance, someone who suffers from depression may recall their experiences in school as miserable and sad. (7) Persistence: This is the recall of information that is disturbing. For instance, a child witnesses her father pass away in front of her, and she continues to recall that memory, even though it is traumatizing.