Does memory change over time so that your experience taits the truth? Is it possible to really remember the facts of any event that happened in the past?
2007-11-30 20:37:33 · 8 answers · asked by *dream weaver* 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I read somewhere that what we remember is our interpretation of what happened. This is because we can't look at events in a way that's detached from our feelings and senses. So, going by that definition, what we remember could actually be far from what really happened.
Also, have you ever gone back and read your journals from a couple of years ago? If you do, you'll see that there are many things that you don't remember happening because memory also gets selective over time. We tend to remember mostly things that affected us emotionally in a positive way, or traumatic experiences.
2007-11-30 20:51:33 · answer #1 · answered by No se 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, memories change over time. And yes, live experiences can change the "facts" of memories. But much depends on the individual.
I have recently started writing the story of my life (as a gift for my kids rather than for publication) and I'm absolutely amazed at the things I can remember. I find that I'm pretty good with visual images (although how can you confirm something from 25-30 years ago). However, there are some things that I know my memory is constructed around things I've been told about an event rather than an actual memory.
There are other things that have a different meaning then they did at the time because I know more now - for example, I remember a time when I was about 8-9 and I said "I have a side burn" when I had a muscle cramp or heartburn. Someone told me I was too young to have sideburns so I assumed it must have something to do with sex. Obviously I know better now.
2007-11-30 20:47:46 · answer #2 · answered by Justin H 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No your memory is not 100% accurate. People tend to mix up similar memories often, and also you can flat out incorrectly recall a memory if it has been a while since you last thought about it. It is possible, usually things that are embedded in your long term memory you can remember accurately (ex: knowing material for a test) but something like remembering someones name you only met once might be more of a challenge.
2007-11-30 20:43:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not always. If in the past you were 1-4 years, you couldn't remember anything except the most horible things. If 2, or 4 years ago, maybe you only remember the happy and sad events.
2007-11-30 20:44:12 · answer #4 · answered by Rosa 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I plead the fifth. I remember the events of the past as well as anyone stoned out of their skull can.
2007-11-30 20:41:45 · answer #5 · answered by kuntryguyy 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
How would i know if my memory changed?
2007-11-30 20:41:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
no not 100% right but 93%..
2007-11-30 20:41:55 · answer #7 · answered by shonzzzz 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
no
2007-11-30 20:56:12 · answer #8 · answered by Rana 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋